French handwritten will: identify the form questions
The French Civil Code requires a handwritten will to be entirely written, dated and signed by the testator’s hand. Those form requirements do not resolve every question about a will, including its content and the succession circumstances. This checklist identifies what is visible, missing or needs a notary’s assessment. It does not certify validity, calculate inheritance shares or write testamentary wishes on your behalf.
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What is a French handwritten will?
It is a form of will whose handwriting, date and signature requirements are set out in Article970. Source T1Source T2
Must the whole text be handwritten?
Article970 requires it to be entirely written by the testator’s hand. The checklist does not authenticate handwriting. Source T2
Which form observations should I bring to the notary?
Report only what you can observe. The checklist does not recognize handwriting, authenticate a signature or assess the wishes expressed.
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Your preparation
Observations to have examined
- Visible and understandable date : Cannot determine.
- Keep the original and ask the notary about deposit and register arrangements.
- The checklist does not certify validity, even when all features are reported present.
How should I check whether a date is present?
Locate the visible date and flag ambiguity. An apparent omission or dating difficulty needs assessment, not an automatic verdict. Source T1Source T2
What can we observe about the signature?
A signature is required; the tool can only record its reported presence or uncertainty, without authenticating its author. Source T2
Can two people make one will together?
The Civil Code prohibits a will in the same instrument by two or more people. Have a joint document assessed. Source T2
| Point | What you can record | What needs examination |
|---|---|---|
| Handwriting | Text reported as handwritten | Author and authenticity |
| Date | Visible or ambiguous date | Effect of a dating issue |
| Signature | Reported presence or apparent absence | Authenticity and effect |
| Content | Questions recorded separately | Inheritance effects and personal circumstances |
| Safekeeping | Original’s location | Notarial arrangements and register entry |
What happens in the other cases?
- Observed features
- Article 970 requires the text to be entirely written, dated and signed in the testator’s hand. Reporting these features does not certify validity.
- Several people in one instrument
- Article 968 prohibits a will made in the same instrument by two or more people. Have joint drafting examined.
- Original and safekeeping
- Locate the original and prepare questions about notarial safekeeping and the register of last wills.
Does form alone establish validity?
No. Circumstances and content raise other questions. This page remains focused on observations and points for assessment. Source T1
How should I prepare questions about storage?
The official guide describes notary storage and the register of last-will dispositions. Confirm current arrangements with the notary. Source T1
What can I organize before seeking advice?
List form, date, signature, availability of the original and contextual questions without producing a ready-to-sign will here.