Which statement describes the 'Publish' step in executing a will?

Which statement describes the 'Publish' step in executing a will?

• A. Publish, tell attesting witnesses 'this is my will'
• B. Sign the will in the presence of witnesses
• C. File the will with the clerk
• D. Have the witnesses sign after the testator

Answer: (A)

Publishing a will is the moment when the testator makes clear to the witnesses that this document is indeed their will and asks the witnesses to witness the proceedings. It’s about communicating testamentary intent to the attesting witnesses so they understand their role in validating the will. That’s why describing the step as telling the witnesses “this is my will” best captures what publication entails. The act of signing in the presence of witnesses is part of the execution process, which may occur after publication or as part of it, but publication itself focuses on informing the witnesses of the will's status. Filing the will with the clerk is a probate step that happens later, not during the publication of the will. Having the witnesses sign after the testator describes the witnessing act rather than the moment of publication.

Publishing a will is the moment when the testator makes clear to the witnesses that this document is indeed their will and asks the witnesses to witness the proceedings. It’s about communicating testamentary intent to the attesting witnesses so they understand their role in validating the will. That’s why describing the step as telling the witnesses “this is my will” best captures what publication entails.

The act of signing in the presence of witnesses is part of the execution process, which may occur after publication or as part of it, but publication itself focuses on informing the witnesses of the will's status. Filing the will with the clerk is a probate step that happens later, not during the publication of the will. Having the witnesses sign after the testator describes the witnessing act rather than the moment of publication.