A Will before a notary — a will with special legal force
A will before a notary, under the Inheritance Law and the Notaries Law.
Quick answer
A will before a notary is one of the will types recognized in the Inheritance Law. The testator declares their will before a notary, who records it in a protocol and certifies it. This will has strong legal evidence. The testator must appear before the notary. It is recommended to consult an inheritance attorney before arriving.
What does this service do?
A will before a notary is one of the will types recognized in the Inheritance Law, 1965. In this will, the testator declares their will before a notary, and the notary records the will in a protocol and certifies it. A will before a notary has significant legal advantages — strong evidence, difficulty contesting it, and safekeeping in the notary's protocol. Importantly: drafting the will itself (the content of the instructions) is recommended to be done with the assistance of an inheritance attorney, to ensure the instructions are clear, lawful and cover all that is required. The notary documents the will, but is not a legal advisor in inheritance matters.
Who is it for?
People wishing to leave a will with strong, documented legal force at a notary.
When is it needed?
When a person wishes to make a will before a notary, choosing this will type from those recognized in the Inheritance Law.
What does the notary check?
The notary identifies the testator, checks their capacity (that they are not a minor or a person unable to understand the will's meaning), verifies that the testator understands the will's content and that it is made of their own free will. The notary records the will in a protocol.
Required documents
- Valid original ID
- A draft of the will (recommended to be drafted by an inheritance attorney)
- Heirs' and beneficiaries' details
- Details of assets and property included in the will
How does the process work?
Consulting an inheritance attorney to draft the will.
Scheduling an appointment with the notary.
Arriving with an original ID and the will draft.
The notary identifies the testator and verifies understanding and free will.
The testator declares their will before the notary.
The notary records the will in a protocol and certifies it.
How much does it cost?
The fee is set under the Notaries (Fees) Regulations, 1978. For a price estimate, contact the office.
Full fee scheduleLegal notes
A will before a notary is recognized in the Inheritance Law, 1965. The act is performed under the Notaries Law, 1976, and the Notaries Regulations. The fee is set under the Notaries (Fees) Regulations, 1978. The testator must appear before the notary.
Can it be prepared in advance?
A will draft may be sent in advance for review. The declaration itself must be made before the notary. A will before a notary cannot be made remotely.
Common mistakes
Arriving without an orderly will draft.
Missing full heirs' details (names and ID numbers).
A will that does not cover all the property or desired beneficiaries — recommended to consult an attorney.
Arriving without an original ID.
Frequently asked questions
Can the notary draft the will?
The notary documents the will in a protocol. Drafting the will's content is recommended to be done by an inheritance attorney, to ensure the instructions are clear and comprehensive.
Can a will before a notary be made remotely?
No. The testator must appear before the notary and declare their will before him.
Related services
Adv. & Notary Zion Bahalul
Israeli Certified Notary
An attorney and notary providing professional notarial services in Hebrew, English and Spanish. Specializing in notarial certifications, powers of attorney, translations, apostille and international documents.
The information on this site is general and does not constitute individual legal advice, nor does it replace a professional review. Every notarial act is performed subject to the Notaries Law, 1976, the Notaries Regulations, 1977, and the identification, appearance and signature requirements applicable to each act.