What defines a "valid will" under Louisiana law?

A valid will under Louisiana law is defined as one that is in writing, signed by the testator, and executed in accordance with specific legal formalities. This means that the testator, the person making the will, must demonstrate clear intent and capacity to create the will. The will must be in written form to avoid ambiguity and to provide a reliable record of the testator's intentions.

Additionally, Louisiana law stipulates specific requirements for witnessing and execution that must be followed. While oral wills, or "verbal" wills, may have limited recognition under certain circumstances, they do not represent the typical form required for valid wills. Similarly, not all valid wills need to be notarized or require three witnesses; certain forms of wills, like those executed by a notary with a witness, may have their own specific requirements.

Filing a will with the court does not impact its validity, as a will can still be valid even if it is not filed until after the testator's death. Therefore, the emphasis is on the proper form, signature, and adherence to execution procedures to ensure that the testator's desires are honored and legally binding.