What is a holographic (handwritten) will?
How the answer differs across 4 jurisdictions
GermanyFull article To be valid, a handwritten will in Germany must be entirely handwritten, signed with your full first and last name, and dated with day, month, and year — all in your own handwriting.
South KoreaFull article South Korea does not recognize holographic wills. A valid will must be either a notarized will (with two witnesses and a notary) or a sealed will (signed and sealed by the testator and witnessed).
US-CaliforniaFull article Yes, California recognizes holographic wills if the material provisions and signature are in the testator's handwriting.
US-New YorkFull article No, New York does not recognize holographic (entirely handwritten and unwitnessed) wills.
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GermanyHow do I write a valid handwritten will?South KoreaHow do you write a holographic will?US-CaliforniaDoes California recognize holographic (handwritten) wills?US-New YorkDoes New York recognize holographic (handwritten) wills?Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.