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Is a Will Valid if it’s Not Witnessed?

In North Carolina, only one type of will is valid if it is not witnessed: a holographic will.

A holographic will must be:

  • Handwritten entirely by the person creating it (no typed components).
  • Signed by that person.
  • Clearly expressing their testamentary wishes—what they want to happen after they pass away.

Any other type of unwitnessed will is invalid in North Carolina.

Author Bio

Paul Yokabitus

Paul Yokabitus is the CEO and Managing Partner of Cary Estate Planning, a Cary, NC, estate planning law firm. With years of experience in estate and elder law, he has zealously represented clients in various legal matters, including estate planning, guardianship, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and other cases.

Paul received his Juris Doctor from the Campbell University School of Law and is a North Carolina Bar Association member. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including being named among the “Best Attorney in Cary” in 2016 and 2017 by Cary News and Rising Star in 2020-2023 by Super Lawyers.

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