Handwritten Wills

Have you ever heard of a holographic will?

In Michigan, where I live, Holograpic wills are legal. They are hand written wills, dated, signed, and witnessed on how you would like your assets and personal possessions distributed at your death.

Approximately 30 of 50 states in the USA allow holographic wills. Lots of folks don't know hand written wills are legal. Sometimes they aren't a great idea either -- you know if your situation is simple or complex (depending on the size of your estate, whether you have adult children who will share the estate, second marriages with children on both sides, etc.).

HOW TO DO A HOLOGRAPHIC WILL:

Simply hand write out a document that states this is your last will and testament and proceeds with a list of who gets what posessions, sign and date the bottom, and get it witnesssed (most states want two witnesses).

Now, where do you store the holographic will? With your important papers? Give it to someone who will do your wishes at your death? Think about it -- It needs to be someone who WILL follow through and process the will paperwork.

People are funny when it comes to inheritances, however small they may be. If you think one of your heirs might not distribute your assets as you wish.. don't leave it in their hands. Why bother with a will at all if your "will" isn't followed at your death?

This link shows more information via Wikipedia on handwritten wills... you can check your state to see if this might work for you.

This is obviously a very simplistic will - but if you don't have a large estate, and know how you want your personal items to be distributed... this is one option to consider.

Now, click the Wikipedia link above to learn more!