The activities of the Notary Office at a Consulate include the drafting of certain documents concerning the last will and testament of individuals residing abroad.
- A public will is a declaration of intent made by the testator to an official delegated to perform notarial functions in the presence of two witnesses and drawn up in writing.
- In a secret will, on the other hand, the functions of the Notary Office are limited to the formal receipt of the document (the contents of which remain secret) and its deposit in the Office.
- Finally, a holographic will does not need to be drawn up by a notary office official and can be deposited anywhere and with anyone. It is usually deposited with the notary office in order to avoid the possibility of its loss and to ensure its immediate publication upon the testator’s death.