Estate Planning
probate
trust administration
- Probate court — 12-18 months of delays
- Tens of thousands in fees — Often $30,000+ depending on your estate
- A judge deciding who raises your kids — If both parents pass away
- Family disputes — Over who gets what
All of this is avoidable.
Without a plan, your family could face:
Decides what happens to your assets
Names who manages your finances if you're incapacitated
Names who makes medical decisions for you
Estate Planning
A comprehensive estate plan typically includes:
Names who raises your kids (if you have minor children)
When we work together, we will walk you through every option, explain what makes sense for your family, and create a plan that protects what matters most.
And if you don't need a trust? We'll tell you that too. We're not here to upsell you— we're here to help you make the right decision for your situation.
Probate
When someone passes away without a plan, probate is often what comes next. Here's what that process involves:
Probate doesn't have to be a nightmare — but it does take time, money, and the right guidance.
If you're an executor or family member navigating this process after a loss, we'll help you understand exactly what's required and move through it as efficiently as possible.
- Court supervision of the estate — a judge oversees how assets are distributed
- Public record — probate filings are available to anyone
- 12–18 months of delays — sometimes longer for complex estates
- Significant legal fees — often $30,000+ depending on estate size
Trust Administration
If you've been named as a Trustee, you now have legal responsibilities. Here's what trust administration typically involves:
Being named a Trustee is an honor — and a real responsibility. Most people have never done it before and aren't sure where to start.
We will walk you through every step, help you avoid costly mistakes, and make sure you fulfill your duties with confidence.
- Notifying beneficiaries and relevant agencies
- Inventorying and appraising trust assets
- Paying debts, taxes, and final expenses
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries according to the trust
Do You Really Need a Trust—Or Is a Will Enough?
Even if you don't own a home-- if you have kids, you need a plan.
Without one a judge decides who raises them. And if you have life insurance, the insurance company can't give the money to your minor children—it sits in court until they turn 18.
When we talk, we'll walk you through your situation and tell you honestly what makes sense.
- You own a home in California
- Your estate is worth more than $184,500
- You want to avoid probate court entirely
You probably need a trust if:
- You don't own real estate
- Your assets are below the probate threshold
- You're okay with your estate going through court