Healthcare Power of Attorney in California: Protecting Your Medical Wishes
Ensure your medical wishes are honored. Learn why every Californian needs a healthcare power of attorney (Advance Directive) for medical decision-making.
Financial Power of Attorney in California: Avoiding Conservatorship
Protect your finances in case of incapacity. Learn why every Californian needs a durable financial power of attorney to avoid costly conservatorship.
Do You Still Need a Will If You Have a Trust in California?
Even with a living trust, every Californian still needs a will. Learn why a pour-over will and guardianship provisions are essential in estate planning.
Why Transfer on Death Deeds Don’t Work in California
Transfer on Death Deeds are generally frowned upon as best practices in California estate planning. Here are the problems with TOD deeds, and why a comprehensive estate plan is a better choice.
Why a Living Trust Is the Key to Avoiding Probate in California
Learn why a living trust in California is the best way to avoid probate, protect your assets, and keep your estate private
Why Every Californian Needs a Comprehensive Estate Plan: Trust, Will, and Powers of Attorney
Avoid probate and protect your family with a comprehensive estate plan in California. Learn why you need a trust, will, financial POA, and healthcare POA
California AB 2016: How to Avoid Probate for Your Primary Residence (Valued Up to $750,000)
California’s New Probate Relief for Primary Residences: What You Need to Know about AB 2016 and Avoiding Probate
How Should I Choose a Guardian for My (Minor) Children
If you’ve got kids who are under 18, you need to select a guardian; here are tips for how to choose those people.
What are the taxes my loved ones have to pay when I die?
When I die, how much are my people going to have to pay in taxes or other costs? Check out our summary of all the taxes involved when someone dies in California.
What happens if I forget to put an asset in my trust?
What happens if you die without putting your assets in the name of your trust? TLDR: usually probate court.
California Estate Planning Checklist: What You Need to Do Before You Die
TLDR: an estate plan that includes a trust, will, financial power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney — and know what assets you have and who you want to receive them.
What is the probate process in California?
If you die with only a will or no will in California, your estate goes through probate court to distribute assets.
California Estate Planning: Top 3 Facts Every Resident Should Know
Estate planning in California should avoid probate, ensure your stuff goes where you want it to when you die, and plan for incapacity.
What are the dates and deadlines when someone dies?
What are the deadlines when someone dies? Here’s a summary.
Do Debts Die with the Person?
Does debt die with a person? TLDR: No, but the debt doesn’t get moved to someone else either. The debt must be paid from the deceased’s assets.
If someone dies with a will, what happens?
Whether someone dies with just a will or without a will at all, their estate goes to probate court. Here’s what you can expect that to look like…
Should the Guardian and Financial Agents be the same person?
Should the guardian for your minor child be the same as the financial agent? Maybe. Maybe not. Here are some things to consider when thinking about a guardian.
California has a death with dignity (also called medical aid in dying) law. Here’s the info you need to know.
California has a death with dignity / medical aid in dying law. It’s called the End of Life Option Act. Here’s what you need to know.
Why can’t I just use the online will and trust programs?
Why can’t I just use an online provider instead of hiring an attorney? TDLR: cost, errors, thought process, team.
Do I need to update my trust if I buy a house or open a bank account?
Do I need to update my trust if I buy a new house or open a new bank account? TLDR: no. There are other reasons to update your documents!

