A holographic will is a written document that allows individuals to declare their wishes for the distribution of their assets upon their death. Unlike most traditional wills, which are required to be written, witnessed and notarized with the help of a lawyer, a holographic will is written and signed only by the creator of the will. This type of will is legally recognized in many countries, including the United States and Canada, though it can be subject to legal challenges.

A holographic will is written in the handwriting of the creator, or testator. The document must also be signed and dated by the testator. To ensure the legitimacy of these types of wills, they must be written in clear and detailed language.

Holographic wills usually must contain all of the testator's intentions for how their property should be handled after their death. This list should accurately reflect the property that the testator owns and any specific instructions they have regarding their assets and the people they want to receive them. The testator should name a person to take responsibility for carrying out the will, known as the executor.

In most cases, holographic wills are self-proving documents and can be admitted to probate courts with little or no additional documentation. However, certain idiosyncrasies may be required in some state jurisdictions to ensure that the will is effective upon death. Additionally, a holographic will may be subject to greater scrutiny by the probate court than a formal will and could be contested if there are any legal inconsistencies.

The use of holographic wills has increased in recent years as more people are deciding to bypass formal legal procedures and create their own will. While using a holographic will is often seen as an easier and more affordable alternative to traditional wills, it can also be a high-risk option, as it may not be as legally binding and effective as a traditional will. As such, it is always important to seek the advice of a qualified legal professional when drafting a will.