What type of will is handwritten, created solely by the testator, and not witnessed?

A handwritten will that is created solely by the testator and not witnessed is referred to as a holographic will. This type of will is characterized by being written entirely in the testator's handwriting, including their signature, which indicates their intent to create a will. Holographic wills are often recognized in many jurisdictions, including Michigan, and can be valid even if they do not comply with the formal witnessing requirements that apply to other types of wills. This flexibility allows individuals to express their wishes regarding the distribution of their estate in situations where formal means are not available.

Formal wills, on the other hand, typically require specific legal formalities to be considered valid, such as being written, signed, and witnessed by at least two individuals. Oral wills, also known as nuncupative wills, are spoken rather than written and often have very limited recognition and requirements that vary by jurisdiction. Statutory wills are those that conform to state statutes and often follow a prescribed format, requiring signatures and witnesses to ensure their validity.