Writing a Valid Will
When you write a California will, you must ensure that it meets the state’s requirements. Generally, anyone who is of sound mind and over the age of 18 can write a will. However, your will may need to be finalized to be legally valid. To finalize a California will, you must:
- Sign the will in front of at least two impartial witnesses
- Have your witnesses sign the will at the same time, either after they have seen you signing the will or after you have acknowledged your signature
Handwritten wills do not require any witnesses.
How an Estate Planning Attorney Can Help
If you own a house, a car, or any other valuable assets, you should have a will. However, writing your own will can be dangerous. If you make a minor mistake, your will could be contested in court, exhausting your estate’s resources and forcing your relatives to endure prolonged litigation or intestate succession.
Depending on the nature of your estate, a will may be insufficient to protect it. After all, a will does nothing to shield your loved ones from probate. You might benefit from a revocable living trust, beneficiary designations, and other novel estate planning strategies intended to protect your heirs from probate while keeping your legacy safe from the courts.
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