Tablet Will Deemed Valid

Lorain County Probate Judge JamesWalther recently determined a will written on a tablet met the legal definitionof a will in Ohio.

Javier Castro needed a bloodtransfusion to survive an illness, but refused due to his religiousbeliefs.  After discussing the issue withhis two brothers, and being unable to find a pen and paper, Castro had his willwritten and signed on a Samsung Galaxy tablet.

Ohio describes a will as awritten document that is signed and witnessed, and Walther believed Castro’selectronic will met this description. Walther also notes that the state legislature should consider addressing electronic wills,as there is currently sparse Ohio law concerning the matter.

See Brad Dicken, Judge Rules That a Will Written and Signedon Tablet is Legal, The Chronicle-Telegram, June 25, 2013.