How many witnesses are typically required to execute a will?

The requirement for the number of witnesses to execute a will varies by jurisdiction, but in many places, two witnesses are necessary for a will to be considered valid. This requirement stems from the need to ensure that the testator's intentions are clear and that there is an impartial verification of the signing process. Having two witnesses helps to prevent fraud and undue influence, as they can attest to the authenticity of the testator's signature and capacity at the time of the signing.

In common law jurisdictions, the rule of requiring witnesses is founded on the principle that having multiple witnesses provides a greater assurance that the will reflects the genuine intent of the testator and can serve as corroborating evidence in case the will is contested in court. Additionally, witnesses must typically not be beneficiaries under the will to avoid any conflicts of interest, further supporting the credibility and integrity of the will's execution process.

While some jurisdictions may allow for a will to be validly executed with fewer witnesses (or even none, under certain conditions like holographic wills), the standard expectation is that two witnesses must be present at the signing. Therefore, choosing two as the required number is aligned with prevailing practices in many legal systems regarding the execution of wills.