How many witnesses do I need for a will in Louisiana?

Louisiana requires 2 competent witnesses who watch you sign the will and then sign it themselves [§ 1576].

Are handwritten wills valid in Louisiana?

Yes. Louisiana recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills, but they must be entirely in your handwriting and signed. A formally witnessed will is more reliable and harder to challenge.

Does my will need to be notarized in Louisiana?

Yes — Louisiana requires notarization for a valid will.

Can I disinherit someone in my will?

Yes — you can leave your property to anyone you choose. However, Louisiana law may provide a surviving spouse with an elective share that cannot be fully overridden by a will [§ 1576]. Children can be disinherited if the will makes it clear the omission is intentional [§ 1576].

What happens if I die without a will in Louisiana?

Your assets pass under Louisiana's intestacy laws — a fixed formula based on family relationships. The court appoints an administrator, and the result may not match your wishes.

Topic guideUpdated 2026-02-27

Louisiana Wills — Requirements & Types Explained

How to make a valid will in Louisiana — witnesses, holographic wills, and common mistakes.

A will is the foundation of every estate plan. In Louisiana, a valid will lets you control who inherits your property, name a guardian for minor children, and choose who administers your estate §1576.

Requirements for a valid will in Louisiana §1576

Age and capacity

You must be at least 16 years old and of sound mind — meaning you understand what you own, who your heirs are, and what the will does.

In writing

The will must be a written document. Louisiana does not recognize nuncupative (oral) wills. A valid will must be in writing.

Signed by the Testator

You must sign the will yourself, or direct someone to sign on your behalf in your presence.

Witnessed

2 competent witnesses must watch you sign (or acknowledge your signature) and then sign the will themselves §1576.

Holographic wills

Louisiana recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills §1575. A holographic will must be entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed, but witnesses are not required. Courts may still scrutinize these more closely than formally executed wills.

Types of wills

	Simple will	Pour-over will	Testamentary trust will
How it works	Distributes assets directly to beneficiaries	Directs remaining assets into a trust at death	Creates a trust upon your death
Avoids Probate	No	No (but the trust does for future transfers)	No
Best for	Smaller estates, simple wishes	Paired with a living trust	Minor children, special needs beneficiaries
Complexity	Low	Medium	Higher

Revoking or changing a will

You can revoke a will at any time by creating a new will that expressly revokes the old one, or by physically destroying the document with intent to revoke §1576. A codicil can amend specific provisions without rewriting the entire will; a new will is cleaner for significant changes.

Louisiana follows the civil law tradition and requires notarization for a formal (notarial) will, which must be signed before a notary and two witnesses (La. Civ. Code art. 1576). Holographic wills are valid if entirely handwritten, dated, and signed (art. 1575). Louisiana law provides for forced heirship — minor children and certain permanently disabled children cannot be disinherited (art. 1493–1495).

⚠A will only controls assets that are in your name alone. Property held jointly, assets with beneficiary designations (retirement accounts, life insurance), and assets in a trust pass outside the will — regardless of what the will says.

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Quick checklist (Estate Planning)

You can start the intake without all of these.

Existing will or trust

(if any)

Asset summary

(property, accounts, policies)

Family information

(beneficiaries, guardians)

General preparation tips only. Requirements vary by case and state.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.

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Louisiana Living Trusts — Revocable & Irrevocable