Notarization is not a requirement in California for a will to be legally binding. While some states require a notary affidavit to accompany the will, California does not. The state's probate code outlines the various forms of wills that are valid in the state, and none of them require a notarized signature. Therefore, it is not necessary to have a will notarized in order to make it valid.
However, it is important to ensure that the will is valid before the testator's death, as it will only take effect after they have passed away. A last will and testament can be an essential part of an estate plan, as it outlines who should inherit the testator's assets and property. LegalZoom's California Last Will and Testament can guarantee that any remaining assets are distributed according to the testator's wishes. In addition to this, California also recognizes holographic wills as valid legal documents.
A California will and testament can be changed at any time by the testator, and it is recommended that they review their will periodically to ensure that their wishes are still up-to-date. It is important to note that while a will may not need to be notarized in order for it to be valid, a notary public may still be necessary in order to verify the signature of the testator. This is because the notary must ensure that the signatory knows what they are signing and that they are doing so voluntarily. In conclusion, while a last will and testament does not need to be notarized in order for it to be legally binding in California, it is important to ensure that all other requirements are met in order for it to be valid.
A notary public may also be necessary in order to verify the signature of the testator.
