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How to Write a Will in Israel and Avoid Errors

Michael Decker
Michael Decker

How to Write a Will in Israel and Avoid Errors

This article addresses how to write a will in Israel as well as how to avoid errors when writing a will.  If you have questions about when one should write a will, see our article addressing situations in which it is advisable to write a will.

This Series of Posts

how to write a will in Israel

Our law office specializes in a variety of fields, including inheritance law in Israel.  This article on how to write a will in Israel is one in a series addressing different aspects of Israel inheritance law, based on the instructions on the Ministry of Justice website under the Registrar of Inheritance Affairs. To read more, see our articles on inheritance issues.  

How to Write a Will in Israel – Things to Keep in Mind

Below we include a list of things to remember when writing a will:

  • When writing a will by hand, the entire will must be in the testator’s handwriting.
  • The top of the will must have the title “Will” along with the date on which it is written.
  • The testator’s information must be included: name, address, and ID number.
  • The heirs’ information: name, address, and any other information that might help with identifying the heirs.
  • A clear articulation of how property should be divided, avoiding negative language.  It is advisable to clearly describe which assets should be given to whom and how they are to be divided.
  • Any relevant information that will indicate that the testator has the proper health and constitution to make the will.
  • The will must also include the testator’s signature in the testator’s handwriting.

Potential Errors When Writing a Will

There are a number of common errors that can be made in wills that can be avoided. Making an error in a will can result in a decision that the will is not valid. Below we include a list the Ministry of Justice discusses regarding various issues and problems with wills.

  • When writing a will by hand, it cannot be typed and then have a handwritten signature added to it. The entire will must be in the testator’s handwriting.
  • A will may not be written in the presence of heirs.  Additionally, heirs may not take any part in preparing the will.
  • A will may be changed in the future, even if the testator writes that the will may not be changed.  The testator may write many wills, and the last will written is the one that is considered valid.
  • In the event that a testator is elderly or sick, an expert medical opinion should be attached to the will to indicate that the testator is capable of making a will.  Doing so will avoid potential problems in the future as the testator’s ability to make a will can come into question.  
  • The testator may not make unreasonable conditions.  For example, it is considered an unreasonable condition to require that an heir will only receive the inheritance if they move to a particular location.  For more on unreasonable conditions, consult an Israel inheritance lawyer.
  • In the event that an heir is a minor, it is recommended that the testator indicate who will be responsible for the estate until the minors are adults.
  • Minors are not permitted to write wills.  Wills are only considered valid if the testator is over the age of 18.

Contact Us

If you have questions about how to write a will in Israel or how to avoid errors when writing a will, please contact us.

Advocate Michael Decker specializes in Israel inheritance law and would be happy to discuss this issue with you.

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