What is a holographic will?
A holographic will has two requirements: 1) it must be signed by the testator; and 2) all material portions of the document must be in the testator’s handwriting.
“Writing your Will on a Napkin”
Some people have heard of “writing your will on a napkin.” Well, if that napkin has the testator’s signature, it is likely a valid holographic will! However, there must be evidence that the testator intended the writing to be used as the last will and testament.
While that seems like an easy way to get your estate plan done, this can lead to many issues. What if you wrote multiple holographic wills and they are not dated? How are your loved ones supposed to know which one to follow? Don’t just take our word for it. Check out these celebrities that all had handwritten wills and the problems it caused.
While it is important to have a will, a will by itself does not avoid probate. This is why it is crucial to meet with an estate planning attorney and have your estate plan done properly to ensure your loved ones avoid probate and your wishes are clearly stated.
Schedule a free initial consultation to learn more about wills and other estate planning documents!