Many of us have seen someone on TV or in a movie scrawling their last will and testament on a bar napkin. But would something like that actually hold up in court?
In Illinois, there are specific requirements for a will to be considered valid. If you have found yourself scribbling instructions for the future and you are not sure whether that means you have left clear instructions, a qualified Illinois estate planning lawyer can help you ensure that your final wishes are honored.
Are Handwritten Wills Valid in Illinois?
In Illinois, handwritten wills, officially known as holographic wills, are only legally recognized if they meet the state’s strict standard will requirements for a valid will under state law. According to the Illinois Probate Act, a will can only be legally valid if: