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.

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2 Lawyer Answers
James Edward Berge
James Edward Berge
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • San Jose, CA
  • Licensed in California

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).

Jeffrey Louis Gaffney
Jeffrey Louis Gaffney
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Carlsbad, CA
  • Licensed in California

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.

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