California § 6382 - The will shall be made in writing. It need not be written by the testator himself

Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 6382 — The will shall be made in writing. It need not be written by the testator himself, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 6382. The will shall be made in writing. It need not be written by the testator himself

(a) The will shall be made in writing. It need not be written by the testator himself or herself. It may be written in any language, by hand or by any other means. (b) The testator shall declare in the presence of two witnesses and of a person authorized to act in connection with international wills that the document is the testator’s will and that the testator knows the contents thereof. The testator need not inform the witnesses, or the authorized person, of the contents of the will. (c) In the presence of the witnesses, and of the authorized person, the testator shall sign the will or, if the testator has previously signed it, shall acknowledge his or her signature. (d) If the testator is unable to sign, the absence of the testator’s signature does not affect the validity of the international will if the testator indicates the reason for his or her inability to sign and the authorized person makes note thereof on the will. In that case, it is permissible for any other person present, including the authorized person or one of the witnesses, at the direction of the testator, to sign the testator’s name for the testator if the authorized person makes note of this also on the will, but it is not required that any person sign the testator’s name for the testator. (e) The witnesses and the authorized person shall there and then attest the will by signing in the presence of the testator.

Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About California § 6382

What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 6382 cover?

Section 6382 ("The will shall be made in writing. It need not be written by the testator himself") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite California § 6382?

A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 6382" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of California law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.

How does California § 6382 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.