Most people assume a will has to be typed, witnessed, and formally executed to count. California recognizes an important exception, but the requirements for making it work are narrower than many people realize. What Makes A Will Holographic In California Under California Probate Code Section 6111, a will is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if the signature and the material provisions are in the handwriting of the person making it. What Actually Counts As A Material Provision Material provisions generally mean the substantive terms of the will, such as who receives specific property and how the estate should be distributed. These key terms must be in the testator's own handwriting, though a holographic will can incorporate a commercially printed form for other portions of the document. Why No Witnesses Are Required For This Type Of Will Unlike a standard typed will, which generally requires two witnesses to be valid, a holographic…Read More
