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.

If you don’t have an estate plan, then your loved ones are going to have a tough time if you are ever incapacitated and at the time that you die. In this post, we explore what would be helpful to have at different stages.

Why do I need a Living Trust — and What is a Living Trust Anyway? A living trust is like a contract you create with yourself about what is going to happen to your assets if you are incapacitated and at the time that you die. It avoids probate court, is a private document, and ensures incapacity planning.

Do you need a trust if you have a will in California? Most people do, and here’s why: it allows for incapacity planning and it avoids probate court.

Learn why a living trust in California is the best way to avoid probate, protect your assets, and keep your estate private

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

If you’ve got kids who are under 18, you need to select a guardian; here are tips for how to choose those people.

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!

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.

Once you have a trust, your work isn’t done! Be sure that your assets are in the name of the trust — and that your trust is listed as an insured in your homeowners insurance.

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

Secure Password Storage for Death: A Guide

FAQ in California Estate Planning

In theory you can name your trust whatever you want; in practicality, your last name is usually the best course.

Disinheriting means excluding a family member from receiving anything from your estate. And it’s important you do it correctly.

The cost of probate in California is based on the gross assets of the person who died.

Putting assets into the trust is a critical step to making sure your loved ones avoid probate court.

Terminology used in estate planning can be confusing. Here’s a summary of important terms to know.

Everyone over 18 years old needs some form of an estate plan in California.

The first, and most important thing you need to do when someone dies is grieve.