Furthermore, it lessens complications when witnesses are unavailable to validate your will. As a result, it prevents a costly, drawn-out probate process since the will is considered authentic and no longer needs to be proven in court. Then, two witnesses sign the said short document before a notary public, who will attest to their signatures’ veracity and signatories’ sound minds.Ī self-proving affidavit bolsters the will’s validity during the signing, making it more difficult for others to contest the will. So what does it mean to notarize a will? It involves adding a self-proving affidavit, which requires notarization, to the last page of the will. But if you want to ease the probate process for your inheritors, notarization of a will is a wise option. Notarizing a will is not necessary for it to be valid as long as it is well-written, signed, and adequately witnessed according to your state’s laws. There are many reasons to have a will however, it is not the only document that can resolve every issue after you pass away. Disinherits family members or relatives who may otherwise stand to inherit your estate.Determines the repayment of existing debts, cancelation of credit cards, and notification of banks or business establishments.Reduces estate taxes as gifts and charitable donations to avoid having taxes reduce your estate’s value.Appoints guardians for your dependents or minor children, including for their inherited properties otherwise, a court-appointed caretaker-perhaps, someone you dislike-will raise them.

Identifies a trusted executor of your estate.Uses of a Willīesides indicating which of your assets goes to whom and when a will is useful for the following: Having a will ensures your affairs are somewhat settled once you’re gone. Furthermore, some of your final wishes may not be carried out as you wanted. Numerous issues are likely to crop up without a will following your death. After your passing, the court will read the will and ensure its execution according to your wishes. What Is a Will?Ī will is a legal document stating your final wishes, often including the distribution of property, dissolution of the estate, care of left-behind dependents, and other instructions like burial. Does a will need to be notarized? It can help make it legally binding, preventing lengthy probate and courtroom proceedings over who is entitled to your possessions. You may already know that a will is a document used to protect your family or loved ones after you’ve passed on.

In ma does a will have to be notarized