Which element is typically required to make a will self-proving?

• A. A notarized affidavit signed by the testator and witnesses sworn before a notary.
• B. No witnesses needed.
• C. A separate court order.
• D. A second original copy.

Answer: (A)

A self-proved will is designed to streamline probate by providing sworn, notarized evidence that the will was properly executed. The option that describes a notarized affidavit signed by the testator and the witnesses sworn before a notary exactly creates that evidence. Attaching this affidavits means the probate court can accept the will without hearing live testimony from the witnesses about the signing, speeding up the process and reducing the chance of delays or disputes.

The other possibilities don’t fit because: removing witnesses would remove the sworn attestations that confirm proper execution; needing a separate court order isn’t how self-proved wills work in most jurisdictions; and requiring a second original copy isn’t necessary for the self-proving mechanism.