Does your state let you handwrite a will on a napkin?

A way, but not the best way..

When people think of a “will,” they usually imagine a formal document signed in front of a notary and witnesses. But there’s another kind of will—one that’s handwritten, simple, and as old as the idea of inheritance itself. It’s called a holographic will, and Louisiana is one of the states that still recognizes it. The word holographic comes from the Greek holos (whole) and graphein (to write). A holographic will is literally a “wholly written” will—meaning the entire document must be written by hand by the person making it. In Louisiana, you’ll also hear the term olographic testament, which is simply the civil‑law spelling of the same concept.

Holographic wills have been around for centuries. Historically, they were used when someone needed to make a will quickly—during war, at sea, or in emergencies where no witnesses were available. Some countries still allow them only in life‑or‑death situations.

Because they’re handwritten and informal, courts have always treated them differently. Some jurisdictions require witnesses; others accept them only with strict proof that the handwriting is genuine.

Louisiana law keeps the holographic will alive, but with very specific requirements. Under Louisiana Civil Code article 1575, a holographic will must be:

• Entirely written by hand by the testator

• Dated

• Signed anywhere in the document

• Free of any typed or printed portions (those parts are ignored)

The date can appear anywhere and can be clarified with outside evidence if needed. Any additions or deletions must also be in the testator’s handwriting.

Because there are no witnesses, courts must verify the handwriting—often through testimony or expert analysis. This is why holographic wills are more likely to be challenged or delayed in probate. Even though they’re valid, holographic wills come with real dangers:

In England, holographic wills originating from Roman law were a way for soldiers to make their wishes known before marching into battle

• Handwriting disputes can delay probate or invalidate the will.

• Missing or unclear dates can cause litigation.

• Ambiguous language often leads to family conflict.

• No legal guidance means people accidentally omit key provisions (executors, residuary clauses, forced heirship issues, etc.).

• Greater risk of undue influence claims, because no witnesses were present.

They’re better than nothing—but only barely.

A NOTARIAL WILL is Louisiana’s most protective and reliable form of testament. It must be executed before a notary and two witnesses, following a strict set of formalities.

Compared to a holographic will, a notarial will offers major advantages:

1. Because it’s executed with a notary and witnesses, courts presume it’s authentic. There’s no handwriting battle.

2. The formalities make it harder for someone to claim:

   • undue influence

   • lack of capacity

   • forgery

   • improper execution

3. A lawyer‑drafted notarial will avoids the vague or contradictory wording that often plagues handwritten wills.

4. Notarial wills are “self‑proving,” meaning the court can accept them without additional testimony.

5. A holographic will rarely addresses:

   • usufructs

   • forced heirship

   • community property issues

   • trusts

   • business succession

   • digital assets. A notarial will can.

     
     

In Summary, a holographic will is simple, quick, and legally recognized in Louisiana—but it’s also fragile. One missing date, one unclear sentence, or one handwriting dispute can derail your final wishes. A notarial will, on the other hand, is the most reliable way to ensure your estate is handled exactly as you intend. It provides clarity, certainty, and legal protection for your family at a time when they need it most.