Is a Voicemail Will Valid?

I took a call today from a woman whose mother had recently passed away. She wanted to know how to get her uncle confirmed as the executor of her mother's Will. I told her she needed to send me a copy of the Will so I could review it.

She proceeded to tell me that her mother left a voicemail Will. She said her mother left a rather lengthy voicemail indicating who she was leaving her assets to, and she said her mother also - on the voicemail - designated her mother's brother as executor of her "Will."

I chuckled for a moment and then explained that in Louisiana - and in all other states - a voicemail message does not meet the necessary form requirements of a valid last will and testament. I then explained how someone would need to be appointed as Administrator since her mother died intestate. Once appointed, the Administrator can sell the house and the investments and distrbute the cash to the heirs in accordance with Louisiana Succession Law.

If you have a question about a Louisiana Will, send me an e-mail at paul@rabalaislaw.com. Make sure you put "Will Question," in the subject matter of the e-mail and I'll make sure I respond. Until next time...

Paul Rabalais

Comments

[San Antonio Lawyer]

This is a good case example of a will.

[San Antonio Lawyer]

This is a good case example of a will.