The Journal
Plain-English Estate Law
Plain-English guidance on wills, trusts, probate, and protecting your family in California.
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 →Probate Home Sales in California: Court Confirmation, Overbids, and Notice of Proposed Action
How a house actually gets sold in a California probate: full versus limited authority, the 15-day Notice of Proposed Action, the 90 percent rule, and how the overbid…
Read →What is the Difference Between a Living Will and an Advance Healthcare Directive?
Short answer: A living will is the part of your planning that spells out your medical treatment wishes if you become unable to speak for yourself. Under California…
Read →Who Can Create A Will in California?
Short answer: Any California adult, 18 or older and of sound mind, can make a valid will, and a DIY template is not automatically invalid just because a…
Read →The Role of an Estate Planning Attorney in Wealth Management
Short answer: An estate planning attorney’s job is to make sure your wealth actually reaches the people you intend, on the terms you choose, without unnecessary court involvement…
Read →Estate Planning Guide 2026: For Families
Plan your family's future with our 2026 estate planning guide. Learn how to protect your children, designate guardians, and manage assets. Get started today.
Read →How to Handle Estate Planning for Out-of-State Properties
Short answer: Real estate follows the law of the state where it sits, not the law of the state where you live. If you own property in another…
Read →Want a straight read on where you stand?
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