Attestation

Attestation refers to the act of witnessing the signing or execution of a legal document, such as a Last Will and Testament.

When someone creates or modifies a will, they often need to sign the document in the presence of witnesses who can “attest” to the fact that the person signed it willingly and was "of sound mind" at the time.

The witnesses who attest to the document's signing are typically required to sign the document themselves as well.

Their signatures serve as evidence that they were present when the document was signed and that the necessary legal formalities were followed.

The role of witnesses and the specific requirements for attestation can vary by state, and there might be rules about who can and cannot serve as a witness; for example, Beneficiaries may be disqualified from acting as witnesses due to conflicts of interest.

Attestation rules are in place to ensure the authenticity and validity of any document, especially in cases where there might be disputes or challenges to a will during the legal Probate process.

In these cases it's best to consult with an Estate Attorney or Probate Attorney to fully understand how it may affect the process of Administering an Estate.