Section 903. Subscribing Witness Testimony Not Necessary

The testimony of a subscribing witness is not necessary to authenticate a writing unless required by the laws of the jurisdiction whose laws govern the validity of the writing.

NOTE

This section is derived from G. L. c. 233, § 68, and Mass. R. Civ. P. 8(b) (“The signature to an instrument set forth in any pleading shall be taken as admitted unless a party specifically denies its genuineness.”).

Authentication of wills in uncontested proceedings is governed by G. L. c. 192, § 2. Authentication of a will in a contested proceeding requires a greater level of support. See Goodwin v. Riordan, 333 Mass. 317, 318–319, 130 N.E.2d 569, 570 (1955); Werber v. Werber, 62 Mass. App. Ct. 927, 927–928, 818 N.E.2d 630, 631–632 (2004).