Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a will to be valid?

The statement that a will must be created in the presence of a judge is not a requirement for a will to be valid. In general, the essential elements for a will to be considered valid include that it is in writing, signed by the testator, and usually witnessed by individuals who are not beneficiaries of the will.

The requirement for witnesses, who must sign the will attesting to the testator's signature, helps to ensure that the will is executed properly and that the testator understood the document they were signing. Similarly, having the will in writing provides a clear record of the testator's intentions. The signing by the testator is fundamental because it indicates their approval of the contents of the will as their final wishes.

A will does not need the presence of a judge during its creation. While a judge may be involved in probate proceedings after the testator's death, the actual drafting and signing of the will can be done independently by the testator and witnesses. Therefore, the requirement of a judge is not necessary for a valid will.