What Does the California Statutory Will and Radio Buttons Have In Common?
The California legislature did something big for access to justice in the early 1980s, but most residents are unaware. Over 40 years ago, the legislature passed into law the California Statutory Will (Probate Code Sections 6200-6243), giving residents the ability to create their own wills simply, and for free. Only four other states have done the same, and the motivation behind this is to allow people to create their own valid wills without the need for an attorney.
The statutory will is a template that will validly function as a will if certain conditions are met. Probate Code Sections (6220-6227).
Despite being simple with few options for customization, many (not all, and for a proper analysis, please seek legal advice from a California licensed attorney) people’s scenarios along with their wishes can be accomplished by using this form if:
there is no desire to avoid probate. The California Statutory Will as with any other testamentary will, alone does not avoid the California probate process, and
