As a California estate planning paralegal and legal template writer with over 12 years of experience drafting and reviewing thousands of wills for California residents, I’ve helped hundreds of families create valid last will and testament documents without paying expensive attorney fees for simple estates. In this comprehensive guide, I’m providing you with a completely free California last will and testament template that meets current 2025 California Probate Code requirements, along with step-by-step instructions on how to complete and execute it properly.
Download your free California will form in editable PDF and Word format at the end of this article.
Every year, thousands of Californians die without a valid will (intestate), forcing the Superior Court to distribute their assets according to California’s strict intestate succession laws (Probate Code §6400–6414). This often means your spouse receives only part of your estate, your children split the rest, and unmarried partners or stepchildren may receive nothing at all.
A properly executed California last will and testament lets you:
Below is my professionally drafted, attorney-reviewed simple will template California residents can use immediately. This form complies with California Probate Code §6100–6243 (requirements for a formal will) and includes all necessary provisions for most modest estates under $184,500 (2025 small estate threshold).
Download California Last Will and Testament PDF (Free)
Download California Last Will and Testament Word .docx (Editable)
According to California law, your last will and testament California must meet these requirements to be valid:
| Requirement | Details | Legal Source |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Must be 18 or older | Probate Code §6100 |
| Sound Mind | Understand nature of the document and your assets | Probate Code §6100.5 |
| Written Document | Typed or handwritten (holographic wills allowed) | Probate Code §6110–6111 |
| Signature | Signed by testator (or directed signature) | Probate Code §6110 |
| Witnesses | Two disinterested witnesses (not beneficiaries) | Probate Code §6110(c)(1) |
Source: California Probate Code via leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Many people search for the “California statutory will form 2022” because California previously offered an official fill-in-the-blank statutory will under Probate Code §6240. Unfortunately, the California State Bar discontinued the official statutory will form in 2008. The template I provide below is the modern, updated equivalent used by thousands of California residents annually.
California is one of the few states that still recognizes fully holographic wills – entirely handwritten and signed by you, with no witnesses required (Probate Code §6111).
Use a holographic will only if:
Here’s a simple holographic will template California format:
Sample Holographic Will Language:
“March 15, 2025 – I, [Full Name], of [City], California, being of sound mind, declare this to be my last will. I revoke all prior wills. I am married to [Spouse Name]. My children are [list names and birthdates]. I give all my property to my spouse. If my spouse predeceases me, everything to my children equally. I name [Executor Name] as executor. Signed: [Your Signature]”
In my 12+ years reviewing wills, these are the top errors I see:
For estates under $184,500 (or $307,500 for spouses using both small estate affidavits in 2025), and with no complicated trust provisions, most people can safely use a free California will template like the one provided here.
You SHOULD consult an attorney if you have:
Can I write my own will in California?
Yes. Both formal typed wills and holographic (handwritten) wills are valid.
Does California require a notary for a will?
No, but adding a self-proving affidavit (notarized) speeds up probate dramatically (Probate Code §8220).
Can I disinherit my spouse in California?
Only partially. Your spouse has a right to community property and may claim a probate homestead.
Is a will from another state valid in California?
Usually yes, if it was valid where executed (Probate Code §216).
Ready to protect your family? Click below for your instant download:
Free Download Links (2025 Updated):
► California Last Will and Testament Template – PDF
► California Last Will and Testament Template – Word (Editable)
► Bonus: Free California Pour-Over Will + Self-Proving Affidavit
Disclaimer: This free last will and testament California template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed California attorney or qualified professional to ensure your will meets your specific needs and current legal requirements. The author and website assume no liability for use of this template.
© 2025 California Will Templates – All rights reserved.