Anyone who is over the age of 18 and is of “sound mind” can make a will in California. Sound mind means the person understands he or she is making a will and leaving their assets to chosen loved ones in the will. In California, the testator (the person making the will) and two witnesses must sign the will. If the testator is unable to sign the will, he or she may designate another person to sign the will, while witnessing that signature. If one of the witnesses is also a beneficiary, a third witness must be added in order for that witness to keep his or her inheritance. Otherwise, the bequest will be considered void, and that person can only receive an inheritance which is equal to what he or she would have been entitled to, had the testator died without a will (The remainder of the will is unaffected). As a general rule, beneficiaries NEVER witness a will.