About Last Will & Testament Preparation
A will can state who should receive property, nominate a personal representative and include nominations concerning minor children. The document must reflect the customer’s own decisions and be signed with the formalities required where it will be used.
The office types the customer’s directions and cannot recommend beneficiaries, distribution plans, guardians or tax provisions. Customers with complex estates or legal questions should seek legal advice.
California availability: This page concerns self-help document preparation for California matters. Services, procedures and pricing vary by independently owned office.
Documents and information commonly requested
The exact package depends on the customer’s selected service, instructions and local requirements. Common items may include:
- Last will and testament
- Personal representative nomination
- Beneficiary provisions
- Guardian nomination language
- Personal property memorandum when selected
- Witness and signing pages
How document preparation works
Provide legal names, relationships, beneficiary instructions, representative choices and any guardian nominations. The office prepares the selected will from that information.
You remain responsible for reviewing the completed documents, confirming that your information and directions were entered correctly, signing where required and meeting applicable deadlines. Ask the local office which clerical filing, recording, publication, notary or service options it offers.
Common questions
What does last will & testament preparation include?
Preparation includes the will provisions and signing pages based on the customer’s beneficiary, representative and other instructions.
Is last will & testament preparation available at every California By The People office?
No. Service availability, process, timing and pricing vary among independently owned California offices. Contact the office that would prepare your documents.
Can a By The People office tell me what choices to make?
No. The customer must select the service and provide the decisions and information used to prepare the documents. Offices do not provide legal advice or representation.
Are filing, recording, publication or service fees included?
Third-party charges are separate unless the local office specifically states otherwise in its written quote.