Updated January 09, 2023
A Georgia self-proving affidavit is a legal tool that is used to affirm the accuracy of the statements made in a last will and testament. The individual who chooses to create a will, known as the “testator,” can benefit from the incorporating of a self-proving affidavit as it proves to the probate court that their will is legal and true. Additionally, the execution of a self-proving affidavit renders it unnecessary for the attesting witnesses to appear in court after the testator dies. The testator will be required to sign the affidavit in the presence of two (2) witnesses and a notary public.
Laws
- Statute – § 53-4-24
- Signing Requirements– Two (2) witnesses and a notary public.
How to Write
Step 1 – Download in Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx), or OpenDocument.
Step 2 – Start filling out the Affidavit by entering the County and State where the document is being completed.
Step 3 – This area will specify the Names of the parties excluding the Notary Public. In the first three (3) spaces, enter the Name of the Testator, the Name of the first Witness, and the Name of the second Witness. Enter the Testator’s name once again in the remaining space.
Step 4 – The parties must sign on the signature fields found below the main paragraph of the Affidavit. The Testator must start by providing their Signature above the first signature field. Next, the two (2) Witnesses must Sign using the remaining fields. 
Step 5 – The final section of the Affidavit will be filled out by the Notary Public. Using the spaces under the “NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT” heading, the Notary must enter the Testator’s Name, the first Witness’s Name, and the second Witness’s Name. The Notary must continue by supplying the Date (Day, Month, and Year).
Step 6 – Lastly, the Notary must complete the document by giving their Signature, Title (Official Capacity of Officer), and Official Seal.
