Legal Definitions - secret will

A secret will is a type of will that is kept hidden from others until the testator's death. It is also known as a mystic will. This type of will is signed by the testator and then sealed and delivered to a notary in the presence of three to seven witnesses. The notary then indorses 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 writes a secret will and seals it in an envelope, only to be opened after their death, it would be considered a secret will. The notary and witnesses would have to attest to the fact that the testator signed the will and that it was sealed in their presence.