The Journal
Plain-English Estate Law
Plain-English guidance on wills, trusts, probate, and protecting your family in California.
Does a POA Have to Be Filed With the Court in California?
Quick answer: No, a California power of attorney generally does not have to be filed with a court to be valid. Once properly signed and notarized, it works…
Read →Grandchildren & Estate Plans: Guide 2026
Secure your legacy! Explore our 2026 guide on grandchildren and estate plans. Discover how to protect their financial future, transfer wealth responsibly,...
Read →Understanding Pet Trusts in California: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore pet trusts in California and learn their importance, how they work, and key concepts for protecting your pets in your estate plan.
Read →How to Protect Your Digital Legacy: Estate Planning for Online Assets
Short answer: Your online accounts, from email to cryptocurrency to cloud photo libraries, do not disappear when you die, but nobody can access most of them without legal…
Read →CA Estate Planning Guide 2026: How To
Plan your CA estate in 2026: Secure your family's future with our simple guide. Explore wills, power of attorney options, and protect your assets. Learn more.
Read →The Legal Steps to Establishing a Special Needs Trust
Short answer: Setting up a special needs trust in California means choosing the right trust type for where the funding is coming from, drafting a trust document that…
Read →The Role of a Healthcare Directive in Estate Planning
Short answer: A health care directive lets you name someone to make medical decisions for you if you cannot, and lets you put your own treatment wishes in…
Read →Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Estate Planning Attorney in California
Quick answer: The most useful question you can ask a California estate planning attorney is who funds the trust. Most people never ask it, and it is the…
Read →Want a straight read on where you stand?
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