Court Reporter Practice Exam

What is a "holographic will"?

1. A will written in a foreign language

2. A typed will

3. A handwritten will by the maker

4. A will created with a notary present

The correct answer is: A handwritten will by the maker

A holographic will refers specifically to a document that is written entirely by the testator's own hand. This form of will often does not require witnesses or a notary, depending on jurisdictional laws, but the key characteristic is that the testator personally penned the entire document. This authenticity often lends it a certain legal weight, as it is presumed to reflect the true intentions of the testator. Other types of wills, such as those written in a foreign language or those that are typed, do not meet the criteria of a holographic will since they either need translation or are not in the individual's handwriting. Additionally, the presence of a notary signifies a formal witnessing procedure which is not a requirement for a holographic will, further distinguishing it from the other options presented.