The statute of frauds required a will of real estate to be in writing, and under statutes of the various states a will affecting personal property must now also be in writing. This subject has already been discussed in Chapter II (Obligations Of Administration. Section 33. The Duties Of Administrator Or Executor).

Typewriting or printing satisfies the requirements of the statute of frauds.1 Writing with lead pencil may be sufficient,2 but such writing is prima facie deliberative only. Writing upon a slate is not sufficient.3