<p>A will is a legal document that states what will happen to your  property if   you die. It must be written in the proper legal form or it  is not valid. In   California you need two witnesses over 18 years old  to witness your will.</p>
<p>What is in a will? A will provides for the distribution of your  property if   you die. It has no legal effect until you die and you can  cancel it or change it   while you are alive. For example, you may state  in your will that your jewelry   will pass to your daughter, your car  to your son, your savings account to your   parents, your residence to  your spouse and so on. An executor (person   responsible) is appointed  to make sure that the property passes under the terms   of the will.</p>
<p>You designate whom you want as "executor". Usually a lawyer   prepares a will for you.</p>
<p>However, there is one kind of a will that is called a "holographic    will" that    is recognized in California and other states. A will that  is written, signed and    dated by the decedent will be recognized as  legal.</p>
<p>What if I don't write a will? What happens? If you die without a will  our   property will pass under the laws written in the Probate Code. In  general, your   property will pass to your spouse. If you have no  spouse, then it will pass   equally to your children. If you have no  spouse or children, then next to your   parents, and if no parents to  your grandchildren and so on. If this is not the   pattern you desire,  then you should write a will. Even if this is an acceptable   pattern,  you probably should write a will or a trust for the reasons discussed    later in this booklet.</p>