Can I write my own will?

You can write your own Will. A handwritten Will is called a holographic Will. To be valid and enforceable, a holographic Will must be in the testator’s own handwriting and signed by the Testator. This type of Will need not be witnessed. However, in order to be treated as valid, a holographic Will must meet the minimum necessary requirements. For example, it must be shown that the Testator actually drafted the Will. This can be done by witnesses who can testify about the Testator’s handwriting. Also, it must be shown that the Testator had the mental capacity to create the Will and the Will must contain a directive as to the disposition of the Testator’s property. A typed Will signed by the Testator does not qualify as a holographic Will. If you have questions about drafting a Will or about your existing Will, contact a Garg & Associates attorney to answer your question.

Overall, there are a multitude of issues with regards to Wills, Trusts and Advanced Directives, and to make sure that you are doing everything you can during your lifetime to prepare for what will happen after you have passed, contact a Spring estate planning lawyer at Garg & Associates today to get this process started and to protect the future of those you love.

Please contact our office to see how we can assist you. Learn more about our Areas of Practice.