What is the minimum age requirement to create a valid will in most jurisdictions?

In most jurisdictions, the minimum age requirement to create a valid will is 18 years old. This age threshold is based on the legal understanding of capacity, where individuals are considered of legal age to make binding decisions, including the disposition of their property after death. At 18, individuals are typically recognized as adults with the mental competence needed to understand the nature and consequences of their actions in drafting a will.

Younger individuals, such as those aged 16 or 21, may not possess the same rights to create a will, as the law usually set the age at 18 to protect those who may not fully comprehend the implications of their decisions. In some jurisdictions, there may be limited exceptions for minors who can create a will if they are married or in military service, but these exceptions are not universal. Thus, the legal standard is predominantly set at 18 years old as the threshold for valid testamentary capacity.