What is a Holographic Will?

Generally, wills must be signed in the presence of witnesses; however, many jurisdictions will recognize the validity of an unwitnessed will if it meets certain conditions.

For example, Nevada law provides that "[a] holographic will is a will in which the signature, date and material provisions are written by the hand of the testator, whether or not it is witnessed or notarized. ... Such wills are valid and have the same force and effect as if formally executed."

Last reviewed October 2023