Answer
The Civil Code recognizes two forms of will. A notarial will must be in writing, in a language known to the testator, subscribed at the end by the testator, attested and signed by at least three credible witnesses in the presence of the testator and of one another, and acknowledged before a notary public (Articles 804 to 806). A holographic will must be entirely written, dated, and signed by the hand of the testator; it needs no attesting witnesses to be executed (Articles 810 to 814).
The testator must be at least eighteen years old and of sound mind at the time the will is made. A defect in the attestation clause may be cured under the substantial-compliance rule of Article 809 only where the will itself supplies the missing detail; the complete absence of a required recital is fatal.
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