Will Requirements in Louisiana
Louisiana recognizes a notarial testament signed before a notary and two witnesses, and an olographic testament entirely written, dated, and signed in the testator's own handwriting with no witnesses needed.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Louisiana at a glance
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed
- Handwritten (holographic) wills
- Recognized
The rules in Louisiana
How many witnesses does a will need in Louisiana?
A will in Louisiana must be signed in front of two witnesses, who sign it too.
Can a will be self-proved in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana allows a self-proving affidavit, which lets a court accept the will without calling the witnesses to testify.
Is a handwritten will valid in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills that meet its requirements.
Where do the Louisiana rules for wills come from?
They come from La. 2025 Regular Session Act No. 30 (SB 49), amending La. Civ. Code arts. 1575, 1576 and La. C.C.P. arts. 2887, 2891. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Louisiana compares
Louisiana is one of 27 jurisdictions that recognize handwritten wills.
What this means in practice
Sign the will in front of all the witnesses at the same time and have them sign right after you. Many people choose adult witnesses who receive nothing under the will, which avoids questions later.
Keep the signed original somewhere safe and tell your executor where it is. A copy is usually not enough to probate a will.
Changing a will later takes the same formalities: sign a codicil or a new will with witnesses, rather than writing changes on the original.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.