A will is a document that sets forth how a person's probate property will be distributed upon death. To be valid, a will must meet certain formal requirements as provided by state laws.

Any person who is at least 18 years old and of sound mind may make a will in California.

With limited exceptions, a will must be written and signed. A will must be witnessed by at least two persons in a special manner provided by law, and it must be executed in strict accordance with the law.

A will is effective as long as it is not revoked. A will is most often revoked by the execution of a new will or codicil replacing the old, or when the person who made the will destroys it with the intent of revoking it.

A will may be changed as often as the person who wrote it wishes.