Before You Record

Writing your handwritten will

A holographic will is a will written entirely in your own handwriting and signed by you. Below are practical pointers and a few example statements to help you write your own — in plain language, at your own pace.

About a 6-minute read Write it by hand 3 examples to adapt

Start here — two things to know

It must be in your own handwriting

A holographic will has to be “wholly in the testator’s handwriting” (Texas Estates Code §251.052). A printed or typed will that you simply sign is not a valid holographic will. So don’t print these examples and sign them — copy what you want, in your own hand, onto plain paper.

Not legal advice

Alamo Wills is a document registry, not a law firm. Everything here is general educational information, not legal advice, and not a substitute for a licensed attorney. Handwritten wills are recognized in Texas and some — not all — states, and requirements vary and change over time. For anything beyond a simple estate, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Step by step

How to write it so it holds up

Write it entirely by hand. Every meaningful word should be in your own handwriting. Pre-printed or typed text mixed in can cause problems in some states.
Use plain copy paper and write legibly. Print rather than use cursive if your printing is clearer. If a stranger can’t read a word, neither can a court.
Use permanent, waterproof ink — a good ballpoint or archival gel pen. Avoid pencil and ink that smears or fades.
Sign it and date it at the end, in your own hand. The date matters; the signature is essential.
Say it’s your will. Begin with a line like “This is the last will and testament of [your full name].”
Name someone to carry it out (an executor), and, if you have minor children, consider naming a guardian.
Keep the original safe and tell your executor where it is. Then photograph it and record it here so a verifiable copy can always be found.

Adapt in your own words

Example statements

These are examples only, to show the kind of plain language people use. Write your own version by hand on plain paper, in your own words, filling in the brackets — do not print these and sign them. Remember to name an executor and revoke any earlier wills.

Example 1

Everything to a spouse, then to the children

This is the last will and testament of [your full name], of [city, state]. I revoke all prior wills. I give all of my property, of every kind, to my spouse, [spouse’s full name]. If my spouse does not survive me, I give all of my property in equal shares to my children, [child one] and [child two], share and share alike. I name [executor’s name] as the executor of this will.

[Signature][Date]

Example 2

Divided among the children

This is the last will and testament of [your full name], of [city, state]. I revoke all prior wills. I give all of my property in equal shares to my children, [name], [name], and [name]. If any of my children does not survive me, that child’s share shall pass to his or her children in equal shares. I name [executor’s name] as executor.

[Signature][Date]

Example 3

Including a gift to a church or charity

This is the last will and testament of [your full name], of [city, state]. I revoke all prior wills. I give [a specific sum, e.g. $5,000] (or [a percentage, e.g. ten percent] of my estate) to [full legal name of the church or charity, city/state] for its general purposes. I give all of the rest of my property to [your spouse / children / other beneficiary]. I name [executor’s name] as executor.

[Signature][Date]

Make it yours

Tips for a more personal will

Be specific about particular items. “I give my wedding ring to my daughter [name]” prevents disputes over keepsakes.
Use full legal names for people and organizations, and add a city or relationship (“my brother, [name], of [city]”).
Plan for the unexpected. Say what happens if a beneficiary dies before you do.
Name a guardian for any minor children, and a backup executor and guardian.
Keep it to what you mean. Short and clear beats long and ambiguous.
Don’t rely on a copy alone. Courts generally want the original — recording it here gives your family a findable, verifiable backup.

Optional, extra assurance

Witnesses and a notary

A will written and signed entirely in your own hand is valid in Texas without witnesses — that is the whole point of a holographic will. Even so, some people add an extra layer of assurance by signing in front of two adult witnesses and a notary public before photographing it.

It can’t hurt, it can make things easier for your executor, and it matters more if you may move to — or own property in — a state that does not recognize handwritten wills. Requirements differ by state and change over time, so a local notary public or licensed attorney is the right person to tell you what applies where you live.

Good to know: a notary is usually easy and inexpensive to find — many public libraries offer notary services free of charge, as do many banks and credit unions for their customers. If you take this step, do it before you photograph and record the will, so the recorded image shows the signed document.

This is a general suggestion, not legal advice, and we make no warranty that witnessing or notarization is required, sufficient, or appropriate in your situation.

A budget-friendly tip

You don’t have to wait until everything is “perfect.” Record your handwritten will today for the one-time $18.36 fee.

Once it’s written, record it.

When your will is written, signed, and — if you choose — witnessed and notarized, photograph it and record it so it can always be found and verified.

Record My Will — $18.36

Educational examples only — not legal advice, no warranty of validity, and all liability disclaimed to the fullest extent permitted by law. Your will must be in your own handwriting. Consult a licensed attorney.