The Journal
Plain-English Estate Law
Plain-English guidance on wills, trusts, probate, and protecting your family in California.
Estate Planning for High Net Worth
High net worth planning in California, in one paragraph: the federal exemption is $15,000,000 per person, or $30,000,000 per married couple, in 2026 (IRC § 2010(c)), and California…
Read →The Importance of Naming a Guardian in Your Will
Quick answer: In California, you can nominate a guardian for your minor children in your will. A court still must formally appoint that person, but judges give strong…
Read →Testamentary vs Living Trusts CA
Quick answer: A living trust (also called an inter vivos trust) is created and funded while you are alive, so your assets transfer to beneficiaries without going through…
Read →2026 Estate Plan: Vital Life Updates Now
Review your 2026 estate plan! Key life events like marriage or a new child change everything. Ensure your assets are distributed as you wish. Learn more.
Read →7 Key Steps for Charitable Giving in Estate Plans
Discover 7 essential steps for effective Charitable giving in estate plans. Learn how to secure your legacy, minimize taxes, and help your family thrive.
Read →Estate Tax Planning: A 2026 Guide
Plan your 2026 estate wisely! Learn how estate taxes affect your plan and strategies to preserve assets for your heirs. Minimize tax liabilities. Learn more.
Read →How Many People Have a Will? Estate Planning Statistics and What They Really Mean
Only 24 percent of Americans report having a will. There is no reliable California-only version of that number, and the more useful question is not who has a…
Read →Which Assets Cause the Biggest Probate Delays? California Inheritance Timing by Asset Type
Different assets move on completely different clocks. What drives the delay is rarely the value of the asset. It is whether a court has to be involved to…
Read →Want a straight read on where you stand?
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