California signing rules
In writing and signed
A will must be in writing and signed by you, or in your name by another person in your presence and at your direction (Prob. Code § 6110(a)-(b)).
Two witnesses
At least two people, present at the same time, must witness your signing or your acknowledgment of the signature or the will, understand that the document is your will, and sign during your lifetime (§ 6110(c)(1)).
Handwritten wills
A will that does not meet § 6110 is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if the signature and the material provisions are in your handwriting (§ 6111(a)).
No separate self-proving affidavit
California has no separate self-proving affidavit. In an uncontested probate, a witness's affidavit, attached to the will or built into its attestation clause, proves it (§ 8220(b)).
How to make your California will online
- Answer the questions. Tell us about your family, your assets and who you want to inherit. No payment during the questionnaire.
- Review your draft. Pactlio prepares an AI-generated draft for review, with review findings and a personal completion checklist.
- Download and sign it. You get PDF and Word files for $29. Then follow the signing steps below.
One-time price. Guided AI draft based on California signing rules. Pactlio is not a law firm.
After you download: signing steps
- Sign the will. Print it and sign it, or direct another person to sign your name in your presence (§ 6110(b)).
- Have two witnesses sign. Both are present together when you sign or acknowledge the will, understand it is your will, and sign it.
- Have them sign the attestation clause. The witnesses sign the attestation clause in the will so it can be proved without them later (§ 8220(b)).
- Store it safely. Keep the original where your executor can find it.
A will is valid only when signed and witnessed as California requires. If your situation is complicated, consider asking a licensed California attorney to review it.
More California will help
Frequently asked questions
Is an online will valid in California?
A will is valid in California when it is signed and witnessed as California law requires (Cal. Prob. Code § 6110), however it was drafted. Pactlio is an AI drafting service, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice.
Do I need a notary to make a will in California?
No. Prob. Code § 6110 requires witnesses, not a notary. The state's own statutory will form says it does not need to be notarized and that notarization will not satisfy the witness requirement (§ 6240). Pactlio is an AI drafting service, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice.
Can I use the California statutory will form instead?
Yes. Probate Code § 6240 prints a fill-in California Statutory Will for California residents. See our California will form and template guide to compare it with a custom draft. Pactlio is an AI drafting service, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice.
How much does it cost to make a will online in California?
$29 is a one-time price per draft, before tax or discounts. It covers the AI-generated draft for review, PDF and Word downloads, review findings and a personal completion checklist. Individual professional review, witness or notary services, and estate administration are not included. No payment is taken during the questionnaire.
Sources
- Cal. Prob. Code § 6110 (execution)
- Cal. Prob. Code § 6111 (holographic wills)
- Cal. Prob. Code § 6240 (California Statutory Will)
- Cal. Prob. Code § 8220 (proof of a will)
Statute text read on October 31, 2026. A will is valid only when signed and witnessed as your state requires. Pactlio is an AI drafting service, not a law firm.
This is an AI-generated draft for review. It is not legal advice.