Much of this blog is dedicated to convincing readers to see an estate planning attorney to draft a will and other estate planning documents. In these economic times, some may decide that's too expensive and download a form off of the internet. I hear the adds too: "checked by a law school professor and found to be valid."
In my experience, that's not the case. In fact, I have yet to have a client come in with a will downloaded from the internet that was valid in Louisiana. I firmly believe sitting down with an estate planning attorney to plan your estate is well worth the investment.
However, hand writing a will is probably better than the download option and is definitely better than no will. So, if you must roll your own, here are some tips:
- A handwritten will is valid in Louisiana
- Make sure it is entirely handwritten by you and dated and signed in your handwriting
- Don't have it notarized or type portions of the will
- One will per person. Combo wills don't work.
- Two people will have to testify to identify your handwriting
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