What document is necessary for a will to be recognized, according to traditional methods?

A will must be in a written form to be legally recognized, following traditional methods of execution. This is crucial as a written document provides clear evidence of the testator's intentions and allows for proper legal formalities to be followed. The written document must also usually be signed by the testator and witnessed, depending on the jurisdiction's specific laws regarding wills.

Verbal agreements, while they may express someone's wishes, lack the formal structure required to be legally binding and are often subject to misunderstandings and disputes. A notarized agreement adds an extra layer of validation but isn't strictly necessary for will validity in many jurisdictions, as long as the basic legal requirements for a written will are met. Family discussions may reveal a person's intentions regarding their estate but do not carry any legal weight as a will, making them insufficient on their own to fulfill legal requirements.