When notarizing a will, what is generally required alongside the will?

In the context of notarizing a will, instructions along with a preprinted notarial certificate are generally required to ensure that the notarization is properly executed in accordance with legal standards. This is important because a will must be executed in a specific manner to be valid. The preprinted notarial certificate provides a formal template that the notary can fill out, affirming that the will was signed by the testator and acknowledging the signatures of the witnesses (if applicable).

Having specific instructions is essential because they guide the notary on how to properly complete the notarial act, ensuring all statutory requirements are met. The notarial certificate itself acts as evidence that the notary has performed their duties in accordance with the law, which helps to strengthen the legitimacy of the will in potential future disputes or when it is presented for probate.

In contrast, while a witness can be relevant in the context of some types of testamentary documents, the notarization itself does not require a witness as a condition for the validity of the notarization process. Similarly, the signature of a lawyer may be necessary in certain contexts or to provide legal advice, but it is not a standard requirement for the notarization of a will itself. A notary stamp is also important in the