Attestator

An attestator is a person who attests, or bears witness to, the execution or authenticity of a document or fact. The term is used in legal and archival contexts to describe someone who observes the signing or creation of an instrument and signs to confirm that it occurred and that particular details are correct. Etymologically, it derives from Latin attestator, meaning “one who bears witness,” from attestare, “to bear witness.”

In practice, an attestor witnesses the signing of a document, verifies the identity of the parties, and confirms that the instrument was executed voluntarily and with understanding. Attestations may also relate to the verification of facts or events described in a document. The requirements for who may serve as an attestor, and how they must act, vary by jurisdiction. Generally, attestation is intended to provide evidence of the instrument’s integrity and to aid in its later validation or probate.

Contexts where attestations are common include wills or testaments, deeds and property transfers, contracts, and corporate resolutions, as well as various public or official records. An improperly attested document can raise questions about enforceability, validity, or probate outcomes, making the attestation an important aspect of document reliability.

In some civil-law or religious traditions, the term may refer to officials or clerks who certify records or acts. The role and authority of an attestor are distinct from those of a notary in many jurisdictions, though in some systems a notary may perform attestation duties as part of broader notarization.