What is a last will and testament?

A will (Civil Code, Arts. 1166–1242) is an official document in which a person determines how their estate is to be distributed after death. It must be certified by a notary in the presence of 2 witnesses (CC Art. 1180). Important: children, parents, and spouses are entitled to a forced share — half of their statutory inheritance share — regardless of the contents of the will (CC Art. 1193).