Wills in California – Ensure Your Wishes Are Carried Out
Clarity for you and your family
Why Having a Will Matters
A will is the cornerstone of an estate plan. It names who receives your property, appoints an executor, and can nominate guardians for minor children. Without a will, California intestacy law controls distribution and the court selects who manages the estate. For families in Yreka, Mount Shasta, Weed, and across Siskiyou County, a clear will helps local courts honor your wishes and gives relatives practical direction when it is needed most. You can learn more about related documents on our estate planning page.
How we help
Our Will Drafting Services
Jennifer Shelton, A Professional Law Corporation works with you to identify assets, beneficiaries, and backup choices so there are no gaps. We help you select a capable executor and, when appropriate, include testamentary trust language to hold funds for young beneficiaries until they are ready. We also ensure California’s signing formalities are followed with proper witnesses so your will is valid when it counts. When a loved one has already passed, we can explain how a will interacts with
probate in Siskiyou County Superior Court and what steps come next for the executor.
What We Include
- Plain-language discussion of goals and family needs
- Customized provisions for specific gifts and beneficiaries
- Executor and alternate executor nominations
- Guardian nominations for minor children
- Testamentary trust options for minors or special circumstances
- California-compliant signing instructions and witnesses
- Storage and copies guidance for your records
Documents that fit real life
Know your options
Wills vs. Trusts – What’s the Difference?
A will takes effect after death and is generally administered through the court. A living trust is created during life and is administered privately by your chosen trustee. Many clients use both, with a pour-over will to capture any assets that were not titled in the trust. If avoiding court is a priority or you own real property, a trust may be a better fit. Read more on our
trusts page for details on how a living trust works in California and how it may coordinate with your will.
When A Will Alone May Suffice
- Simple estates with limited assets and no real property
- All accounts held with beneficiary designations that are current
- Clear distribution wishes with adult beneficiaries
- Desire for court oversight of the process
Choose what fits your goals
Questions answered
Frequently Asked Questions – Wills
Do I need a lawyer to write a will in California?
California has strict execution rules and specific community property considerations. Though a lawer is not required to write a will, they ensure the will is valid, well thought out and tailored to your family and assets.
What happens if you die without a will in California?
State intestacy law decides who inherits your assets. Whether or not probate will be required is dependent on the value of your estate at your passing. If probate is required, the court appoints an administrator. This distribution may not match your wishes, and the process takes time.
How does a will work with a trust?
Many plans use a pour-over will that directs remaining assets into a living trust at death. This ensures anything left outside the trust still follows your overall plan.
How do I choose an executor?
Pick someone organized, trustworthy, and able to communicate with beneficiaries. It is helpful if the person is familiar with your financial life, though this is not required.
How often should I update my will?
Review after major life events or every few years to keep beneficiary designations and instructions current.
Next Steps
Get Your Will In Place
To prepare for a meeting, list your key assets and the people you trust to carry out your wishes. Our Resources page includes a Family Wealth Inventory form to help you organize details before we draft your documents. When you are ready, contact Jennifer Shelton Law to discuss writing a will in California and how it fits with your broader plan.