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Witness, notary, and remote online notarization (RON) requirements for wills in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts requires 2 witnesses for a will.M.G.L. c. 190B § 2-502Verified Apr 15, 2026 Witnesses must be at least 18 years old.
Notarization is not required for a will to be valid in Massachusetts.M.G.L. c. 190B § 2-502Verified Apr 15, 2026 However, notarization Makes the will self-proving, avoiding witness testimony at probate.
Massachusetts has authorized Remote Online Notarization for many documents, but wills are specifically excluded.M.G.L. c. 190B § 2-502Verified Apr 15, 2026 In-person notarization is required.
To execute a will in Massachusetts: Find 2 adults to serve as witnesses. Review witness restrictions to ensure eligibility. Get the document notarized (standard practice, not required). Wet signature and in-person notary required
Yes. Massachusetts has adopted the Uniform Probate Code, which validates a will under any of three tests: it complied with the law of the place of execution, the law of the testator's domicile when signed, or the law of the testator's domicile at death (UPC § 2-506). A will signed in another state is recognized in Massachusetts if any of those tests passes. The practical wrinkle is the self-proving affidavit — if the foreign will doesn't have one, witnesses may need to testify during probate. See the Massachusetts document portability tool for the full breakdown.
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