What the rule says
Nevada provides three pathways to a valid will, including the distinctive electronic will framework:
Attested wills (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 133.040)
1. A writing. 2. The testator's signature. 3. Two witnesses. Witnesses must sign the will in the testator's presence.
Holographic wills (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 133.090)
1. Entirely in the testator's handwriting. 2. Signed by the testator.
Electronic wills (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 133.085)
Nevada was the first state in the nation to authorize electronic wills, enacting the framework in 2001. An electronic will is valid if:
1. Created and maintained in electronic form. 2. Includes the testator's electronic signature. 3. Includes specific authentication characteristics — at least one of the following: - Authentication by a digital signature with a credible identification device (e.g., fingerprint or retinal scan) - Created in the presence of a qualified custodian who has verified the testator's identity - Witnessed and notarized in compliance with specific procedures
Nevada's electronic will framework allows fully digital estate planning — no paper, no physical signatures.
What this means in practice
Nevada's three-pathway framework includes one of the most innovative will execution frameworks in the country. The electronic will option is particularly distinctive and reflects Nevada's reputation as a forward-leaning estate planning jurisdiction.
What you can do about it
For a Nevada will execution:
- Use attested wills with self-proving affidavits for most estate planning (most reliable, broadly recognized). - Consider electronic wills for tech-savvy testators wanting digital estate planning. - Use holographic wills for emergency or interim purposes.
Who this affects most
Nevada's framework is most consequential for testators wanting modern, technology-enabled estate planning options. Electronic wills are useful but should be coordinated with cross-state recognition concerns.