What is a will?
What is a will?
A will is a legal document in which you may direct the distribution of your assets, nominate guardians for your minor children, and name one or more executors. It “speaks” or becomes irrevocable when you die.
A type-written will must be witnessed as described in the California Probate Code, rather than notarized.
A will is subject to probate.
Your will may not govern the disposition of all of your assets. For example, if you have provided the custodian of your IRA with a beneficiary designation naming a beneficiary, the beneficiary designation will control where the IRA goes on your death, not your will. Similarly, joint tenancy property which you own goes to the joint owner(s) on your death.
If you own real property or other assets in another country, the other county’s laws will apply. Your domestically produced will may or may not govern the disposition of that property. You should confer with an attorney here and where the property is located.