The California last will and testament, which is a legal document, gives an individual called the testator the ability to choose how their estate will be distributed when they pass away. Businesses, digital assets, real land, personal property, life insurance policies, and all other assets and property may be distributed by the will.

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A last will and testament is a formal legal document that ensures that the testator’s assets will be divided in the manner chosen by the testator. All of the testator’s assets, including bank accounts, life insurance policies, fiduciary funds, and tangible, personal, and even digital property, may be given to specified beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of the will and as directed by the executor chosen by the testator.

California Will Signing Requirements

Will Signing Requirements: The will shall be in writing by the testator, in the testator’s name by some other person in the testator’s presence and by the testator’s direction, or by a conservator pursuant to a court order to make a will.¹

California Will Witness Requirements

Will Witnessing Requirements: At least two persons each of whom is present at the same time, and witnessed either the signing of the will by the testator or the testator’s acknowledgment of the signature or of the will.

Revoking A California Will

A California will can be revoked by creating a subsequent will, by codicil or by the testator destroying it by burning, tearing, cancelling, obliterating, or destroying the will, with the intent and for the purpose of revoking it by the testator or by another person in his presence by his consent and direction. If the physical act is by someone other than the testator, consent and direction of the testator there must be at least two witnesses present. ²

Summary of California Will Requirements

Anyone 18 years of age or older and of sound mind can write and sign a will in California. The will should be witnessed by two persons having no financial interest in the will. With the proper court order, a conservator may also create a will on behalf of the testator.