Holographic Wills – handwritten and unwitnessed – are harder to validate in probate court and more prone to disputes. Only half of U.S. states recognize them. Financial advisors should urge their clients to formalize wills with legal counsel to ensure clarity, reduce litigation risk, and align estate plans with financial strategies, especially for high-net-worth or special needs cases. 

Attorney Lisa Stempien recently wrote an article covering whether or not clients should use Holographic Wills. If you would like to read the original article published by rethinking65, click here.