Types of Wills
A will must be written. There are two different types of written wills that are recognized by law:

• Formal Wills: A formal will is a typewritten will that is usually prepared by an attorney and signed in front of witnesses and notarized according to the laws of the state.
  
• Written Wills: Also called a holographic will. A holographic will is a handwritten will that may or may not be notarized and witnessed.

Formal Wills
A formal will in New Jersey must be:

• Written and
  
• Signed by the Testator or Testatrix (Testator and Testatrix are legal terms for the person making the will) and
  
• Signed by at least 2 witnesses who either:
  
  • Saw the Testator sign the Will or
    
  • Saw the Testator tell someone else to sign the Will for him or her, if the Testator is unable to sign it.

Witnesses

• The witnesses can be anyone, regardless of whether or not they are named in the Will, as long as they are over the age of 18.
  
• If possible, it is wise to have witnesses who are not named in the Will in case there is any later dispute about the terms of the Will.

Holographic Wills

• A holographic will is a will that does not meet the specific requirements for a formal will.
  
  • In New Jersey, a holographic will is a will that is handwritten and signed by the Testator.
    
  • A holographic will does not need to be witnessed.