Open Will
It is public in nature, meaning that the testator—the person making the will—discloses their testamentary provisions to those attending the proceedings.
To create this type of will, the interested party must: go to their chosen notary's office with 3 witnesses and present the document expressing their wishes to the persons attending the process (witnesses and notary).
The content of the will must be read aloud by the notary. To finalize the process, the will must be signed by the notary, the three witnesses, and the testator.
Closed Will
It is private in nature, meaning the testator does not want their testamentary provisions to be known until the moment of their passing.
For this process, you must go to the notary's office closest to your address with 5 witnesses. There, you must submit the private document expressing your wishes in a sealed envelope; the testator must declare that their testamentary provisions are contained in that document so that the notary and witnesses are duly informed. The will will only be disclosed during probate proceedings—that is, when the estate of the deceased is being distributed.
The process concludes with the signatures of the testator, the notary, and the witnesses on the envelope containing the will.
