The validity of a will is a matter of state law. Holographic wills are only valid if made in one of the following states (but requirements may vary from state-to-state): Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana (where it is called an olographic testament), Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.Some of these require that the entire will be in the testatorâs handwriting, while others only require that the material provisions (that is, the provisions that designate the property and who is to receive it) be in the testatorâs handwriting. If only the material provisions need to be handwritten, it may be possible to use a last will and testament form that has blanks for the testator to handwrite in such provisions. Of course, it will be helpful to know how to write a will using appropriate language commonly used in wills. A few states also require that the will be dated (California, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, and Nevada).Holographic wills made in one of the above states may also be recognized in the following states: Connecticut, Hawaii, South Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin. Also, a holographic will that has been admitted to probate in a state that recognizes holographic wills may be recognized in Alabama, Delaware, Iowa, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, or Rhode Island, if it also disposes of property in one of these states.In Maryland, a holographic will made outside of the United States by a member of the United States Armed Forces will be recognized until one year after the member is discharged from the service.In New York, a holographic will is valid only if it is made by a member of the United States Armed Forces âwhile in actual military or naval service during war, declared or undeclared, or other armed conflictâ; by âa person who serves with or accompanies an armed forceâ so engaged; or by a mariner at sea. It must be entirely handwritten; and will only be valid until one year after the member is discharged from the service, one year after the person ceased serving with or accompanying the armed force, or three years after made by a mariner at sea.