Estate PlanningCalifornia

California Last Will and Testament

A last will and testament lets you name an executor, a guardian for minor children, and the people who inherit your estate. In California, a will generally must be signed by the testator and two witnesses; notarization is not required for the will to be valid (Cal. Prob. Code 6110). California also recognizes self-proving affidavits (Cal. Prob. Code 8220), which let the will enter probate without tracking down the witnesses.

This template walks you through your executor, your beneficiaries, and any specific gifts, then produces a California will ready to print and sign following the requirements below, in Word and PDF.

Create your California last will and testament Read the full Last Will and Testament guide

California will signing requirements

California last will and testament requirements at a glance
Witnesses	Two witnesses
Notarization	Not required for the will to be valid; a notary comes in only for the optional self-proving affidavit
Self-proving affidavit	Recognized (Cal. Prob. Code 8220)
Holographic (handwritten) wills	Recognized (Cal. Prob. Code 6111)
Statute	Cal. Prob. Code 6110

California does not use a separate notarized affidavit: the witnesses sign the attestation clause under penalty of perjury, which lets the will be admitted without live testimony.

The signature and the material provisions must be in the testator's handwriting.

Verify before you rely on it

Wills statutes change, and probate courts apply them strictly. Confirm the current California requirement in the statute cited above (or with your state's self-help resources) before signing your will.

How this template works in California

Answer guided questions about your executor, guardians for minor children, and beneficiaries, and the will writes itself in front of you. Then print it and sign it with your witnesses following the California requirements above; a will has no effect until it is properly signed.

The form, the live preview, and the full guide live on the main Last Will and Testament page.

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California will signing requirements

How this template works in California

Last Will and Testament in other states