Texas § ES.256.156 - PROOF OF WILL NOT PRODUCED IN COURT
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § ES.256.156 — PROOF OF WILL NOT PRODUCED IN COURT, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ ES.256.156. PROOF OF WILL NOT PRODUCED IN COURT
PROOF OF WILL NOT PRODUCED IN COURT. (a) A will that cannot be produced in court must be proved in the same manner as provided in Section 256.153 for an attested will or Section 256.154 for a holographic will, as applicable. The same amount and character of testimony is required to prove the will not produced in court as is required to prove a will produced in court. (b) In addition to the proof required by Subsection (a): (1) the cause of the nonproduction of a will not produced in court must be proved, which must be sufficient to satisfy the court that the will cannot by any reasonable diligence be produced; and (2) the contents of the will must be substantially proved by the testimony of a credible witness who has read either the original or a copy of the will, has heard the will read, or can identify a copy of the will. (c) A copy of a will that cannot be produced in court that includes a copy of a self-proving affidavit is sufficient to make the will self-proved if the self-proving affidavit meets the form and content requirements under Subchapter C , Chapter 251 . Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 680 (H.B. 2502 ), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2014. Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136 (H.B. 2912 ), Sec. 30, eff. January 1, 2014. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 438 (H.B. 3421 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2025. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 831 (S.B. 1448 ), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2025.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § ES.256.156
What does The Texas Constitution § ES.256.156 cover?
Section ES.256.156 ("PROOF OF WILL NOT PRODUCED IN COURT") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § ES.256.156?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § ES.256.156" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § ES.256.156 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.