What is the minimum age required to create a legally binding document designating wishes of disposition upon death?

In Connecticut, the minimum age required to create a legally binding document that designates one’s wishes for disposition upon death is 18 years. This is because individuals must reach the age of majority, which is 18 in most jurisdictions, to be considered capable of entering into contracts and making decisions about their personal affairs, including posthumous arrangements. At this age, a person is legally recognized as an adult, giving them the autonomy to make informed decisions regarding their body and how they wish it to be handled after death.

This legal framework ensures that individuals have the maturity and understanding necessary to make such significant choices. Consequently, any documentation created by someone younger than 18 may not be regarded as valid or enforceable in a court of law, which is critical for ensuring that a person’s final wishes are respected and carried out.