Every will must be acknowledged before a notary public by the testator and the witnesses. The notary public shall not be required to retain a copy of the will, or file another with the office of the Clerk of Court.(n)
Civil Code · Book III: Different Modes of Acquiring Ownership · Title IV: Succession
Chapter 2: Testamentary Succession · Sec. 1: Wills
Current text, as of October 24, 2026
Every will must be acknowledged before a notary public by the testator and the witnesses. The notary public shall not be required to retain a copy of the will, or file another with the office of the Clerk of Court.(n)
Consolidated by Alleba from the text of Republic Act No. 386 (Lawphil and the Supreme Court E-Library). Book I provisions on marriage, family relations and parental authority were repealed by the Family Code (Executive Order No. 209, 1987) and are shown for reference only. For information and research only, and not legal advice. For certified copies, refer to the Official Gazette or the issuing agency.