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Are you a Virginia resident without a will because you don’t see the need for one? You are not alone. Surveys continue to show that 1 out of 4 Americans without a will say nothing would motivate them to get one, and more than 40% say they won't bother until their life is in danger. And 2 out of 3 Americans do not have any estate planning documents.
Despite these statistics, it's essential to be proactive about creating a valid Virginia will, whether a holographic or a formal will drafted by a wills and estates lawyer, to ensure any assets are distributed according to your preferences rather than being subject to state intestacy laws.
In this blog, we’ll share what you need to know about creating a valid Virginia holographic will, the advantages and disadvantages, and how a wills and estates lawyer can help.
Contact the will attorneys at McCarthy & Akers, PLC, at (540) 722-2181 to schedule a consultation to ensure your holographic will is valid and includes all the necessary information to protect your estate – no matter how small. We're here to help you every step of the way. Let us go to work for you!
A holographic will is a type of will that is entirely handwritten, signed, and dated by the testator, (the person making the will). Unlike a traditional will, which is typed and requires witnesses, a holographic will is more informal and personal.
In Virginia, there are specific legal requirements for a holographic will to be considered valid:
When creating the will, the testator must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
The holographic will must be entirely handwritten by the testator. Typed or pre-printed text is not allowed.
The document must clearly indicate the testator's intent to create a will and distribute their assets upon their death.
The testator must sign the will, usually at the end of the document.
In Virginia, a holographic will does not require witnesses to be present when the will is signed. However, after the testator's death, at least two disinterested witnesses must testify in court that the handwriting and signature are those of the deceased testator.
While it's always better to work with an estate planning attorney when drafting a will, it's essential to know how to create a holographic will in Virginia in case of emergencies or other situations where legal assistance is unavailable.
In Virginia, a holographic will must be completely handwritten by the testator. Typed or printed text is not allowed and may result in the will being deemed invalid.
Be specific when describing your beneficiaries, using their full legal names and addresses to avoid confusion or ambiguity. Describe the relationship between you and the beneficiary, such as "my spouse," "my son," or "my friend."
Specify how you wish to distribute your assets among your beneficiaries. Be precise when describing each asset, including real estate properties, personal belongings, bank accounts, investments, and other valuable items.
Designate a trustworthy individual as the executor of your estate, responsible for managing and distributing your assets according to the terms of your will. Include the executor's full name and contact information to ensure clear identification.
If you have minor children or dependents, specify who you want to appoint as their guardian in the event of your death. Discuss this with the potential guardian beforehand and obtain their consent.
The testator must sign and date the holographic will, preferably at the end of the document. Although Virginia does not require the will to be dated, including the date can help avoid potential challenges regarding the will's authenticity or the testator's mental capacity at the time of signing.
In Virginia, holographic wills do not require witnesses to be present during the signing or to attest to the testator's signature. However, during the probate process, the court may require at least two disinterested witnesses to testify to the authenticity of the testator's handwriting.
These witnesses should have no direct interest in the will, such as being beneficiaries or having any potential financial gain from the will's provisions.
There are advantages and disadvantages to using a holographic will:
A holographic will might be advantageous in specific situations where creating a formal, attorney-assisted will may not be possible or practical. Some of these scenarios include:
There are several disadvantages associated with creating a holographic will, especially when compared to a formal will drafted with the assistance of an estate planning attorney. Some of these disadvantages include the following:
As mentioned earlier, after the testator's death, at least two disinterested witnesses must testify in court that the handwriting and signature are those of the deceased testator.
While a holographic will might come into play in certain situations, it is generally not recommended as a long-term solution for estate planning, especially if you have significant assets or complex estate planning needs.
A formal will or trust, created with the guidance of an estate planning attorney, can provide better legal protection, ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and minimize potential disputes and complications.
If you die without a valid will (whether holographic or formal), you are considered to have died "intestate." In Virginia, intestacy laws dictate how the deceased's estate will be distributed. The distribution process is based on the deceased's surviving relatives and their relationship with the deceased.
By creating a valid will, whether holographic or formal, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your preferences rather than being subject to state intestacy laws.
As a leading estate planning law firm in Winchester, VA, our team at McCarthy & Akers can help ensure your holographic will meets all the necessary legal requirements and protects your assets according to your wishes.
If you created a holographic will due to an emergency situation, let us help you take the first step toward securing your family's future. Our wills attorneys can help draft a more formal will or trust to provide better legal protection, ensure any assets are distributed according to your wishes, and minimize potential disputes and complications.
To schedule your consultation, contact us at one of our offices in Strasburg, Woodstock, Front Royal, Winchester, Manassas, and Warrenton at (540) 722-2181 or online. Our team of legal professionals is dedicated to providing personalized attention and comprehensive services to help you achieve your estate planning goals. Let us go to work for you!
Additionally, we provide a complimentary guide titled "3 Most Common Threats to Your Estate and Family's Future." To obtain your copy, please visit this link to download it.
Copyright © 2023. McCarthy & Akers, PLC. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
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302 W Boscawen St.
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 722-2181
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