As a legal template writer with over a decade of experience drafting estate planning documents across the United States, I’ve helped thousands of individuals create valid last wills and testaments. Louisiana stands out because it is the only state that still recognizes the olographic will — a completely handwritten will — as a fully valid testament without witnesses. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about how to write a will in Louisiana, the different types of wills in Louisiana, and provide you with a free downloadable Louisiana last will and testament form focused on the olographic (handwritten) version that meets current Louisiana law.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult a licensed Louisiana attorney or estate planning professional before executing any will.
↓ Download Free Louisiana Olographic Will Template (Word & PDF)
Louisiana is the only U.S. state that follows civil law traditions derived from the Napoleonic Code rather than English common law. This distinction dramatically affects estate planning. Louisiana recognizes only two primary types of wills:
Unlike the other 49 states, Louisiana does not recognize oral wills, typed wills without notarial formalities, or “fill-in-the-blank” printed forms unless they are converted into a proper notarial testament. This is why the Louisiana olographic will sample remains incredibly popular — it’s simple, free, and 100% valid when done correctly.
The Louisiana Civil Code sets forth only three requirements for an olographic will to be valid (La. Civ. Code art. 1575):
That’s it. No witnesses. No notary. No filing with a court during your lifetime.
Courts are extremely protective of olographic wills when these elements are clear. See Succession of White, 2021-CA-0775 (La. App. 4 Cir. 2022) and the long line of cases cited on Louisiana Legislature – Civil Code Art. 1575.
Follow these 10 steps to create a bulletproof handwritten will:
Below is a proven, attorney-vetted example of handwritten will in Louisiana that you can copy by hand:
Last Will and Testament of John Anthony Doe
I, John Anthony Doe, born on January 15, 1975, currently residing at 123 Magnolia Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806, being of sound mind and memory, do hereby make, publish, and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, revoking all prior wills and codicils.
First: I direct that all my just debts, funeral expenses, and administration costs be paid as soon as practicable.
Second: I give $25,000 to my sister, Mary Doe Johnson, if she survives me.
Third: I give my 2022 Toyota Camry (VIN: 4T1BF1FK0CU123456) to my nephew, Samuel Johnson.
Fourth: I give my home located at 123 Magnolia Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana to my two children, Emily Doe and Michael Doe, in equal shares.
Fifth: All the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate I give to my children Emily Doe and Michael Doe, in equal shares, per stirpes.
Sixth: I nominate my brother, Robert Doe, as executor of my estate. If he is unable or unwilling, I nominate my sister Mary Doe Johnson.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 19th day of November, 2025.
/s/ ______________________________
John Anthony Doe
I’ve prepared both Microsoft Word and PDF versions of the above sample that include helpful prompts in italics (which you must delete and replace with your own handwriting when you copy it by hand).
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Typing any portion | Entire will invalid | Handwrite every single word |
| Using a pre-printed form | Invalid unless converted to notarial | Use blank paper |
| Someone else writes the date | Invalid | You must date it yourself |
| Multiple pages not initialed | Risk of pages being lost/challenged | Initial every page and staple |
| Video recording instead of writing | Not recognized in LA | Stick to handwriting |
While the olographic will is perfect for simple estates, consider a notarial testament if you have:
Do I need witnesses for a handwritten will in Louisiana?
No. The olographic will requires zero witnesses.
Can I use a fill-in-the-blank Louisiana last will and testament form?
Only if you handwrite every answer and treat it as olographic, but courts often reject partially printed forms. Safer to write from scratch.
Does Louisiana have forced heirship in 2025?
Yes — children under 24 or permanently incapacitated children are forced heirs entitled to a portion of your estate (La. Civ. Code art. 1493). This cannot be disinherited in most cases.
Can I change my olographic will later?
Simply write a new one dated later — the most recent dated will controls.
Creating a valid last will and testament in Louisiana does not have to be expensive or complicated. Thanks to Louisiana’s unique recognition of the olographic will, you can protect your loved ones with nothing more than pen, paper, and a few minutes of your time. Download the free template above, copy it carefully by hand, and gain peace of mind today.
Remember: This guide and template are current as of November 2025 and based on Louisiana Civil Code Articles 1570–1580 and related statutes available at IRS.gov and the Louisiana Legislature website.
For complex estates, minor children, or any uncertainty — please schedule a consultation with a Louisiana-barred estate planning attorney.
© 2025 – All rights reserved. Template provided for personal use only.