Art. 2887. Notarial testament

            A.(1) A notarial testament executed pursuant to Civil Code Article 1576 does not need to be proved if it is signed on each separate page at the time of execution and is accompanied by either of the following declarations:

            (a) In the testament, the following declaration, or one that is substantially similar, signed by the notary and the subscribing witnesses: "In our presence the testator has declared or signified that this instrument is his testament and has signed each separate page."

            (b) In an affidavit attached to the testament but executed after the execution of the testament, the following declaration, or one that is substantially similar, signed by the notary and the witnesses who subscribed to the will: "In our presence the testator has declared or signified that the attached instrument is his testament and has signed each separate page."

            (2) If the testator is unable to sign and has directed another person to sign on his behalf, the testament shall be signed on each separate page by the person directed to sign by the testator, and the declarations provided in Subparagraph (1) of this Paragraph shall be modified to indicate that a person other than the testator signed at the direction of the testator.

            B.(1) A notarial testament that does not comply with Paragraph A of this Article shall be proved to have been signed by the testator or by another person at the testator's direction either by the testimony of the notary and at least one of the subscribing witnesses or by the testimony of the two subscribing witnesses.

            (2) If only the notary or only one of the subscribing witnesses is living in the state, not incapacitated, or can be located, the testimony of the notary or one of the witnesses that the testament was signed by the testator or by another person at the testator's direction shall be sufficient.

            (3) If the notary and all of the subscribing witnesses are dead, absent from the state, incapacitated, or cannot be located, the testament may be proved by the testimony of two credible witnesses who recognize the signature of the testator on the testament.

            (4) A person's testimony for the purpose of this Paragraph may be given in the form of an affidavit executed after the death of the testator, unless the court in its discretion requires the person to appear and testify orally. All affidavits accepted by the court in lieu of oral testimony shall be filed in the probate proceedings. This Subparagraph does not apply to testimony with respect to the genuineness of a will that is judicially attacked.

Acts 2025, No. 30, §2.