What defines a holographic will?

A holographic will is specifically defined as a will that is written entirely by the testator in their own handwriting. This type of will does not require any witnesses or formalities that are typically necessary for a standard will. The rationale behind the legal recognition of holographic wills is that they allow individuals to express their last wishes in a straightforward manner, even if they do not have legal representation or the ability to follow all formal will-writing procedures.

In many jurisdictions, as long as the signature and the material provisions of the will are in the handwriting of the testator, it can be considered a valid holographic will. This flexibility is particularly important for individuals who may wish to make updates to their estate planning quickly and without the need for formal legal assistance or resources.

The other types of wills listed would not meet the definition of a holographic will. A will created with legal representation or one prepared by an attorney typically indicates that it followed formal procedures, including the involvement of legal professionals. A notarized will with witnesses is another type of formal will and does not align with the essence of a holographic will, which requires a personal touch through the testator's handwriting entirely.