holograph

Holograph

A will or deed written entirely by the testator or grantor with his or her own hand and not witnessed.

State laws vary widely in regard to the status of a holographic will. Some states absolutely refuse to recognize any will not in compliance with the formal statutory requirements pertaining to the execution of the will. Many states that do not recognize holographic wills executed by their own citizens within their borders will nevertheless admit a holographic will to probate if it was validly executed in accordance with the statutory requirements of another jurisdiction that recognizes such wills.

West's Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

holograph

handwritten.

Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006

HOLOGRAPH. What is written by one's own hand. The same as Olograph. Vide Olograph.

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.