What characterizes a holographic will in Ontario?

A holographic will in Ontario is characterized by being entirely handwritten and signed by the testator. This means that the will must be in the testator's own handwriting, which expresses their testamentary intentions without the need for formalities such as attestation by witnesses or notarization. The rationale behind recognizing holographic wills is to allow individuals the flexibility to create a valid will even in circumstances where they may not have access to legal services or are unable to follow more formal procedures.

Other aspects that set holographic wills apart include the absence of the requirement for two witnesses, which is necessary for formal wills. The goal is to ensure that the testator's true intentions are preserved, fostering a more accessible approach to estate planning. While other methods of creating a will require specific formalities for legal validity, a holographic will's simplicity supports the notion that personal expression in writing, combined with the testator's signature, is sufficient to reflect one's wishes for the distribution of their assets upon death.