What is required for a will to refer to a separate written list of tangible personal property?

For a will to refer to a separate written list of tangible personal property, it is necessary that the list be specifically identified and signed by the testator. This requirement ensures that the intentions of the testator regarding the distribution of personal items are clear and legally binding. By identifying the items on the list and signing it, the testator indicates that they affirmatively wish for these items to be distributed according to the directions provided in the will.

The law recognizes that a testator may not wish to specify every individual item in the body of the will itself, allowing them the flexibility to maintain a separate list. This separate list can often be easier to update or amend over time compared to a formal Will. The signature of the testator reinforces the authenticity of the document, thus preventing disputes about whether the items were indeed intended to be included as part of the will's distribution scheme.

Other methods, such as witnessing or verbalizing intentions, do not fulfill the legal requirements necessary for the effective incorporation of a separate list into a will. A list that is not formally identified and signed may lead to ambiguity and potential conflicts among beneficiaries, detracting from the clarity that the testator sought to establish. Consequently, having the list be specifically identified and signed is a