You can write your own olographic will. In Louisiana, a person can make a valid and enforceable will by simply writing their will out entirely in his/her handwriting. This type of will is called an olographic testament and it is one entirely written, dated, and signed in the handwriting of the testator (person who is writing his will). Although the date may appear anywhere in the testament, the testator must sign the testament at the end of the testament. If anything is written by the testator after his signature, the testament shall not be invalid and such writing may be considered by the court, in its discretion, as part of the testament. The olographic testament is subject to no other requirement as to form. The date is sufficiently indicated if the day, month, and year are reasonably ascertainable from information in the testament, as clarified by extrinsic evidence, if necessary. Additions and deletions on the testament may be given effect only if made by the hand of the testator. In order to avoid any problems in the future, erasures should not be made. Also, words written in the hand of another will not be given any effect, and thus, should be avoided. "Fill-in-the-blank" forms, commonly available in stores, are not valid wills in Louisiana. There are some things which you cannot legally do in a will, it is always a good idea to speak with an attorney about what you want to happen after your death.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 01:29:39 +0000