Massachusetts Will Signing Day Kit: Massachusetts's Witness and Notary Rules, Signing-Day Checklist, Witness Sheet and Original-Will Record

Who it is for

Anyone signing a will in Massachusetts, and the family member, friend or office helping set up the signing. Who can make a will, per the official page: 18 or older and of sound mind.

Not the right fit if

The person signing isn't in Massachusetts, you still need the will written (that's a lawyer's job), or someone may contest it. Not a will form or a legal service.

Why it is different

• Built only from our Massachusetts will signing data file, checked November 2026 against M.G.L. c.190B, 2-502, Execution; witnessed wills (Massachusetts Legislature); M.G.L. c.190B, 2-504, Self-proved will (Massachusetts Legislature); M.G.L. c.190B, 2-505, Who may witness (Massachusetts Legislature); M.G.L. c.190B, 2-501, Who may make will (Massachusetts Legislature); Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Massachusetts (Nolo, updated September 2025).
• All 7 Massachusetts facts are confirmed: on an official page, or where none could be read, on a vetted secondary source marked as such.
• Sources: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleII/Chapter190B/Section2-502 https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleII/Chapter190B/Section2-504 https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleII/Chapter190B/Section2-505 https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleII/Chapter190B/ArticleII/Section2-501 https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/massachusetts-make-will-31818.html
• For the estate side in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Executor and Estate Kit: Personal property only, worth $25,000 or less not counting the value of a car.

What is inside

• Start here. The 7 confirmed Massachusetts facts at a glance.
• Massachusetts signing-day checklist. Bring 2 witnesses. The rule: Two witnesses, who saw the signing or the testator's acknowledgment. Pick witnesses who get nothing under the will and aren't married to someone who does. If a beneficiary would have to witness, stop and call the lawyer first: The will stays valid, but a gift to a witness or the witness's spouse is void unless two other witnesses who get nothing similar also signed, or the witness shows no fraud or undue influence. Have a notary or another officer who can administer oaths there for the self-proving affidavit. The statute names that officer rather than notaries by name. Allowed at signing or later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths where it is signed. If no notary is available on the day, the affidavit can be added later, while the witnesses can still be reached.
• Witness information sheet. One block per Massachusetts witness (2 required, plus a spare).
• Original-will storage and location record. Where the original is and who has copies. Handwritten wills in Massachusetts: Not recognized, per Nolo's Massachusetts page (updated September 2025), citing G.L. c. 190B, 2-502.
• Massachusetts will signing tracker (Excel). Steps, ID, copies and review dates. Remote witnessing in Massachusetts: Not provided for: no Massachusetts law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Massachusetts page, updated September 2025). Electronic wills: Not authorized, per Nolo's Massachusetts page (updated September 2025).