Wills Lawyer in California — How to Make a Valid Will and Protect Your Family

Everyone over 18 needs a will. This guide from a wills lawyer in California perspective explains how to make a valid will, what to include, and how to avoid common mistakes.

In California, a will must be in writing, signed by the person making it and signed by two witnesses. In addition, California is a community property state, so each spouse generally owns half of the community property regardless of what the will says. Consequently, local rules shape every will.

Our attorneys draft wills, powers of attorney and healthcare directives for California residents, entirely online, at fixed prices.

Why you need a will in California

A will says who receives your property and who manages your estate. In addition, it lets parents nominate a guardian for minor children. Without one, California's intestacy laws decide who inherits.

Intestacy rules may not match your wishes. For example, unmarried partners and stepchildren usually receive nothing. Therefore, a will is essential for blended families. Our Last Will and Testament service drafts a will that meets California's requirements.

Signing requirements in California

In California, a will must be in writing, signed by the person making it and signed by two witnesses. Witnesses should be adults who do not inherit under the will. Disinterested witnesses avoid later challenges.

Many wills also include a self-proving affidavit, signed before a notary. It allows the court to accept the will without calling the witnesses later. California also offers a fill-in-the-blank statutory will form, although it suits only simple situations.

Small errors, big problems

A missing signature or witness can invalidate a will. Therefore, follow the signing steps exactly.

Handwritten and electronic wills in California

California recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills in some circumstances, generally when the signature and key terms are in the person's own handwriting. Even so, they often cause disputes, so a properly witnessed will is much safer.

California generally still expects a signed paper will, so keep the original in a safe place. Either way, store the original safely and tell your executor where it is.

Spouses and wills in California

California is a community property state, so each spouse generally owns half of the community property regardless of what the will says. Consequently, spousal rights limit what a will can do.

Many couples choose mirror wills that leave everything to each other first. Our couples wills service drafts matching wills at a fixed price. In addition, a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can change spousal rights.

Choosing an executor in California

The executor manages your estate after death. They collect assets, pay debts and distribute property. Consequently, choose someone organized, honest and willing to serve.

Name at least one backup executor. Furthermore, consider whether the person lives nearby, because some states add requirements for out-of-state executors. Read our guide to probate in California to see what the job involves.

Guardians for minor children

Parents of minor children should name a guardian in their will. Without a nomination, a judge decides who raises the children. Consequently, discuss the role with the person first.

You can also leave money to children through a trust. That way, a trusted person manages the money until the children are older. Otherwise, children may receive everything at 18.

Think about practical details too. For example, consider where the guardian lives, their age and their health. In addition, talk with them about schooling, religion and family contact. These conversations make a hard transition easier for your children.

What a will cannot do

Some assets pass outside a will. For example, life insurance, retirement accounts and payable-on-death bank accounts go to named beneficiaries. Similarly, jointly owned property with survivorship rights passes to the co-owner.

Therefore, review your beneficiary designations along with your will. In addition, a transfer-on-death deed can pass real estate outside probate where California allows it.

Will or living trust in California?

A will must usually go through probate. By contrast, a living trust can avoid probate for assets placed in it. Trusts also keep details private.

Many people use both: a trust for major assets and a "pour-over" will for anything left out. Read our guide to living trusts in California to compare. A living trust consultation helps you decide.

Powers of attorney and healthcare directives

A will only works after death. However, you also need documents for incapacity. A durable power of attorney lets someone manage your finances if you cannot.

Similarly, an advance healthcare directive names someone to make medical decisions and records your wishes. Together, these documents keep your family out of guardianship court. Our complete estate plan bundle includes all of them.

Updating your will in California

Review your will after major life events. For example, marriage, divorce, children and moves can all change what you need. Moving states may also affect how your will works.

Small changes can be made with a codicil, which must be signed like a will. However, a new will is often cleaner. Never write changes on the original will, because that can cause disputes.

Common will mistakes in California

Several mistakes cause problems for families. First, people forget to name backup beneficiaries and executors. Next, they use vague language, such as "divide fairly," which invites disputes.

In addition, people forget digital assets and pets. Furthermore, some leave the original will where no one can find it. Finally, many never sign the will properly. Each of these mistakes is easy to avoid with professional drafting.

Digital assets and pets in a California will

Modern estates include digital assets. For example, online bank accounts, cryptocurrency, photos and social media accounts all need a plan. Consequently, give your executor clear authority over digital accounts.

Never put passwords in the will itself, because a probated will can become public. Instead, keep a secure list and tell your executor where to find it.

Pets need a plan too. You can name a caregiver and leave money for the pet's care. In addition, many states allow a pet trust, which makes sure the money is actually used for the animal.

Storing your will and telling your family in California

A will only helps if someone can find it. Therefore, keep the signed original in a safe, accessible place, such as a fireproof box at home. Some courts accept wills for safekeeping, so ask the local clerk.

Tell your executor where the original is. In addition, give trusted family members a copy or a note saying where to look. Courts usually require the original, so copies alone may not be enough.

Finally, review the storage location whenever you move. A lost will can mean the estate passes as if there were no will at all.

What a will costs in California

Will costs vary widely. Simple wills are often offered at a flat fee, while complex estates cost more. Consequently, flat fees suit most families.

Our will services are fixed-fee and prepared online. For a full overview of estate documents, read our estate planning package guide.

If you are unsure where to begin, list your assets, beneficiaries and preferred executor first. Then order your will, and we will guide you through signing it correctly.

Our Wills services in California

Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in California. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.

Wills across California — cities we serve

We work with clients in every part of California, entirely online. Therefore, it does not matter whether you live downtown or hours from the nearest courthouse. Your documents follow California law and your county's local practice. Choose your city below to see local details and prices.

• Los Angeles: Last Will and Testament in Los Angeles · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Los Angeles · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Los Angeles
• San Diego: Last Will and Testament in San Diego · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in San Diego · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in San Diego
• San Jose: Last Will and Testament in San Jose · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in San Jose · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in San Jose
• San Francisco: Last Will and Testament in San Francisco · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in San Francisco · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in San Francisco
• Fresno: Last Will and Testament in Fresno · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Fresno · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Fresno
• Sacramento: Last Will and Testament in Sacramento · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Sacramento · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Sacramento
• Long Beach: Last Will and Testament in Long Beach · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Long Beach · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Long Beach
• Oakland: Last Will and Testament in Oakland · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Oakland · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Oakland
• Bakersfield: Last Will and Testament in Bakersfield · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Bakersfield · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Bakersfield
• Anaheim: Last Will and Testament in Anaheim · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Anaheim · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Anaheim
• Riverside: Last Will and Testament in Riverside · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Riverside · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Riverside
• Santa Ana: Last Will and Testament in Santa Ana · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Santa Ana · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Santa Ana
• Irvine: Last Will and Testament in Irvine · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Irvine · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Irvine
• Stockton: Last Will and Testament in Stockton · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Stockton · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Stockton
• Chula Vista: Last Will and Testament in Chula Vista · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Chula Vista · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Chula Vista
• Fremont: Last Will and Testament in Fremont · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Fremont · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Fremont
• San Bernardino: Last Will and Testament in San Bernardino · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in San Bernardino · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in San Bernardino
• Modesto: Last Will and Testament in Modesto · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Modesto · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Modesto
• Oxnard: Last Will and Testament in Oxnard · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Oxnard · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Oxnard
• Pasadena: Last Will and Testament in Pasadena · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Pasadena · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Pasadena
• Santa Clarita: Last Will and Testament in Santa Clarita · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Santa Clarita · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Santa Clarita
• Palm Springs: Last Will and Testament in Palm Springs · Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in Palm Springs · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in Palm Springs

More California services

Couples Wills (Mirror Wills) in California · Complete Estate Plan Bundle in California · Advance Healthcare Directive / Living Will in California · Durable Power of Attorney in California · Living trust consultation in California · Transfer-on-Death Deed in California. See all legal services in California.

Nearby states

Moving between states, or is the other party elsewhere? We also cover Last Will and Testament in Oregon, Last Will and Testament in Nevada, Last Will and Testament in Arizona. See every location we cover.

Frequently asked questions

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Related guides

This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.