Nuncupative wills—also known as oral wills or verbal wills—are only recognized in about twenty states—and only in limited circumstances in those states. In states that do recognize nuncupative wills, the testator (person making the will) usually must be “in their last sickness” (on their deathbed) or “in imminent peril of death.” A few sates permit nuncupative wills made by military personnel on active duty or in war or armed conflict and by a mariner while at sea.

There usually must be two or three witnesses present who hear the testator speak the words demonstrating a testamentary intent to dispose of the testator’s property at the testator’s death. In some states these witnesses are required to transcribe (write down) the testator’s testamentary wishes (will) within a certain period.

States that recognize nuncupative wills usually limit the amount of property that can be conveyed and limit the property to personal property (not real property or real estate). Laws regarding nuncupative wills are usually located in a state’s statutes—often in the estates and trusts code or probate code.

In Alaska, nuncupative wills, also known as oral or verbal wills, are not recognized. Alaska law requires that wills be in writing and comply with specific formalities to be valid. According to Alaska Statutes Section 13.12.502, a will must be in writing, signed by the testator or by another person in the testator's presence and at the testator's direction, and signed by at least two individuals, each of whom witnessed either the signing of the will or the testator's acknowledgment of that signature or of the will itself. There are no provisions in Alaska law that allow for the recognition of nuncupative wills, even under circumstances of last sickness or imminent peril of death. Therefore, individuals in Alaska must ensure that their wills are properly written and executed according to state law to be considered valid.