no contest provision - if beneficiary contests the will, beneficiary gets nothing (enforceable in CA, interpreted strictly, can get anticipatory judgement to see if the no contest provision would be triggered) do not explain reasons for gift - if you do, someone can say it is not true do not talk to beneficiaries in will use a holographic will ask backup document all transactions select good witnesses videotape the will execution ceremony preserve the prior will - have tons of identical wills because then someone would have to fight every single one avoid extremes avoid non-probate transfers make a significant inter-vivos gift to the person you think will contest the will on the same day the will is executed buy the person off that is likely to contest the will - have them sign a contract anti-mortum probate - get will declared valid while testator alive (only available in 2 states) family settlement arrangement - such as mediation, ADR Will contests can take a long time - up to 20 years sometimes