Types of Wills in Louisiana

Author: Mason Johnson

Louisiana’s Civil Code of 1870 originally provided for four different types of wills (testamentary forms): the olographic testament, the mystic testament, the nuncupative testament by public act, and the nuncupative testament by private act. In 1997, the Louisiana legislature reduced the types of wills to only two: a notarial testament and an olographic testament.

An olographic testament is entirely handwritten and signed by the testator (i.e. the person making the will). The notarial will requires the presence of a notary and two witnesses and is reserved for testators who know how to read and sign his or her name and has the ability to do so. There are provisions for four other forms of notarial wills for testators with disabilities.

While this a very brief overview of the types of wills in Louisiana, there is much to take into consideration when writing your will. An experienced attorney can help.