One-Step Will Signing – One of the Many Changes to the Probate Code

Currently, to execute a “self-proved” Will in Texas, so that witnesses to the Will need not appear in court during the probate procedure, a Testator (person making a Will) must sign the document twice – once on the Will itself in front of two witnesses, and again on a Self-Proving Affidavit in front of witnesses and a notary public. The new law, which becomes effective September 1, 2011, allows an optional, stream-lined second method wherein the Testator, witnesses and notary public may sign one time on the Will document, thereby eliminating the Self-Proving Affidavit.