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Which States Recognize Holographic Wills? At the time of publication, 26 states will accept a will that is made in the handwriting of the person making the will. These states include: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming. quickwill In other states, like New York, holographic wills are accepted only if a member of the Armed Forces makes them. These wills are valid for a limited period, typically one to three years after the will maker is discharged from military duties. The time limit is intended to encourage the will maker to replace the handwritten will with a conventional will at the earliest opportunity.Requirements for a Holographic Will Requirements vary from state to state so it's essential to check local rules. Generally though, the only requirements for a holographic will maker include: Using his own handwriting (no typing) to make the will. Providing his full name and address. Expressing the intent that the document be his will. Signing the will. Note that it is not generally necessary to have a holographic will dated, witnessed or notarized. The lack of legal formality is what sets a holographic will apart from a conventional will and allows a will to be prepared at short notice. That said, it is a good idea for the will maker to date the will especially if he has previously prepared a will. This helps to identify the handwritten will as the most recent, and therefore the correct will, which supersedes all previous documents.Who Should Write a Holographic Will? If an individual has the time to prepare a conventional will, then she should do so. Holographic wills are intended to be used in emergencies, for example, when someone is engaged in active service or is in the hospital and needs to prepare a will quickly. If circumstances prevent someone from typing out a will and having their signature witnessed by at least two independent witnesses, then this is the only time they should consider making a holographic will. Also, if there's a possibility the will might be contested, if the will maker has minor children, if he has been married before, if he has children from a previous relationship, or if the estate is large enough to benefit from tax planning, then the will maker definitely should obtain legal assistance in writing the will. The same holds true if the will maker owns a business, has significant property holdings or owns foreign assets. Otherwise, there could be significant tax consequences at death.