What defines a holographic will?

A holographic will is specifically defined as a will that is written entirely by the hand of the testator and does not require any witnesses to be considered valid. The key characteristic of a holographic will is the personal touch it has, as it reflects the testator's own handwriting, which can establish authenticity. This type of will is often used when a testator wishes to express their final wishes without the formalities required for a traditional will, such as the need for witnesses or notarization.

Holographic wills can be legally recognized in many jurisdictions, including Arizona, provided they meet certain basic criteria, such as clearly indicating the testator's intentions and being signed by the testator. In contrast, other types of wills mentioned in the choices have distinct legal requirements, such as the necessity of witnesses or the involvement of legal counsel, which do not apply to holographic wills.