Louisiana signing rules
Notarial testament
It is prepared in writing, dated, executed before a notary public in the presence of two witnesses, and signed by the testator, each witness and the notary. A testator who cannot sign may affix a mark or direct another person to sign on their behalf in their presence (La. C.C. art. 1576).
Olographic testament
It is entirely written, dated and signed in your own handwriting and is subject to no other requirement as to form (La. C.C. art. 1575).
Proof
A notarial testament does not need to be proved if it is signed on each separate page and accompanied by the attestation declaration, either in the testament or in a later affidavit signed by the notary and the witnesses (La. C.C.P. art. 2887).
How to make your Louisiana will online
- Answer the questions. Tell us about your family, your assets and who you want to inherit. No payment during the questionnaire.
- Review your draft. Pactlio prepares an AI-generated draft for review, with review findings and a personal completion checklist.
- Download and sign it. You get PDF and Word files for $29. Then follow the signing steps below.
One-time price. Guided AI draft based on Louisiana signing rules. Pactlio is not a law firm.
After you download: signing steps
- Sign before a notary and two witnesses. The notary, both witnesses and you are present; you sign, then each witness and the notary sign (art. 1576).
- Sign every page. Signing each separate page, with the attestation declaration, lets the testament be accepted without separate proof (C.C.P. art. 2887).
- Date it. The notarial testament must be dated (art. 1576).
- Store it safely. Keep the original where your executor can find it.
A will is valid only when signed and witnessed as Louisiana requires. If your situation is complicated, consider asking a licensed Louisiana attorney to review it.
More Louisiana will help
Frequently asked questions
Is an online will valid in Louisiana?
A will is valid in Louisiana when it is signed and witnessed as Louisiana law requires (La. C.C. arts. 1575-1576), however it was drafted. Pactlio is an AI drafting service, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice.
Do I need a notary to make a will in Louisiana?
For a notarial testament, yes: it is executed before a notary public and two witnesses (La. C.C. art. 1576). An olographic testament written, dated and signed entirely in your own handwriting does not need one (art. 1575). Pactlio is an AI drafting service, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice.
What if I cannot sign my name?
A notarial testament allows a testator who is unable to sign to affix a mark or direct another person to sign on their behalf in their presence (La. C.C. art. 1576). Pactlio is an AI drafting service, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice.
How much does it cost to make a will online in Louisiana?
$29 is a one-time price per draft, before tax or discounts. It covers the AI-generated draft for review, PDF and Word downloads, review findings and a personal completion checklist. Individual professional review, witness or notary services, and estate administration are not included. No payment is taken during the questionnaire.
Sources
- La. C.C. art. 1575 (olographic testament)
- La. C.C. art. 1576 (notarial testament)
- La. C.C.P. art. 2887 (proof of a notarial testament)
Statute text read on October 31, 2026. A will is valid only when signed and witnessed as your state requires. Pactlio is an AI drafting service, not a law firm.
This is an AI-generated draft for review. It is not legal advice.