must be in writing must be signed by testator (full name, partial name, or mark) by proxy (made in testator's presence and with their direction) by conservatorship - get court permission to make a will for a person lacking capacity (in CA no requirement where signature must be on will) witnessed (at least 2, no minimum age but 18+ recommended, know difference between truth and lie, know they are witnessing a will (testator says "this is my will" OR "this is my signature" OR they see the testator sign the will), sign in each other's presence (but testator does not have to sign in their presence) will execution ceremony recommended