Self-proving will is a regular will that fulfills certain requirements that allow the will to be validated without going through probate court. In all states but the District of Columbia, Maryland, Ohio, and Vermont, a person can create a self-proving will, and in most states this is accomplished by attaching two “self-proving” affidavits by witnesses of the will’s signing. The affidavits must be signed in front of and stamped by a notary public. In a few states, the only requirement for a self-proving will is that the witnesses must sign statements attached to the will testifying under perjury of the will’s validity. The affidavits or perjury statements replace the usual method of ensuring a will’s validity by requiring the witnesses to testify at probate court after the death of the testator.
[Last updated in August of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]