When does a will become valid and enforceable?

A will becomes valid and enforceable at the time of the testator's signing, assuming that all formalities required by law have been met at that moment. In Florida, this generally means that the will must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two individuals who are present at the same time. Only after these criteria have been satisfied does the will hold legal weight, as it reflects the intentions of the testator regarding the distribution of their estate upon their death.

Once the testator has signed the will and it has been properly witnessed, it does not require filing with a court or notification of beneficiaries to be valid. Filing is a procedural step for the will to enter probate after the testator's death, but it does not affect the validity of the will itself. Similarly, the enforceability of the will is not dependent on beneficiary notification; the critical factor is the proper execution of the document while the testator is alive.