Estate PlanningNorth Carolina

North Carolina Last Will and Testament

A last will and testament lets you name an executor, a guardian for minor children, and the people who inherit your estate. In North Carolina, a will generally must be signed by the testator and two witnesses; notarization is not required for the will to be valid (N.C. Gen. Stat. 31-3.3). North Carolina also recognizes self-proving affidavits (N.C. Gen. Stat. 31-11.6), which let the will enter probate without tracking down the witnesses.

This template walks you through your executor, your beneficiaries, and any specific gifts, then produces a North Carolina will ready to print and sign following the requirements below, in Word and PDF.

Create your North Carolina last will and testament Read the full Last Will and Testament guide

North Carolina will signing requirements

North Carolina last will and testament requirements at a glance
Witnesses	Two witnesses
Notarization	Not required for the will to be valid; a notary comes in only for the optional self-proving affidavit
Self-proving affidavit	Recognized (N.C. Gen. Stat. 31-11.6)
Holographic (handwritten) wills	Recognized (N.C. Gen. Stat. 31-3.4)
Statute	N.C. Gen. Stat. 31-3.3

The will must be entirely in the testator's handwriting and found among the testator's valuable papers or in appropriate safekeeping.

Verify before you rely on it

Wills statutes change, and probate courts apply them strictly. Confirm the current North Carolina requirement in the statute cited above (or with your state's self-help resources) before signing your will.

How this template works in North Carolina

Answer guided questions about your executor, guardians for minor children, and beneficiaries, and the will writes itself in front of you. Then print it and sign it with your witnesses following the North Carolina requirements above; a will has no effect until it is properly signed.

The form, the live preview, and the full guide live on the main Last Will and Testament page.

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North Carolina will signing requirements

How this template works in North Carolina

Last Will and Testament in other states