Creating a video Will to share your story and values

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to think recording a message for your family could serve as a modern estate planning tool. But it’s important to be clear: a video Will has no legal standing in any U.S. state, including California. Courts will not accept it as a substitute for a properly executed written Will or Trust.

Recording a legacy video—or speaking to your loved ones on camera—can be a powerful way to pass on your values, express your gratitude, and share stories they will cherish for years. While this should never replace legally documented estate planning, it can complement planning ahead by creating a personal and emotional record of your life.

Planning and creating your video

When people begin planning a legacy video, they’re usually creating a heartfelt message meant to console and inspire their family. A video Will should not contain detailed instructions for property distribution, establishing your living trust, or directions about amending your estate plan. These matters must be handled in writing on paper, with a properly documented and signed will or trust under California law.

If you choose to make a video, think of it as storytelling rather than estate planning. Consider writing a script to organize your thoughts and keep the length manageable so your loved ones can watch and reflect without difficulty. But remember: a video can never replace a will. It may be used in rare cases of contested wills as supplemental evidence of intent—not as a legally binding document.

Your family will thank you

While your official Will and Trust documents direct how your estate is handled, a thoughtful legacy video can bring meaning to your loved ones after you’re gone. Your video message can be consoling in times of grief and even offer encouragement and lessons for the next generation.

Still, the most important gift you can leave your family is certainty. By separating the legal (your will and trust) from the emotional (your video message), your family will have both the clarity they need and a memorial they’ll treasure forever.

Already have a Will? If you live in California, it’s critical to know how to amend an estate plan in California properly. Call California Living Trusts to get expert legal guidance and update your plan today.