New Mexico Statutes 45-3-405. Formal testacy proceedings; uncontested cases; hearings and proof
A. If a petition in a formal testacy proceeding is unopposed, the district court may order probate or intestacy on the strength of the pleadings if satisfied that the conditions of Section 3-409 [45-3-409 N.M. Stat. Ann.] have been met, or conduct a hearing in open court and require proof of the matters necessary to support the order requested.
Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 45-3-405
- Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Forgery: The fraudulent signing or alteration of another's name to an instrument such as a deed, mortgage, or check. The intent of the forgery is to deceive or defraud. Source: OCC
- Fraud: Intentional deception resulting in injury to another.
- Pleadings: Written statements of the parties in a civil case of their positions. In the federal courts, the principal pleadings are the complaint and the answer.
- Probate: Proving a will
- Testify: Answer questions in court.
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
B. If evidence concerning execution of a will which is not self-proved is necessary in uncontested cases, the affidavit or testimony of at least one of the attesting witnesses is required if he is within New Mexico, competent and able to testify. Otherwise, due execution of a will may be proved by other evidence.
C. If the will is self-proved in an uncontested case, compliance with signature requirements for execution is conclusively presumed and other requirements of execution are presumed, subject to rebuttal without the testimony of any witness, upon filing the will and the acknowledgment and affidavits annexed or attached thereto, unless there is proof of fraud or forgery affecting the acknowledgment or affidavit.