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.

You can update your estate plan as much or as little as you want while you’re alive; generally, you should review your estate plan every 3-5 years to make sure it still does what you want it to do.

Your trustee has to make decisions during your incapacity and at the time you die; make sure it’s someone you trust! (No pun intended)

3 reasons to avoid probate in California: cost, time, and publicity.

A power of attorney does something different than a trust does something different than a will. Here’s a summary of the most frequently used terms and their definitions.

What happens if you die without a will? The state gets to decide where your stuff goes.

Three reasons to estate plan now: you have more than $184,500 in assets; you have kids; or you want to make life easier for your loved ones if you’re incapacitated or deceased.

How long does it take to set up a trust? It depends!