Los Angeles, CA asked in Estate Planning for California

Q: For a Will in the state of California do I have the option of 2 Witnesses or 1 Notary Public?

I prefer 2 Witnesses and a Notary but we are having a problem getting the 2 Witnesses.

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers

A: No. Wills cannot be notarized in California. You have two choices: either two witnesses sign your Will in your presence at the same time that you sign it (a formal Will), or your Will is entirely in your handwriting (no witnesses; holographic).

A: Here in California we do not notarize the signature. The rule is two witnesses or the entire will in the testator's hand writing.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.