A holographic will is a will that is created and handwritten by the person who is making the will. It is dated and signed but often not witnessed. Usually, these wills are written in emergency situations, such as being trapped and near death. Many states recognize these wills they can validate the handwriting through handwriting experts or the presence of witnesses when the will was written. If the testator is mentally competent to write the will and the will states the intent to distribute his properties to beneficiaries then it will normally be considered valid. Although normally a will must be witnessed and notarized, the majority of holographic will are able to proceed through probate. Even though they are usually validated, most legal experts advise against the use of holographic wills in order to prevent any contestation of the document.