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Last Will and Testament
A will written and signed before a notary. It cannot be notarized online. Price lists charge a percentage of the property's value, with a minimum.
Prices by Area
| Area | What You Get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Davao CityLocal lawyers' price list, 2023. Listed as: Last Will and Testament, preparation and notarization | Written and notarized | 10% of the property value, at least ₱30,000 |
| Northern SamarLocal lawyers' price list, 2023. Listed as: Last Will and Testament, preparation with notarization | Written and notarized | 2% of the market value, at least ₱5,000 |
These are the lowest or suggested prices the local lawyers' groups set, not quotes. Bring a valid ID, do not sign beforehand, and ask the price before the notary starts.
Prices last checked October 9, 2026. Fees can change, so always ask the notary first.
Documents Priced This Way
Notaries usually charge the same for each of these.
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What to Bring to the Notary
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Common Questions
Does a Will Need to Be Notarized?
A notarial will does: the signers must confirm it before a notary (acknowledge it) (Civil Code, Art. 806). A holographic will, entirely written, dated and signed in the hand of the person making it, needs no notary and no witnesses (Art. 810).
How Many Witnesses Does a Notarial Will Need?
At least three credible witnesses, who sign at the end and on the left margin of every page except the last, in the presence of the person making the will and of each other (Civil Code, Art. 805). The will also needs a closing statement by the witnesses (an attestation clause). Because the formal rules are strict, a lawyer should prepare it.
Can the Notary Also Be One of the Witnesses?
No. The Supreme Court has held that the notary before whom the will is acknowledged cannot also count as one of the three required witnesses (Cruz v. Villasor, 1973). You need three witnesses besides the notary.
Can a Will Be Notarized Online?
No. The Supreme Court's Rules on Electronic Notarization (A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC) exclude notarial wills. The person making the will, the witnesses and the notary must be together in person.
Does a Will Take Effect as Soon as the Person Dies?
No property passes under a will until a court has approved it, in a case called probate (Civil Code, Art. 838). Probate is a court case, so the family will need a lawyer.
Not legal advice. This is general information. For advice on your own situation, consult a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) or an IBP legal aid office may help for free.