FAQs

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  • Estate planning is the process of making legal arrangements for how your assets and responsibilities will be handled if you become incapacitated or after your death. It often includes documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.

  • Yes. Estate planning isn’t just about wealth—it’s about making sure your wishes are respected, your loved ones are supported, and important decisions are made by the people you trust.

  • A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets distributed after you pass away. A trust is a legal entity that can hold and manage your assets during your lifetime and beyond. Each has its own benefits and may serve different purposes depending on your goals.

  • If you die without a will or other estate planning documents, the state will decide who gets your assets and who cares for your minor children, based on intestacy laws. This may not reflect your actual wishes.

  • It’s never too early to start. Major life events, like having children, buying property, or getting married—are good times to begin or revisit your estate plan. But even if none of those apply, having a basic plan in place offers peace of mind.

  • It’s a good idea to review your plan every few years, or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, a new child, a move, or changes in your financial situation or wishes.

  • There are online tools that offer DIY estate planning, but they may not account for your unique situation or California-specific laws. Many people choose to work with an attorney to ensure their plan is thorough, legal, and tailored to their needs.

  • A power of attorney lets someone else make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so. It can be an important part of planning for incapacity.

  • An advance healthcare directive lets you appoint someone to make medical decisions for you and outlines your wishes for care if you’re unable to communicate them yourself.

  • Not at all. A good estate plan also prepares for unexpected situations while you’re alive, such as illness, injury, or incapacity, so your affairs can be managed the way you would want.