Have you considered how your choice of witnesses
for estate planning documents impacts
their validity and your legacy?
Hi, everybody. I'm Elsa W. Smith,
your Maryland estate planning and probate attorney.
Here to empower women through estate planning.
In Maryland, choosing the right witnesses
for documents like wills and trusts is crucial.
We need “disinterested witnesses”,
but what exactly does that mean,
and why is it so important?
A disinterested witness is someone with no
personal stake in the estate's distribution.
They aren't beneficiaries or heirs and don't
stand to gain anything from the documents.
Their role is to provide impartial verification,
ensuring that the documents are executed legally
and reflect your true intentions
without any conflicts of interest.
Maryland law requires disinterested witnesses
to maintain fairness and integrity in estate planning.
If witnesses have a financial interest,
their presence could lead to perceptions of bias
and potential legal disputes.
Disinterested witnesses help prevent undue influence
and ensure the documents reflect your genuine wishes.
Under Maryland law, a will must be signed by
at least two witnesses who see the testator sign it.
If a witness has a financial stake,
their involvement could cast
doubt on the will's authenticity.
Disinterested witnesses provide
unbiased accounts of the signing process,
promoting transparency, and protecting
the integrity of your estate plan.
If a will is challenged, and a witness
is found to have a personal interest,
the entire document could be questioned,
leading to lengthy legal battles and delays.
So remember, disinterested witnesses are essential
for effective estate planning in Maryland.
Their neutrality ensures your documents
are executed fairly and without bias.
At the law offices of Elsa W. Smith,
we understand the importance of disinterested
witnesses in safeguarding your estate plan.
Let us help you ensure every detail
is handled with precision and care.
I invite you to schedule a complimentary
15-minute call with a member of our team.
The link will be below in the comments.
Thanks for watching,
and I will see you in my next video.
Take care.



If you have any questions related to estate planning, don’t hesitate to message us directly or leave a comment below. 🔽

You can also reach us at 410-995-7719
@elsawsmithlaw
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