LA · Will Requirements
Will Requirements in Louisiana (2026)
A will in Louisiana requires 2 witnesses and must be notarized. You must be at least 16 years old and of sound mind. Louisiana accepts handwritten (holographic) wills, and electronic wills are not valid here. Louisiana does not offer a self-proving affidavit, so your witnesses may be asked to testify when the will is admitted to probate. Will execution is governed by La. Civ. Code Art. 1577.
Here's what Louisiana says you need to make your last wishes actually count. Spoiler: it's not as bad as you think.
What does a valid will in Louisiana require?
| Requirement | Louisiana rule |
|---|---|
| Witnesses required | 2 |
| Notarization | Required |
| Minimum age | 16 years old |
| Handwritten (holographic) wills | Recognized |
| Electronic wills | Not recognized |
| Self-proving affidavit | Not available |
| Governing statute | La. Civ. Code Art. 1577 |
| Probate threshold | $75,000 |
| Property system | Community property |
| State estate tax | No |
| State inheritance tax | No |
How do you make a will legally valid in Louisiana?
- Be at least 16 and of sound mind.
- Put it in writing and sign it yourself.
- Have 2 witnesses watch you sign, then have them sign the will too. Don't pick someone who inherits under it.
- Sign in front of a notary. Louisiana will not accept the will without one.
So you’ve decided to finally write a will in Louisiana. Congratulations on acknowledging your own mortality. Most people can’t even manage that. Here’s what LA law requires to make sure your last wishes actually hold up in court instead of becoming an expensive piece of creative writing.
The basic requirements
Louisiana requires 2 witnesses to make your will valid. You’ll also need a notary, because apparently 2 witnesses watching you sign isn’t convincing enough. You must be at least 16 years old and of sound mind, though if you’ve been putting this off for years, the “sound mind” part is debatable.
Handwritten and electronic wills
Louisiana does accept holographic (handwritten) wills, so technically you could scribble your wishes on a napkin. We don’t recommend it, but you do you. Electronic wills aren’t recognized in Louisiana yet, so you’ll need actual paper like it’s 1995.
What Louisiana law says about your stuff
As a community property state, your spouse already owns half of everything acquired during the marriage. Your will covers your half and any separate property. Under La. Civ. Code Art. 1577, if you die without a will in Louisiana, your assets get distributed according to intestacy laws, basically, the state’s default settings for dead people. These defaults rarely match what anyone actually wants.
The bottom line
A valid will in Louisiana isn’t complicated, but it does need to follow the rules. 2 witnesses, a notary, your signature, and a clear head. Skip any of these and you might as well not bother, your family will be stuck in probate court arguing about who gets the good china while lawyers bill $300 an hour to watch.
Special note for Louisiana: Louisiana uses Napoleonic civil law; forced heirship rules apply to children under 24 or disabled children of any age
How much does a will cost in Louisiana?
An attorney in Louisiana averages $900 (range $600-1800). Killswitch charges $69, once, with no subscription.
Typically $600-1800. The clock starts again every time you think of a question.
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What else do people ask about wills in Louisiana?
How many witnesses do I need for a will in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires 2 witnesses for a valid will. They need to be competent adults who watch you sign and then sign the will themselves. Pro tip: don't pick someone who's inheriting, that's a conflict of interest that could invalidate their share.
Does Louisiana require a notary for wills?
Yes, Louisiana requires notarization for a valid will. Find a notary at your bank, UPS store, or local library. It usually costs $5-$15 per signature.
Are handwritten wills valid in Louisiana?
Yes, Louisiana recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills. They still need to be entirely in your handwriting and signed by you. No witnesses technically required for holographic wills, but a typed and witnessed will is much harder to contest.
What is the minimum age to make a will in Louisiana?
You must be at least 16 years old to make a will in Louisiana. If you're 16 and already thinking about your will, you're either incredibly responsible or having a really rough week.
What other Louisiana documents do you need?
Do you need a Louisiana healthcare directive?
Louisiana requires 2 witnesses for healthcare directives. No notary required.
What does estate planning in Louisiana cover?
Everything LA residents need to know about estate planning, without the lawyer-speak or the $900 attorney bill.
Do you need a Louisiana power of attorney?
Louisiana POAs are durable by default. Notarization required.
How do the rules compare in nearby states?
Your Louisiana Family Will Thank You (Eventually)
About thirty minutes, built from Louisiana statute, and valid the moment you sign it the way Louisiana asks you to.
Free to build, free to read, $69 only when you want the copy without the watermark.
Look, we're not lawyers (we're way more fun at parties). This is educational content about Louisiana laws, not legal advice. If your situation is complicated (and let's be honest, whose isn't), talk to an actual attorney. We just make the paperwork less painful.
