Holographic Will

A holographic will is a type of will that does not require witnesses as long as the key parts, including the signature and the main provisions, are written in the testator's own handwriting. This means that even if the will is not formally executed, it can still be valid if it clearly shows the testator's intent.

John writes a will entirely in his own handwriting stating that he leaves his house to his sister and signs it. He does not have any witnesses present when he writes it. Since the signature and material provisions are in his handwriting, the holographic will is valid.

Holographic wills: handwritten intent, no witnesses needed!

Examiners may include scenarios where a printed form is used alongside handwritten notes, leading students to mistakenly believe the will is invalid. Students might overlook the requirement that only the material provisions need to be in handwriting.

Questions often present a fact pattern involving a handwritten document alongside a printed form, testing whether the handwritten parts satisfy the holographic will requirements.