Holographic Will

A holographic will is a handwritten and testator-signed document and is an alternative to a will produced by a lawyer. Some states do not recognize holographic wills. States that do permit holographic wills require the document meet specific requirements to be valid. The minimal requirements for most states are proof that the testator wrote the will, evidence that the testator had the mental capacity to write the will, and the will must contain the testator’s wish to disburse personal property to beneficiaries.