Slate v. Titmus

The question presented in this appeal is whether a holographic writing was signed by the testator as required for a valid will by Code § 64.1-49.

In October 1987, Garland B. Slate told his nephew-in-law, Edward B. Titmus, where Titmus could find Slate’s will if anything happened to Slate. Slate died on December 25, 1987. Several days later, Titmus found a sealed envelope at the place Slate had described. On the front of the envelope, in Slate’s handwriting, was the following:

Will of Garland B. Slate

Atten: Edward B. Titmus

Within the envelope was a document, entirely in Slate’s handwriting, that…