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The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  1. General Laws
  2. Part II REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS
  3. Title II DESCENT AND DISTRIBUTION, WILLS, ESTATES OF DECEASED PERSONS AND ABSENTEES, GUARDIANSHIP, CONSERVATORSHIP AND TRUSTS
  4. Chapter 190B MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE
  5. Article III PROBATE OF WILLS AND ADMINISTRATION
  6. Section 3-406 Formal testacy proceedings; contested cases; testimony of attesting witnesses

Section 3-406

Section 3-406: Formal testacy proceedings; contested cases; testimony of attesting witnesses

Section 3–406. [Formal Testacy Proceedings; Contested Cases; Testimony of Attesting Witnesses.]

(a) If evidence concerning execution of an attested will which is not self-proved is necessary in contested cases, the testimony of at least 1 of the attesting witnesses, if within the commonwealth, competent and able to testify, is required. Due execution of a will may be proved by other evidence.

(b) If the will is self-proved, compliance with signature and other requirements of execution shall be presumed subject to rebuttal without the testimony of any witness upon filing the will and the acknowledgment and affidavits annexed or attached thereto, unless there is proof of fraud or forgery affecting the acknowledgment or affidavit.