Discussion Do handwritten suicide notes have any legal standing? (in terms of being a will)

[Fennec123]

I have a will back in my home country, but it's now woefully out of date (it mentions a property i no longer own etc). But in the country where I emigrated to 5 years ago, I have no will at all (I'm still not a citizen of this new country either).

If i leave a note saying something like "please distribute my belongings to XYZ" does that have any worth? Or will it simply be dismissed?

I guess i'm not too bothered, just curious really

 

[Meteora]

No I don't think so. No legal standing. They can follow your wish or ignore it.

P.S. guess it might vary from country to country, though

 

[Praestat_Mori]

You should ask a lawyer / notary in your country. And without telling us where live (ofc you don't have to!) it's impossible to give an accurate answer to your question. It seems that also international inheritance law is applicable here.

 

[UKscotty]

If you have any serious money, I'd see a lawyer and do it right.

A suicide note is very unlikely to pass a test of being written in sound mind. I suspect they are completely ignored for giving out last wishes.

 

[rozeske]

Hand written suicide notes could give your loved ones a guidance on what you wanted but I highly doubt it will have any legal ground. This of course could depend on where you are.