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A handwritten will is also known as a “holographic” will in California. Under California Probate Code Section 6111, a handwritten will may be valid in California if the signature and “material provisions” of the will are in the handwriting of the person making the will. Unlike other typed wills which require witnesses to the signature, a handwritten will does not necessarily need to be witnessed.
But before making a handwritten will, you should know that there are other general requirements for making a will, including but not limited to, the requirement that the person must be over age 18 and they must have “mental capacity”. It is also crucial that the person understands what the “material provisions” of his or her will are, so that they are written in the person’s handwriting as required under the Probate Code.
When making a handwritten will, people often wonder: Does the will need to be notarized? What if there is no date on the will? What if I tell someone to write the will for me and I just sign it? It is important you understand the answers to these questions before preparing a handwritten will for yourself.
You should also keep in mind that a will alone may not avoid the probate court process after death, especially if you own a home.
If you have questions about making a will, determining if a will is valid, avoiding probate, distributing assets and inheritance, or creating an estate plan contact our office for a consultation to discuss these important issues.
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Testimonials
We had a great experience working directly with the attorneys, Sophia and Stephanie. We were hesitant to start the estate planning process but they made it so simple and easy. We were interested by what…
Bill & Pat L.
The difference between the will and living trust was well-explained. Sophia was very patient explaining the benefits of the living trust vs. will.
Manuel H.
I really appreciate that Sophia took so much time in listening to my wishes to the family trust.
Yvonne C.
Ease of communication through email was most helpful.
Diane M.
Setting up a trust is a daunting endeavor. Sophia was great in explaining and guiding us with advice on difficult choices. She is very approachable and helpful. Highly recommend.
Miguel C.
I had wanted to establish a living trust but I had no idea how to start or where to go. Sakamoto & Ruelas answered all my questions and set up a living trust that ensures…
Rick G.
I had tried to set up a trust with a different attorney, but did not feel comfortable until I found the law offices of Sakamoto & Ruelas. Stephanie answered all my questions and gave me…
Douglas A.
The initial meeting was very informative and the attorney explained things clearly. Everything was great.
Miguel V.
Sophia was on top of things, kept us well-informed of the process. She explained everything about our trust very thoroughly and answered all our questions to our satisfaction. Would highly recommend their services.
Ruben P.
I made many calls looking for the right trust lawyer. When I called Sakamoto & Ruelas, Sophia called me back herself, explained the process and we set up an appointment. She was so detailed in…
Maria V.
What we liked the most was that the attorney listened to us carefully and came back diligently with options and solutions. Progressing with each step, I started learning and felt more comfortable. Thanks for genius…
Kyung M.
This was my first time dealing with a will & living trust. The items needed and the process was more than I expected. Sophia helped me through the process. She explained every document and why…
S. Gutierrez
My first time engaging with this firm, and very impressed. Very professional yet comfortable, knowledgeable, and great communication. My questions answered promptly. Would work with them again in a heartbeat. I liked the ease of…
Wilson O.
I liked that I was able to meet in person, express my concerns and wishes, which were well taken care of. I was able to complete my will. I enjoyed working with Sakamoto & Ruelas.…
Anonymous
We liked how prepared, organized, reliable Sophia exhibited. She explained everything easily; followed through on every change requested by us. We feel relieved that our wishes have been thoroughly addressed and documented in our newly…
William Q.
Every step of the process was very positive. Sophia is very knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and very thorough. Before meeting with Sophia, I knew nothing about a living trust. But now I can talk to my…
Anonymous
We had talked about getting an estate plan for several years and finally selected Sakamoto & Ruelas to help us through the process. We only visited the office twice, once for the introduction and initial…
Keith & Sherry F.
I’m so fortunate to have found Sakamoto & Ruelas. Sophia and Stephanie made the process of creating a trust easy to understand, and easy to do. They promptly follow through with each step of the…
Sally K.
I liked the extent of Stephanie’s knowledge and the good advice regarding updating my trust. I also appreciated her listening to me and my daughters on the changes we requested. There was nothing to dislike.…
Mary P.
I gained insight and knowledge regarding estate planning. I felt security and satisfaction after working with the firm. Before, I felt insecure and stressed over the future and now I am able to sleep better…
Arnold G.
Sophia made a complex issue easy to understand; materials were top quality; wonderful, friendly service.
Greg G.
After putting it off for too long, I recently decided to update my trust, will, etc. I feel very blessed at finding local trust lawyers who were professional, friendly, and advised me according to the…
Reba N.
It has been a pleasure to work with this firm-personnel are knowledgeable and personable. Since my previous attorney passed away, I was delighted to be introduced to Sakamoto & Ruelas. I’d recommend the firm most…
Anonymous
I couldn’t have made a better choice in selecting Sakamoto & Ruelas to update my existing trust. I had the pleasure of working with both Sophia and Stephanie and was impressed with their in-depth knowledge…
Russell W.
Both Sophia and Stephanie were very professional and easy to work with. Thank you both. The service was very efficient. There are no improvements to be needed.
Anonymous
Sophia is very friendly and helpful. I was very pleased working with your team. I really learned a lot working with Sophia and I feel so much more at peace with all my arrangements made…
Sam R.
The services from Sakamoto & Ruelas were professional, thorough, complete, and affordable. Everything was completed within one month’s time and in only two visits. We now have peace of mind that our child will be…
Liz R.
What I liked the most is the way the attorney explained everything and answered our questions so we can understand better. You don’t need to improve as the firm has met our expectations.
Anonymous
Prior to our initial visit, we were “stalled” as to how to proceed with our living trust. After working with Sophia Sakamoto, we were motivated (and relieved) to have completed our trust.
Anonymous
Thanks for being so patient with us.
Anonymous
Every aspect of service provided was excellent. Very professional, exceptional follow-up, very thorough, complete confidence in final documents.
Anonymous
Sophia is very friendly, cordial, professional.
Anonymous
We met with Sophia to update our estate planning. She addressed our concerns thoroughly and provided excellent service.
Anonymous
I appreciated the understanding and friendliness. I have already referred 3 others, 2 who have already utilized your services.
Cheryl R.
Your corporation provides very detail-oriented and clear explanations of compiling the estate planning for us.
Anonymous
We like your friendly and professional customer service. We especially appreciate your directness with clear explanations.
Anonymous
Very convenient and friendly staff. We had a tragic accident happen in our family during the time we were working with Sakamoto & Ruelas, and the whole staff was very compassionate, helpful and understanding to…
Kathleen U.
Responsive to e-mail communications. Willing to accommodate inability to do stairs, helpful referrals.
Nancy R.
Very responsive, efficient, excellent explanations of everything in clear non-jargon terms.
Jessi H.
Sophia was able and willing to answer any questions we had.
Scott & Stacey E.
Very responsive to inquiries about the service and to our multitude of questions about the documents.
Gilbert & Georgina E.
It was a pleasure! I have given your name already to friends!
John & Shannon M.
A very professional and organized team who made very complex material easy to understand. Our questions were answered quickly, in a timely manner. We appreciate Sophia’s patience.
Anonymous
It was a pleasure working with Sophia and Wendy. Sophia took her time to get to know my family situation and clearly explained everything. Wendy was prompt in responding to all our questions.
Anonymous
I was concerned about how complex putting together a living trust would be-but Sophia made the process so easy. And Sophia and Wendy was so incredibly helpful with all the questions I had throughout the…
Anonymous
Stephanie and her team were extra accommodating with all of our questions and concerns. That level of care and attention carried through the entire estate planning process. Thank you!
Alessandro B.
Sophia was great to work with. She was easily reached at all times. We appreciated how thorough she was every time we met.
Wayne K.
I was very relieved to have completed the trust knowing that my daughter will be able to handle the distribution of the proceeds with very little effort. The legal expertise of the attorney was very,…
Robert R.
It was a pleasure working with Sophia and Wendy. Sophia took her time to get to know my family situation and clearly explained everything. Wendy was prompt in responding to all our questions.
Anonymous
The best part of our experience with Sakamoto & Ruelas is the peace of mind from the comprehensive work they completed for us.
Chris & Beth B.
It was a pleasure working with Sophia to update our trust. We had worked with two other firms in the past and although adequate, they weren’t as easy to work with and did not explain…
Mike P.
You made this process easier to understand and made us feel at ease.
Anonymous
Sophia took her time carefully explaining to us each section in our package. She was able to answer any questions that we had and was able to accommodate the necessary changes we made even at…
Anonymous
Communicating with Sophia and Wendy was always prompt and helpful.
Grace T.
Sophia and the entire staff have made this estate planning an easy process. Thank you for your professionalism and care!
Parijat & Madhuchhanda K.
Key benefits are learning about the trust process and various documents and also peace of mind knowing that our assets are protected from the lengthy probate process.
Anonymous
I can’t recommend Sakamoto & Ruelas highly enough. They were thorough, pleasant and skillful in addressing our needs. And they did it all in a way that was painless and easy to understand. I am…
Brian H.
I was uncertain of what I should do when the time comes. I have secured my decisions for my future.
Mary Anne P.
The ease of the process and the willingness of Stephanie to provide detailed information to ensure I understand every detail was very helpful and appreciated.
Camellia A.
It was very easy to understand everything in plain English, I do recommend this law firm. Also very helpful to Spanish speakers.
Salvador R.
Before working with the firm we were hesitant on the process and how overwhelming all the information may be. After working with Sophia Sakamoto we felt confident-she walked us through the process, answered every question,…
Juan & Bertha H.
Having the peace of mind that our finances and wishes are set out in advance is very reassuring! The team at Sakamoto & Ruelas made the process to collect everything, connect to ask questions, and…
Anonymous
Attorney Sakamoto is very thorough and will meet your needs.
Anonymous
We had peace of mind that years after my husband passed a trust was created. Sophia was thorough and explained the process, communicating every detail. It was a pleasure to work with a lawyer that…
Maria L
All work was done excellently and on time.
Paul G.
Timely response to requests for assistance and no pressure. Knowledgeable answers that were easy to follow.
Anonymous
The initial consultation with Attorney Sakamoto via ZOOM was comprehensive, reviewing her presentation of types of trusts and wills. She addressed our concerns and issues with kind and thoughtful answers. The trust and related documentation…
David S.
Thanks to Sakamoto & Ruelas we have peace of mind. I will recommend them to my friends.
Raul M.
Despite the pandemic, your office was able to accommodate us with thorough services.
Anonymous
Our entire trust was done with ease, professionalism, and expedience. The end product is a well put-together portfolio that reflects knowledge, expertise, and value in profession.
Helen S.
Sophia Kim Sakamoto and her team were very professional, passionate, and caring to her clients. She made us feel very comfortable during this uncomfortable process! Also, she has made the payments to her very flexible…
Alfred M.
Sakamoto & Ruelas made a daunting task much easier and I feel such a sense of relief. I appreciate their professionalism and quick turnaround in helping me with this legal matter.
Janet W.
Top notch professionals delivering top notch service.
Mike T.
It was a pleasure working with Sophia Sakamoto to prepare our estate planning documents. Preparing an estate planning portfolio is a delicate and complicated matter that requires much forethought and reflection to make sure we…
Robert G.
This very important task of planning for our future was daunting, but you relieved us of our fears and exceeded our expectations. Thanks to the extremely professional team of Sakamoto & Ruelas.
Basil D.
We appreciated the professionalism of Sophia and her team and their help to get our trust completed and executed despite Covid-19 complications and restrictions.
Anonymous
After having a horrible experience with an attorney who had no idea what they were doing it was so reassuring to work with a professional.
Sara R.
I had a terrific experience working with Sophia. She is so compassionate, professional, experienced, and was very patient answering questions…I would highly recommend Ms. Sophia’s services to anyone who would like to have their living…
Anonymous
Working with Sophia was easy and the peace of mind we have knowing our children will be taken care of is invaluable.
Kevin L.
We are better prepared for our care and in leaving a well-planned estate for our loved ones. This preparation enables us to live our lives carefree, knowing we are prepared.
Anonymous
We had worked to do our estate planning for years but we kept procrastinating fearing having to deal with all the legal process, but Attorney Stephanie Ruelas made the process very simple and easy to…
Gabriela C.
Easy explanations, friendly, polite, peace of mind; the children are provided for.
Terica F.
The process was straightforward and simple. Sophia made everything very easy to understand. Felt very comfortable creating our trust and will with her.
Linda T.
I had no idea what direction to take after seeing my parents’ trust in 2019. I felt I had to do a trust, but who would I trust and feel confident in working with? I…
Jill N.
From start to end, Sophia was a consummate professional and an expert in her field. She also impressed us with her personal touch and caring attitude. She immediately earned our trust and we are happy…
Alicia A.
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Sakamoto & Ruelas, APC
Secure Your Home, Family And Future. Plan Today.
Contact Us
Call Our Office At (714) 994-4900
Cerritos Office
Main Office
18115 Valley View Avenue
Suite 201
Cerritos, CA 90703
Phone: (714) 994-4900
