Which will must be in writing, signed by the testator, sealed, and notarized with three witnesses?

• A. Formal will
• B. Holographic will
• C. Nuncupative will
• D. Mystic will

Answer: (D)

A mystic (secret) will is a form of testament designed to keep its contents confidential until the testator’s death. It must be written and signed by the person making the will, then sealed so that no one can read it while they are alive. The addition of notarization with three witnesses is about ensuring authenticity and security: the notary confirms the testator’s identity and records the act, while three witnesses observe the sealing and signing, helping to deter fraud and coercion. This combination—the document being in writing, signed, sealed, and notarized with multiple witnesses—signals that the will is intended to be kept secret and only opened or probated after death, which is the hallmark of a mystic will.

This differs from other types in that a formal will, while written, signed, and usually witnessed, is typically not sealed for secrecy. A holographic will is handwritten and signed by the testator but generally not sealed or notarized, and a nuncupative will is an oral declaration usually made in the presence of witnesses rather than a sealed written document.