Among the services provided by the Notarial Service of a Consular Office is the drafting of the last will and testament of persons who are abroad.
A public will is the declaration of a testator’s last will and testament made to a consular officer with notarial duties, in written form and in the presence of two witnesses. For a private will, the service provided will be limited to the formal receipt of the document (the contents of which will remain private) and its deposit with the Consular Office.
A holograph (handwritten) will does not require any action on the part of an officer of the Consular Office and may be deposited anywhere and with anyone. Often this type of will is deposited with the Notarial Service for safekeeping and ready access following the death of the testator.
For further information please write to consolare.ottawa@esteri.it.