Making a will is the only way to ensure your assets are distributed exactly as you wish after your death. Without a will, the estate is divided according to the rules of “intestate succession” set out in the Inheritance Law — rules that do not always match your family reality or personal preferences. Israeli inheritance law recognises four main methods of making a will in 2026. In this article we explain the conditions for validity under each method.
Why Make a Will?
The primary advantage of a will is control. It prevents future family disputes and establishes a clear order of priorities:
- Designating specific beneficiaries: leaving assets to people who are not statutory heirs (friends, charities, or common-law partners).
- Distribution conditions: creating mechanisms for asset distribution (for example, inheriting an apartment only upon reaching a certain age).
- Avoiding the “default”: the Inheritance Law attempts to estimate blood proximity, but a will always overrides it and expresses your explicit wishes.
The Four Legal Methods of Making a Will
The law defines a closed list of ways to make a valid will. Meeting the formal requirements of each method is critical to avoid invalidation in court.
1. Handwritten Will
This is the simplest and cheapest method, but also the most vulnerable to challenge. For it to be valid:
- It must be written entirely in the testator’s own handwriting (not typed or printed).
- It must bear a date and the testator’s handwritten signature. Our firm’s warning: such a will is exposed to claims of forgery or lack of capacity, and we therefore recommend depositing it with the Registrar of Inheritances.
2. Will with Witnesses
The most common method. The will is drawn up in writing (usually printed) and signed in the presence of at least two witnesses.
- Witnesses: must be over 18 and legally competent.
- The prohibition: a beneficiary under the will (or their spouse) may not serve as a witness. Their involvement may void their share of the estate.
3. Will Before an Authority
A will submitted to or made before an official body — the Registrar of Inheritances, a religious court judge, a civil court judge, or a notary. The testator declares their wishes before the authority, which confirms that the will was read out to them and that they understood its contents. Legal guidance through this process saves considerable time and gives the will the highest degree of legal immunity.
4. Oral Will (“Deathbed Declaration”)
This method is reserved for extreme cases only: a person who is about to die or who perceives themselves as facing imminent death. They must state their wishes before two witnesses who understand their language. The witnesses are required to draw up a “memorandum” and deposit it with the Registrar of Inheritances as soon as possible. This will is automatically revoked if the testator survives one month after the mortal danger has passed.
Preserving the Testator’s Wishes and Overcoming Defects
The principle of “the testator’s wishes” is the backbone of inheritance law. However, formal defects (such as a date error or missing signature) can complicate the realisation of the will. In such cases we deploy our expertise to persuade the court of the testator’s true intentions and to overcome the technical shortcomings.
Why Choose the Estates Department of Vaknin Yariv Law Office?
Making a will is an act of responsibility toward those you hold dear. The family and property department is headed by Adv. Shlomit Asraf Schneider, who brings rich experience in drafting complex wills that prevent disputes from the outset.
The firm was founded by Adv. Yariv Vaknin, who leads the legal strategy for protecting client assets in Israel and abroad. We represent you with professionalism and discretion from our offices in Afula, Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), New York, and Tbilisi.
Please note: The content on this website is provided for informational purposes only and constitutes general information. It does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for binding legal counsel.
Want to ensure your will is legally sound and challenge-proof? Leave your details on the website or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824 We are here to help you protect your legacy.
