a formal will requires that at least two people over the age of 14 witness the signing of the document. for example, to admit a holographic will to probate, someone who knows you must testify that the holographic will is in your handwriting. second, while it may be convenient to not have a witness to your will, this also means that there is no witness to testify as to the circumstances that surrounded your signing of the will. you must also have the intent to write a will. for example: “the last will and testament of derick lancaster.” 3. opening line it is important to start with stating who you are and what you are doing in this document, such as: i, derick lancaster, of houston, texas, on this date, may 14, 2016, am of sound mind, and i am writing this holographic will with the intent of setting forth my wishes for the disposition of my estate after my death.