California · Standard edition

California Last Will and Testament Template

Create a California last will and testament online. The Standard will names your executor, sets out gifts and your residuary estate, covers debts and taxes, survivorship, guardians for minor children, and digital assets, and includes the California signing and witness requirements with an attestation clause.

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California rules built into this template

  • Signing and witnesses: A will must be signed by the testator and by at least two witnesses who are present at the same time, who witness the testator's signing or the testator's acknowledgment of the testator's signature, and who understand that the instrument is their will (Cal. Prob. Code § 6110). A gift to a witness is presumed to be the result of undue influence unless two other subscribing witnesses are disinterested (Cal. Prob. Code § 6112).
  • Self-proving: California does not require a notarized self-proving affidavit; the witnesses may sign the attestation declaration below under penalty of perjury.
  • Handwritten wills: A will whose signature and material provisions are in the testator's handwriting may be valid without witnesses (Cal. Prob. Code § 6111), but this typed Will must be witnessed.

What the Last Will and Testament includes

  1. Revocation
  2. Executor
  3. Executor's Powers
  4. Debts, Expenses, and Taxes
  5. Gifts
  6. Residuary Estate
  7. Survivorship
  8. General Provisions
  9. California Signing Requirements
  10. Governing Law

Frequently asked questions

How many witnesses does a will need in California?
A will must be signed by the testator and by at least two witnesses who are present at the same time, who witness the testator's signing or the testator's acknowledgment of the testator's signature, and who understand that the instrument is their will (Cal. Prob. Code § 6110). A gift to a witness is presumed to be the result of undue influence unless two other subscribing witnesses are disinterested (Cal. Prob. Code § 6112).
Does a will need to be notarized in California?
A will does not need to be notarized to be valid in California. California does not require a notarized self-proving affidavit; the witnesses may sign the attestation declaration below under penalty of perjury.
What is the difference between the Standard and Professional Last Will and Testament?
The Standard edition is a complete, state-aware Last Will and Testament for common situations. The Professional edition adds longer clause coverage, schedules, and optional modules for more complex matters. You can preview either edition free before you pay.

Last Will and Testament templates for other states

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