When is the best time to start your estate plan? TLDR: As soon as you’re an adult (18 years old), you’ll need to designate someone else to make decisions for you if you are unable or unwilling to make those decisions for yourself.

What happens if you die without putting your assets in the name of your trust? TLDR: usually probate court.

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.

If you die with only a will or no will in California, your estate goes through probate court to distribute assets.

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 deadlines when someone dies? Here’s a summary.

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 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 / 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 an online provider instead of hiring an attorney? TDLR: cost, errors, thought process, team.

Who needs a trust in California? Generally, if you have more than $184,500 in assets, or you have a minor child, or you own real property, you probably should have a trust.

Martha’s power of attorney helped her loved ones avoid going to probate court when she was in the hospital. Read her story!

Follow Jane’s case study and how her family had to cope with probate because her mom passed away without a comprehensive estate plan in California

Why do I need an estate plan in California? TLDR: To avoid protect assets from probate, assist your family, and prevent disputes.

This is a list of resources for someone who is grieving, experiencing anticipatory grief, or is dying themselves.

It’s easy to think about the cost of probate in terms of executor/attorney fees in California but there are other costs that the executor or administrator may need to pay up front and get reimbursed later by the estate.

When someone hits 18, they’re legally an adult and they need the documents to go along with becoming an adult — including an estate plan.

There are several myths about estate planning in California; let’s take them one by one!

Secure Password Storage for Death: A Guide

The probate process in California is lengthy and costly. Here are the steps involved — and how to avoid it!