A will is typically written by the person making the will (the testator) and signed by two witnesses in the presence of the testator and a notary public. The notary public’s role is to witness the signing of the will by the testator and the witnesses and to certify that the will was signed voluntarily and in compliance with the legal requirements.
Once the will has been signed and notarized, the testator and each witness should keep a copy of the will. It is not necessary to file the will with the court or any other government agency, although some people choose to do so for safekeeping. Instead, the original signed and notarized will should be kept in a safe place where it can be easily located after the testator’s death.
It’s important to note that the laws regarding the creation and execution of a will vary by jurisdiction, so it’s best to consult with a qualified attorney for guidance on how to create and execute a will that is legally valid in your state.