Smith v. Goff

*1047Opinion

CORRIGAN, J.

A will that meets statutory requirements is effective upon the testator’s death. (Cook v. Cook (1941) 17 Cal.2d 639, 646 [111 P.2d 322] (Cook); Estate of Lopes (1984) 152 Cal.App.3d 302, 305 [199 Cal.Rptr. 425] (Lopes).) Probate Code section 6110 requires a will be signed by two witnesses.1 The question here is whether the signature of a witness affixed after the testator’s death satisfies the statute. We conclude that such postdeath subscription is not permitted, and reverse the contrary Court of Appeal judgment.

I. Factual and Procedural Background2

On December 26, 2000,…