California has some of the most complex property laws in the nation. Mistakes can mean months of delay and thousands of dollars in attorney fees.
A tailored estate plan can reduce costs, protect your assets, ensure your loved one’s future, and reduce anxiety and stress for your family when you pass away.
When you don’t have an estate plan, your property must go through the probate process and will be subject to California intestate succession laws. The probate process is a long and expensive process, which requires an estate to be transferred while under judicial supervision. During that process, the court will look at the state intestacy laws to determine who should receive your property, meaning your property may go to someone you don’t like or don’t really know.
Estate plans can also protect you during times of incapacity. If you were to become incapacitated without an estate plan, your family would need to petition the court for a conservatorship over you before they could access your assets, leaving assets unmanaged and bills unpaid. However, by including provisions regarding incapacity, you can ensure that your finances remain managed and protected by the ones you love and trust.
Utilizing proper estate planning one can also significantly reduce, and possibly avoid, potential tax liabilities. At death, some estates may be subject to federal estate or generational skipping taxes. Using exemptions and trust construction, one can reduce these taxes, maximizing the amount left to your loved ones.
For further questions, schedule a consultation at Francisco@CalderonTrusts.com.
Updated October 6, 2026