Self-Proving Will Definition

A will that is created in a way that allows a probate court to easily accept it as the true will of the person who has died. Nearly all states allow self-proving wills. In most of these states, a will is self-proving when two witnesses sign affidavits (sworn statements) before a notary public certifying that the will is genuine and that all will-making formalities were observed. In a few states, the witnesses can instead sign statements under penalty of perjury that they observed the will maker sign the will, and that the will maker told them it was the will maker's will. If no one contests the validity of the will, the probate court will accept the will without needing to hear the testimony of the witnesses or any further evidence.