What is a “Self-Proving” Will?

If you have a will that will be subject to the probate process, the executor of your will must prove that the will is valid to the probate court.  Unless the will is “self proved” the witnesses to the will have to appear and swear an oath as to its validity.  This process can be simplified in Florida through creating a self-proving will by attaching a statutory acknowledgement form which is notarized and affirms the validity of the will.  This document is signed by the witness and the notary at the time the will is executed, which helps avoid the requirement that the witnesses physically appear in court later to affirm that the will is valid so it can be admitted to probate.  If you are interested in creating a self-proving will to speed up the probate process or want to learn how you can avoid probate, contact one of our experience estate planning attorneys at (941) 906-1231.