Who can contest a will in California?
Only an interested party, such as:
• Beneficiaries named in the will
• Heirs under intestate succession
• Beneficiaries from a prior will
Common legal grounds for contesting a California will:
Under California law, a will may be invalid if:
1. It was not executed according to California’s required formalities
2. The testator lacked capacity
3. There was undue influence
4. The will was the product of fraud or forgery
No-contest clauses
California enforces no-contest clauses only under specific statutory conditions (Probate Code §§21310–21315). How a will contest proceeds
A contest must be filed within strict deadlines, typically after receiving notice of the Petition for Probate. The case
proceeds through discovery, hearings, and possibly trial.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Real estate agents are not attorneys. Probate and estate laws vary by state, and you should consult a qualified attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.