What is a holographic will?

A holographic will is defined as a will that is created and signed entirely in the testator's handwriting. This type of will is recognized in many jurisdictions as a valid form of a testamentary document, typically allowing for greater flexibility in how individuals can express their final wishes, even without traditional witnesses or formalities. The handwritten nature of the document is key, as it helps establish the authenticity of the testator's intentions directly through their penmanship.

The concept is rooted in the idea that the will accurately reflects the desires of the individual writing it, thus offering a measure of legitimacy that may not be found in documents that are produced in a more formalized manner, such as those drafted by a lawyer or typed out. Importantly, the absence of witnessing does not inherently invalidate these documents, depending on the laws of the jurisdiction where they are created.