Defining “Handwriting” for Purposes of a Holographic Will

In a post explaining the requirements of a valid will in Texas, I wrote that a holographic will must be written completely in the testator’s own handwriting. Apparently there is some confusion about what constitutes “handwriting” for purposes of the statute.

A reader commented that he printed all his letters in block style. “Is that acceptable for a holographic will?” he asked.

The answer is yes. Handwriting for purposes of the statute means writing done by hand, as opposed to typed. Handwriting is unique to everyone. Perhaps you write in cursive, in print, or in a combination of both.

The way you form your letters is not important. All that is important is that the handwriting be recognized as yours.