Legal Definitions - sealed will

A sealed will 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 then sealed and delivered to a notary in the presence of three to seven witnesses. The notary is required to endorse on the envelope containing the will a statement of all the facts surrounding the transaction, and this is signed by the notary and all the witnesses.

For example, if a person wants to leave their property to someone secretly, they can create a sealed will. They sign the will and then seal it in an envelope in the presence of witnesses and a notary. The notary then records all the details of the transaction and signs the envelope. The will remains sealed until the testator's death.

The sealed will is a type of will that is recognized in civil law. It is not commonly used in common law jurisdictions. The purpose of a sealed will is to keep the contents of the will secret until the testator's death. It is a way for the testator to make sure that their wishes are carried out without interference from others.