Understanding Estate Plans

An estate plan can range from a few handwritten notes about asset distribution to a detailed set of legal documents tailored by your estate planning attorney. The complexity and cost of an estate plan in California largely depends on whether you need to address probate assets.

No Probate Assets - Basic Will

If you don't own real estate and your total assets fall below California's probate threshold (currently $184,500), a basic Will might be sufficient for your estate. 

However, you'll still need essential documents like a Durable Power of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directive, and HIPAA Authorization to ensure that your family or trusted friends can manage your financial and health care decisions if you become incapacitated.

Probate Assets - Comprehensive Living Trust

For homeowners or individuals with significant assets, a Living Trust is advisable to avoid probate. A comprehensive estate plan in this case should include:

• Living Trust
• Schedule of Trust Property
• Certification of Trust
• Pour-Over Will
• Durable Power of Attorney
• Advance Health Care Directive and HIPAA Authorization
• Grant Deed to transfer property title into the trust

DIY or Professional Help?

If your estate is relatively simple and doesn't include real property, you might consider DIY estate planning documents from sites like Legal Zoom. These can be cost-effective, but their effectiveness is not guaranteed. Cross your fingers and hope it works!

For other estates, especially those requiring a Living Trust, DIY options are risky. The connected nature of estate planning documents means they must work cohesively, and errors can have serious repercussions. We've often encountered issues with DIY estate plans from such services.

Choosing an Estate Planning Attorney

Selecting a dedicated estate planning attorney is generally the best choice. Look for an attorney who:

1. Specializes in estate planning and trust administration.
2. Is available for ongoing review and updates of your estate plan.
3. Clearly outlines their fees and billing practices.

Cost of a Living Trust Estate Plan

The cost for a comprehensive Living Trust estate plan varies from $2,000 to $7,500, depending on the complexity and the attorney’s fees. 

For many clients, our fee for a tailored Living Trust estate plan ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 plus additional costs. 

We serve clients throughout California virtually, providing efficient and straightforward estate planning. 

We’re here to help you achieve peace of mind with a well-organized estate plan. Complete the form below and we will get back to you quickly.