Can I write my own handwritten will and will it hold up in court?

A fully handwritten, unwitnessed will is called a holographic will, and only about half of U.S. states recognize it. Where valid, it generally must be entirely in your handwriting, signed, and clearly show intent; some states also require it be dated. Even in states that accept them, holographic wills invite challenges because there are no witnesses to confirm your capacity and voluntariness, and vague language causes disputes. They are best treated as a stopgap, not a plan. If you live in a state that doesn't recognize holographic wills, such a document is void and you would be treated as dying intestate. A properly witnessed, typed will costs little and avoids these risks entirely.