How to write a holographic will

Drawing up a holographic will is a personal process that enables you to pass on your estate according to your wishes. In Switzerland, this handwritten document is of the utmost legal importance. It enables you to organize your estate independently, without the need for a notary. However, its validity depends on compliance with strict rules. This guide details the essential steps involved in drawing up a holographic will that complies with Swiss law, avoiding the common pitfalls that could render it contestable. We look at the formal aspects to be respected, the content to be included and the precautions to be taken to ensure that your last wishes are carried out.

Conditions for the validity of a holograph will in Switzerland

Under Swiss law, the holographic will is governed by precise legal provisions designed to guarantee its authenticity and validity. To be recognized as valid, this document must meet several strict formal criteria.

First of all, the will must be entirely handwritten by the testator himself. The use of a computer, typewriter or any other mechanical or electronic means is forbidden and would render the will null and void. This requirement is designed to ensure that the document originates from the person concerned and has not been drafted by a third party.

Next, the will must bear the full date of writing, including the day, month and year. This date makes it possible to determine the capacity of the testator at the time of writing, and to establish the chronology in the case of multiple wills.

Finally, the will must be signed by the testator. The signature must appear at the end of the document, after the testamentary provisions, to attest that the testator approves the entire content.

It should be noted that these three elements – handwriting, date and signature – are cumulative. The absence of any one of them would render the will null and void.

Form and layout of a holograph will

Although no particular form is required for the presentation of a holograph will, it is advisable to follow certain rules to facilitate its reading and interpretation:

• Use good-quality, weather-resistant paper
• Print legibly, preferably in indelible ink
• Number the pages if the will contains several pages
• Avoid erasures and additions between lines
• Do not leave large white spaces that could be used for fraudulent additions

Although these precautions are not compulsory, they do help to reinforce the credibility of the document and prevent any disputes.

Contents of a holograph will

The content of a holograph will must reflect the testator’s wishes regarding the transmission of his estate. Several key elements must be included to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

First of all, it’s a good idea to start with an introductory phrase that clearly identifies the document as a will. For example: “This is my will revoking all previous dispositions”.

Next, the testator must precisely identify the beneficiaries of his bequests. It is advisable to use the full names, dates of birth and addresses of the people concerned, to avoid any ambiguity.

The description of the bequeathed property must be as precise as possible. For real estate, the exact address and, if possible, the cadastral references should be given. For valuable personal property, a detailed description is desirable.

The testator can also include conditions or charges attached to bequests. For example, he or she may stipulate that an asset will only be passed on when the beneficiary reaches the age of majority, or on condition that he or she continues his or her studies.

You can appoint an executor to ensure that your wishes are carried out. This person may be a relative or a legal professional.

Specific provisions to consider

Certain provisions deserve particular attention:

• Inheritance reserve: Swiss law stipulates a minimum share of the estate to be inherited by certain heirs (descendants, spouse). It is crucial to respect these limits to avoid future disputes.
• Special bequests: it is possible to bequeath specific assets to individuals or charitable organizations.
• Substitution clauses: these provide for alternatives in the event of the death of a beneficiary.
• Funeral arrangements: although not legally binding, they can be included to express your wishes.

Particular care must be taken in drafting these provisions to ensure that they comply with Swiss law and faithfully reflect the testator’s intentions.

Mistakes to avoid when drawing up a holograph will

Writing a holograph will may seem straightforward at first glance, but there are many pitfalls that can invalidate the document or create conflicts between heirs. Here are the main mistakes to avoid:

Use of ambiguous or imprecise terms: The language used in the will must be clear and unambiguous. Vague wording such as “I bequeath my property to my next of kin” can give rise to differing interpretations and disputes.

Omission of certain assets: An incomplete inventory of assets may leave certain goods unallocated, complicating the succession.

Non-respect of hereditary reserves: Ignoring the reserved portions provided for by Swiss law for certain heirs can lead to actions for reduction on the part of the aggrieved heirs.

Illegal or impossible conditions: Certain conditions attached to bequests may be considered invalid if they are contrary to law, morality or impossible to fulfill.

Non-compliant amendments: Any subsequent amendment to the will must comply with the same formalities as the initial drafting. Undated and unsigned additions or deletions will not be taken into account.

Additional precautions

To reinforce the validity of the will, it is recommended to :

• Avoid negative or vindictive statements about certain heirs
• Do not include provisions concerning property you do not own
• Refrain from mentioning confidential information not relevant to the estate
• Regularly check that the contents of the will still correspond to your current wishes

If there is any doubt about the wording or legality of certain provisions, it may be advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in inheritance law, without having him or her draw up the will, which would render it invalid as a holograph will.

Keeping and revoking a holograph will

Once a holographic will has been drawn up, its safekeeping is of paramount importance to ensure that it can be found and executed when the time comes. In Switzerland, there are several options available to the testator for the safekeeping of this precious document.

Keeping a will at home is possible, but involves risks. The will could be lost, accidentally destroyed or even concealed by ill-intentioned persons. If this option is chosen, it is advisable to inform a trusted person of the existence and location of the will.

Filing with a competent authority offers added security. In most Swiss cantons, wills can be deposited with the court clerk or a notary. This ensures that the document is preserved, and facilitates its discovery when the estate is opened.

Some banks also offer safe deposit boxes for important documents. This option provides good physical protection for the will, but requires that relatives or the executor be informed of its existence and location.

Revoking and amending a will

The testator retains the right to revoke or modify his will at any time. There are several ways to revoke a will:

• By drawing up a new will expressly cancelling the previous provisions
• By deliberately destroying the document
• By an act of revocation in the same form as a holograph will

To partially modify a will, it is preferable to draw up a complete new document rather than make corrections to the original, which could raise questions about the authenticity of the modifications.

It is crucial to date and sign any new will or deed of revocation to clearly establish the chronology of the testator’s wishes.

The current implications of the holographic will in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the holographic will remains the preferred legal tool for organizing one’s estate. Its ease of drafting and personal nature make it an attractive option for many citizens. Nevertheless, changing family and estate structures are raising new challenges.

The increasing complexity of family situations, with the rise of blended families and common-law unions, sometimes makes it tricky to distribute assets equitably while respecting legal inheritance reserves. Testators are increasingly faced with the need to reconcile their personal wishes with legal constraints.

Theinternationalization of assets is another factor to be taken into account. With assets located in different countries or heirs living abroad, drawing up a holographic will requires particular attention to the rules of private international law.

The increasing digitalization of society also raises the question of how to manage digital assets in the context of inheritance. Although the holographic will remains handwritten, it can now include provisions for online accounts, cryptocurrencies or digitally stored personal data.

The lawyer’s role in estate planning

Faced with these challenges, the services of a lawyer specializing in inheritance law can prove invaluable, even in the case of a holograph will. Without directly drafting the document, the lawyer can :

• Advising on the best way to formulate testamentary dispositions
• Check that the will complies with Swiss law
• Suggest strategies to optimize the transfer of assets
• Anticipate and prevent potential conflicts between heirs

The intervention of a legal professional thus makes it possible to combine the personal aspect of a holographic will with enhanced legal security, ensuring better execution of the testator’s wishes within the Swiss legal framework.