Passing away without a will or trust in California is known as “dying intestate.” When this happens, your assets will be distributed in a predetermined manner that applies to all Californians who die intestate. This...
Category: Wills
The short answer is yes. This is largely because a revocable living trust can be used to directly transfer assets to your beneficiaries. Meanwhile, a will must go through the probate court process. That process can take well...
Why a Will Alone Is Not Enough in California
April 15, 2026
Picture this: a loved one passes away, and the family assumes everything is taken care of because there was a will. Then the phone calls start. An attorney explains that the estate must go through probate. Months pass. Court...
Wills vs. Trusts in California: What You Don’t Know Could Cost Your Family Everything
February 26, 2026
A grieving family sits around a kitchen table, not talking about memories or comfort — but bracing for a probate process that will drag on for a year or more, eat up thousands of dollars in court fees, and expose their...
Estate Planning Considerations for the LGBTQ Community in California Estate planning is one of the most powerful tools available to protect your wishes, your assets, and your loved ones. For members of the LGBTQ community in...