California requires 2 witnesses present when the testator signsCal. Prob. Code § 6110Verified Sep 15, 2026View source. A gift to a witness who is also a beneficiary raises a rebuttable presumption of undue influenceCal. Prob. Code § 6112Verified Sep 15, 2026View source in California and can limit that witness to an intestate share, so the usual practice is disinterested witnesses.

No. California does not require notarization for a will to be validCal. Prob. Code § 6110Verified Sep 15, 2026View source. California has no execution-time self-proving affidavitCal. Prob. Code § 6110Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; a witness affidavit at probate can substitute for live testimony, so no notary is involved when the will is signed.

California requires 2Cal. Prob. Code § 4701Verified Oct 15, 2026View source witnesses, each at least 18 yearsCal. Prob. Code § 4701Verified Oct 15, 2026View source old and present when you sign, and the agent or your healthcare provider cannot serve as one. At least one witness must be unrelated to you.

In California, estates valued at $208,850Cal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less skip probate with the Small Estate AffidavitCal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, 40 daysCal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death. California sets a separate limit for real propertyCal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of $69,625Cal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. California sets the limit by the decedent's date of deathCal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source; an earlier death may be measured against a lower figure. An estate over the limit does not qualify, and no affidavit is prepared for it.

Yes. California publishes Petition for Probate (DE-111)Cal. Prob. Code §§ 8000-8577 (appointment & letters); §§ 8002, 10450 (petition contents)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source, filed with the Superior Court of CaliforniaCal. Prob. Code §§ 8000-8577 (appointment & letters); §§ 8002, 10450 (petition contents)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. E-filing is open to self-represented filersCal. Prob. Code §§ 8000-8577 (appointment & letters); §§ 8002, 10450 (petition contents)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.