How are "informal wills" recognized by law in some jurisdictions?

Informal wills are recognized by law in some jurisdictions primarily based on the clear demonstration of the testator's intent. This concept revolves around the idea that a testator's wishes should be honored even if the document does not meet the strict legal formalities typically required for a will, such as being witnessed or written in a specific format.

Many jurisdictions follow the principle that as long as it can be reliably established that the document reflects the testator's intentions regarding the distribution of their assets upon death, then that document may be considered a valid will. This approach allows for some flexibility, particularly in situations where the testator created a handwritten note or other informal document meant to express their wishes, which might not fit the traditional mold.

In contrast, requiring a witness signature or adhering to standard formalities are characteristics of formal wills and therefore do not apply to informal wills, which are noted for their more lenient criteria. The idea that informal wills are always considered invalid is not accurate, as many jurisdictions have provisions recognizing the intent behind these documents, underscoring the importance of the testator's wishes.