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Document Sample

Texas Self-Proving Affidavit Template

State of Texas

County of __________

Before me, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared:

  • Name of Testator: _____________________________
  • Name of Witness 1: ___________________________
  • Name of Witness 2: ___________________________

Who, being duly sworn, do hereby make this affidavit and testify as follows:

  1. The Testator, _______________, signed the Last Will and Testament on ___________ (date).
  2. Each witness, _______________ and _______________, was present at the same time and witnessed the signing of the Last Will and Testament.
  3. The Testator was of sound mind and over the age of 18 on the date of the signing.
  4. Each witness declares that they are not a beneficiary in the Last Will and Testament of the Testator.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Testator and the witnesses have subscribed their names on the date first above written.

______________________________

Signature of Testator

______________________________

Signature of Witness 1

______________________________

Signature of Witness 2

Subscribed and sworn to before me this _____ day of ____________, 20__.

_____________________________________

Notary Public in and for the State of Texas

My commission expires: ________________

Form Data

Fact Name Description
Purpose The Texas Self-Proving Affidavit allows a will to be validated without the need for witnesses to testify in court.
Governing Law This form is governed by Texas Estates Code, Section 251.104.
Signatories The testator (the person making the will) and two witnesses must sign the affidavit.
Notarization A notary public must notarize the Self-Proving Affidavit to ensure its validity.
Benefits Using this affidavit can speed up the probate process by eliminating the need for witness testimony.
Format The affidavit must be in a specific format as outlined in the Texas Estates Code.
Timing The Self-Proving Affidavit should be executed at the same time as the will, but can also be done later.
Revocation Revoking a will does not automatically revoke the Self-Proving Affidavit; it must be addressed separately.
Storage It’s important to keep the Self-Proving Affidavit with the original will to ensure easy access during probate.
State-Specific This affidavit is specific to Texas and may not be valid in other states without modifications.

Texas Self-Proving Affidavit - Usage Guidelines

After obtaining the Texas Self-Proving Affidavit form, you will need to complete it accurately to ensure its validity. The following steps will guide you through the process of filling out the form correctly.

  1. Begin by entering the name of the testator at the top of the form. This is the person whose will is being proved.
  2. Provide the date of the will. This is essential for establishing the order of documents.
  3. List the names and addresses of the witnesses. You need at least two witnesses who can attest to the signing of the will.
  4. In the designated area, both witnesses should sign the form. Ensure that they do this in the presence of the testator.
  5. Next, the testator must sign the form. This should be done after the witnesses have signed.
  6. Fill in the notary section. A notary public must witness the signing of the affidavit. The notary will complete this section after verifying the identities of the testator and witnesses.
  7. Finally, review the completed form for accuracy. Ensure all names, dates, and signatures are correct before submitting or storing the document.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas Self-Proving Affidavit form, it is important to approach the task with care. This document serves a significant purpose in the probate process, so following the right steps can help ensure its validity.

  • Do read the entire form carefully before starting to fill it out.
  • Do ensure that all required information is complete and accurate.
  • Do sign the affidavit in the presence of a notary public.
  • Do have witnesses sign the affidavit if required by Texas law.
  • Don't leave any sections blank; incomplete forms may be rejected.
  • Don't rush through the process; take your time to avoid mistakes.
  • Don't forget to include the date of signing; this is crucial for legal purposes.
  • Don't use any alterations or corrections on the form; this could invalidate it.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure that your Self-Proving Affidavit is completed correctly and is ready for submission.

Common mistakes

  1. Missing Signatures: One common mistake is forgetting to have all required parties sign the affidavit. Both the testator and the witnesses must sign the document for it to be valid.

  2. Incorrect Witness Information: People often provide inaccurate details about the witnesses. Ensure that each witness's name, address, and relationship to the testator are clearly stated.

  3. Not Using the Correct Form: Some individuals mistakenly use an outdated version of the affidavit. Always verify that you have the latest version to avoid complications later.

  4. Failing to Notarize: A frequent oversight is neglecting to have the affidavit notarized. This step is crucial for the document's acceptance in court.