Art. 1577.  Requirements of form

The notarial testament shall be prepared in writing and dated and shall be executed in the following manner.  If the testator knows how to sign his name and to read and is physically able to do both, then:

(1)  In the presence of a notary and two competent witnesses, the testator shall declare or signify to them that the instrument is his testament and shall sign his name at the end of the testament and on each other separate page.

(2)  In the presence of the testator and each other, the notary and the witnesses shall sign the following declaration, or one substantially similar:  "In our presence the testator has declared or signified that this instrument is his testament and has signed it at the end and on each other separate page, and in the presence of the testator and each other we have hereunto subscribed our names this ____day of _________, ____."

Acts 1997, No. 1421, §1, eff. July 1, 1999; Acts 2001, No. 824, §1.