Trusts & Estates

Will written on tablet computer because no paper was at hand is valid, judge rules

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An Ohio judge has ruled that a will written on a Samsung Galaxy tablet computer, because no paper was available, is valid.

Under state law, explained Lorain County Probate Judge James Walther, the instrument must be a written document that was signed and witnessed, which the will of Javier Castro was, reports the Chronicle-Telegram (reg. req.).

Theoretically, a will could be carved in stone with a hammer and chisel and also would be valid, the judge noted. However, he would like to see the state legislature develop a law to address what is required of wills written on electronic devices.

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