Estate Planning

What Is That?

Comprehensive components of our estate plan include:

Why Should I Bother?

The main objectives of estate planning are:

  • To make certain that dependent children are taken care of upon a parent’s death or incapacity
  • To avoid unnecessary costs, delays, and loss of privacy upon death or incapacity
  • To protect heirs from getting too much, too soon
  • To minimize estate, gift, and income taxes
  • To protect assets from creditors and others not intended to receive assets from the estate


Many people mistakenly assume that a Revocable Living Trust is only for the very wealthy.  However, did you know in
California, a formal probate action is required whenever someone dies with a gross estate of more than $166,250* (value
of all assets real estate, cars, furniture…everything)? Even if you have a Will designating the beneficiaries and detailing
how you would like your estate distributed, the estate must go through probate, which is time consuming and costly. This
means taking a moment now to create (and fund) your Trust ensures that your assets are readily available to those
dependent upon you; while avoiding the extensive time delays and costs involved in probate. (link to attorney fees for
probate)

*Probate Code § 13151

What Is This Going To Cost Me?


Your estate planning cost is determined during your complimentary phone consultation. (insert link to scheduling
calendar) During your complimentary consultation we will discuss your objectives for your estate distribution, how many
beneficiaries you want to provide for, as well as any stipulations for them to receive their inheritance. Services are usually
priced according to a fixed fee, to be consistent, fair and most importantly, allowing you to know the total cost of our
services up-front, before any work begins.  If we determine that a fixed fee isn’t cost effective for your situation, an hourly
rate is available.

Standard Estate Plan Rates: $1,500 for an individual and $2,100 for a married couple
Complex Estate Plan Rates: starts at $3,000 for an individual and starts at $4,200 for a married couple
Hourly Rate: $300