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Handwritten Will in Vietnam: Required Contents Under Article 631 of the 2015 Civil Code

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Valid handwritten will template in Vietnam

Many people search for a “will template” to make their own, but one thing must be clear: the State does not issue a standard will form. A lawful handwritten will is one handwritten and signed by the testator under Article 633 of the 2015 Civil Code. Although there is no fixed template, the will must still contain all the principal contents prescribed by law to be valid.

Principal contents under Article 631 of the 2015 Civil Code

Under Article 631 of the 2015 Civil Code, a will includes the following principal contents:

  • The date of making the will;
  • The full name and place of residence of the testator;
  • The full names of the heirs;
  • The estate left behind and where the estate is located.

A common practical mistake: Clause 2 of Article 631 prohibits abbreviations or symbols in a will. Abbreviating names of persons or assets in a will is a frequent error that puts the will at risk of disputes over its validity.

Conditions for a valid will (Article 630 of the 2015 Civil Code)

Under Article 630 of the 2015 Civil Code, a will is valid when:

  • The testator is of sound mind when making the will and is not deceived, threatened or coerced;
  • The contents of the will do not violate prohibitions of law or social ethics.

Practical notes for handwriting a will

  • Write every word fully and clearly — no abbreviations, no personal symbols.
  • Describe the estate specifically and accurately (type of asset, identifying features, location) to avoid disputes at distribution.
  • If the will runs to several pages, number the pages and sign each one to preserve integrity.

The limit on wills: Article 644 of the 2015 Civil Code

Even with a valid will, Article 644 of the 2015 Civil Code still protects certain heirs: heirs who do not depend on the contents of the will are still entitled to a share equal to two-thirds of the share of a statutory heir. Do not try to circumvent this rule when making a will.

Need advice on making a lawful will? Contact FLAT Law Firm for support.

The information above is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice. This content was drafted by AI and reviewed by the QA council of FLAT Law Firm.