Writing Your Will in California

To create a will in California, the person creating the will (known as the testator) must be able to:put their will in writingunderstand the meaning of the documentbe free of undue influence or duress, andsign it in front of two witnesses.A will remains in full effect until a new will replaces it or it is revoked. Written amendments to the will in the form of codicils require the same signing and witness formalities as a will. The state of California recognizes holographic wills in certain circumstances. A holographic will is one written in the testator's handwriting but not signed by any witness. See our interactive map on holographic wills for more information. Oral wills are not recognized in California.Limitations on Wills in CaliforniaIn California, a surviving spouse , if not provided for in a will, has no right to elect or choose a "forced share" of the decedent's property. A will cannot distribute property that…