A holographic will is considered valid if it is?

A holographic will is considered valid if it is completely handwritten by the maker, also referred to as the testator. This type of will does not require any formalities usually associated with regular wills, such as notarization or witnessing. The essence of a holographic will lies in the fact that it reflects the testator's intentions, as evidenced by their own handwriting and signature.

In many jurisdictions, including California, the law allows for this type of will to be recognized as valid even if it lacks the typical structural elements defined by formal wills. The idea here is that a will should accurately reflect the wishes of the deceased, and a holographic will can provide that authenticity through its handwritten nature, demonstrating that it was created without external influence at that moment.

Other methods of validation, such as notarization or witnessing by individuals, are not necessary for holographic wills. Instead, those requirements are typically reserved for formal wills, which must adhere to stricter guidelines. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the importance of the personal, handwritten expression of intentions by the individual making the will—one of the defining characteristics of a holographic will.