Legal Definitions - closed testament

A closed testament is a type of will that is also known as a mystic will. It is a secret will that is signed by the testator and sealed in an envelope in the presence of witnesses. The notary public then endorses the envelope with a statement of all the facts surrounding the transaction, which is signed by the notary and all the witnesses. This type of will is recognized in civil law jurisdictions.

Example: John signed a closed testament in the presence of three witnesses and a notary public. He then sealed the will in an envelope and gave it to the notary public. The notary public endorsed the envelope with a statement of all the facts surrounding the transaction, which was signed by the notary and all the witnesses.

This example illustrates how a closed testament is a secret will that is signed by the testator and sealed in an envelope in the presence of witnesses.