(⏱️ 6-Minute Read)
Creating a will in California isn’t just about filling out a form—it’s about making your wishes crystal clear and legally enforceable. Whether you have a modest estate or a sizable portfolio, if your will doesn’t follow state law, your family could face confusion, court battles, or worse—your intentions ignored.
Here’s how to ensure your will stands up in court and protects your legacy.
Under California Probate Code, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be of sound mind
That means you must understand:
- You are creating a will
- What property you own
- Who your family members are
- How you want your estate distributed
If you don’t meet these standards, your will can be challenged—and potentially invalidated.
✅ Want to avoid costly mistakes? Join our free in-person seminar on September 9th in Inglewood and get expert guidance on creating an airtight will.
Reserve your seat now.
California requires your will to be in writing. You have two legal options:
1. Typed Wills
- Must be signed by you
- Must be witnessed by two people (more on that below)
Typed wills are the most common and are easier to verify during probate.
2. Holographic (Handwritten) Wills
- Must be written and signed entirely in your handwriting
- Do not require witnesses
While holographic wills are legal, they come with high risks.
Consider this: After painter Thomas Kinkade passed away, his girlfriend produced handwritten notes claiming to be his will. The result? Years of litigation and family turmoil.
Bottom line: if you’re going to use a holographic will, make your language unmistakably clear—and even then, you may be gambling with your legacy.
️ We’ll cover real-world examples like this at our September 9th seminar in Inglewood. If you want to avoid a similar disaster, claim your spot now.
To be legally valid, a typed will must be:
- Signed and dated by you
- Witnessed by two people present at the same time
- Witnesses must also sign at the same time as each other
Important: Don’t choose witnesses who stand to benefit from the will. Doing so can raise red flags and lead to claims of undue influence.
While notarization is not required, you can include a self-proving affidavit signed before a notary to streamline the probate process.
- Forgetting to sign or date your will
- Using beneficiaries as witnesses
- Failing to clearly describe property or recipients
- Relying solely on handwritten notes
These errors may seem small—but they can open the door to court disputes, delays, and even probate rejection.
Don’t take the risk. Bring your questions and concerns to our September 9th estate planning seminar. We’ll walk you through these pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Seats are limited ; Reserve Yours Now
Creating your will isn’t a one-and-done deal. Life changes—so should your estate plan.
Update your will after:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Acquiring or selling major assets
- The death of a beneficiary or executor
Also, don’t forget: beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance override your will. Make sure your entire plan works together.
California’s will laws are clear—but the consequences of ignoring them can be devastating. Take the time to protect your family, your assets, and your peace of mind.
Want expert help creating a will that holds up in court?
Tuesday, September 9th
Collins Law Group Office
Reserve Your Seat Now : Limited Seating
In just one hour, you’ll understand how to:
- Create a legally valid will
- Avoid probate pitfalls
- Protect your family from unnecessary court battles
Collins Law Group
Trusted estate planning for over 40 years
(310) 677-9787
collinslawgroup.com
Save your seat today. A legally sound plan is one hour away.
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