Make Sure Your Wishes Are Honored With A California Will

Last updated on August 31, 2026

No one likes to think about what happens after they are gone, but planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give to the people you love. This is what a will addresses. It gives your family peace and a clear path forward during times of grief.

At MDS Law - Law Office of Matthew D. Scott, we understand that putting together a will can feel overwhelming, especially when life is already busy. Our Roseville estate planning attorneys will take the time to truly listen to you and develop solutions that fit your situation. We are thorough, detail-oriented and deeply committed to getting things right. We do not just prepare documents; we build relationships with our clients from Roseville and Sacramento.

Why Having A Will Matters

Through a will, you can decide what happens to your belongings after you pass away. It allows you to name the people or organizations you want to receive your assets, such as your home, savings, personal belongings and other property. If you have minor children, your will is also where you name a guardian, the person you trust to raise and care for them if you are no longer able to.

Beyond deciding who gets what, a will also names an executor who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes, paying any remaining debts and making sure your estate is handled properly. Without a will, California’s intestate succession laws take over. This means the state follows a set formula to distribute your assets – one that may not reflect your true intentions.

What Makes A Will Valid In California

For a will to hold up legally in California, it must meet certain requirements. California law requires the following:

• You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
• The will must exist in a physical, tangible form and be signed by two witnesses.
• The language used must be clear and specific.

Meeting these requirements is a good start, but creating a will that truly reflects your wishes takes more than just checking boxes. As experienced estate planning attorneys, we are ready to help you create a will that reflects what matters most to you.

Don’t Wait – Get The Legal Guidance Your Family Deserves

The sooner you put your wishes in writing, the sooner you can have peace of mind knowing your family is taken care of. Reach out to us today by calling our firm at 916-953-5517 or completing this online form.