In 1980 Missouri added a statute which provided that wills could be self-proved. A self-proved will is a will that is admitted to probate without the necessity of obtaining the testimony of the subscribing witnesses. Section 474.337 RSMO provides that a written will may at the time of its execution, or at any subsequent date, be made self-proved, by the acknowledgment thereof by the testator and the witnesses, each made before an officer authorized to administer oaths under the laws of this state, and evidenced by the officer’s certificate, under official seal, attached or annexed to the will.
Missouri law provides that if a will appears to have the required signatures and a certificate as provided in Section 474.337 RSMO, showing that the requirements of execution under Section 474.320 RSMO have been met, then the will shall be probated without further proof. The Statute provides a suggested affidavit in order to make the will a self-proving will. Section 474.337 RSMO. A self-proving will has been held in Missouri to be prima facie evidence of testamentary capacity and due execution.
SCHEDULE CONSULTATION
