Planning for the future isn’t something most people look forward to. It means thinking about difficult “what ifs” and having conversations that feel uncomfortable. But having a solid estate plan in place is one of the most important things you can do for the people you love. Without one, your family could face confusion, conflict, and a costly probate process during an already difficult time.
The Los Angeles estate planning attorneys at Weiner Law help individuals and families create plans that protect what matters most. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to update an existing plan, we’re here to guide you through every step with focused, prepared, and relentless advocacy.
Call 866-273-8652 to schedule a consultation at our Los Angeles office.
Why estate planning matters for your family
Many people assume estate planning is only for the wealthy. That’s a common misconception. If you own property, have savings, have children, or simply want a say in what happens to your assets, you need an estate plan.
Without one, California law decides how your assets are distributed. The court appoints someone to manage your estate. Your family may spend months (or years) navigating probate, dealing with legal fees, and resolving disputes that could have been avoided.
A well-crafted estate plan puts you in control. You decide who receives your assets, who cares for your minor children, who manages your finances if you’re incapacitated, and how your legacy is preserved. It’s not just a legal document. It’s peace of mind for you and the people you care about.
What a comprehensive estate plan includes
Estate planning is more than writing a will. A comprehensive plan addresses multiple aspects of your life and your family’s future. Here’s what a thorough estate plan typically covers.
Last will and testament. Your will outlines how you want your assets distributed and names a guardian for minor children. Without a will, California’s intestacy laws determine who inherits your property, and that may not align with your wishes.
Trusts. Trusts allow you to transfer assets to beneficiaries while potentially avoiding probate, reducing estate taxes, and maintaining privacy. There are several types of trusts, and the right one depends on your goals and circumstances.
Power of attorney. A power of attorney designates someone to manage your finances and legal affairs if you become unable to do so yourself. Without one, your family may need to go through a court process to gain that authority.
Advance healthcare directive. This document outlines your medical care preferences and names someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you cannot communicate them yourself.
Beneficiary designations. Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and certain other assets pass through beneficiary designations rather than your will. Keeping these updated is a critical (and often overlooked) part of estate planning.
An estate planning attorney in Los Angeles can review your full situation and recommend the right combination of documents to protect you and your family.
Wills vs. trusts: understanding your options
One of the most common questions our attorneys hear is whether you need a will, a trust, or both. The answer depends on your assets, your family, and your goals.
Wills are straightforward. They spell out your wishes for asset distribution and guardianship of minor children. However, wills in California go through probate, a court-supervised process that can take nine months to over a year. Probate also becomes part of the public record, meaning anyone can see the details of your estate.
Trusts (particularly revocable living trusts) allow your assets to pass to beneficiaries without going through probate. This typically means a faster, more private transfer. You maintain control of your assets during your lifetime and can modify the trust as your circumstances change.
For many families in Los Angeles, a combination of both provides the strongest protection. A revocable living trust handles the bulk of your assets, while a pour-over will catches anything not transferred into the trust during your lifetime.
Our team at Weiner Law can walk you through the differences and help you determine which approach makes the most sense for your situation.
Call 866-273-8652 to discuss your estate planning options with an experienced attorney.
How estate planning helps you avoid probate in California
Probate is the legal process of validating a will, paying debts, and distributing assets after someone passes away. In California, probate is required for estates valued over $208,850 (as of April 1, 2025). It can be time-consuming, expensive, and public.
California probate fees are set by statute and can add up quickly. For a $1 million estate (which isn’t uncommon in Los Angeles, given property values), statutory fees for the attorney and executor can total tens of thousands of dollars combined.
A properly funded trust is one of the most effective ways to avoid probate entirely. Assets held in a trust pass directly to your beneficiaries according to your instructions, without court involvement. This saves your family time, money, and stress during an already emotional period.
Other probate-avoidance strategies include joint ownership of property, beneficiary designations on financial accounts, and transfer-on-death deeds. An estate planning lawyer in Los Angeles can help you determine which strategies work for your specific assets and goals.
Protecting your assets and providing for your loved ones
Estate planning isn’t only about what happens after you pass away. It’s also about protecting your assets and your family during your lifetime.
Incapacity planning. If you’re in an accident or develop a serious illness, who manages your finances? Who makes your medical decisions? Without proper documents in place, your family may need to petition the court for conservatorship, which is costly and stressful.
Providing for minor children. Your estate plan names a guardian for your children and can establish a trust to manage their inheritance until they’re old enough to handle it responsibly.
Protecting beneficiaries. If a beneficiary has creditor issues, a history of poor financial decisions, or a disability, certain types of trusts can protect their inheritance while still providing for their needs.
Blended families. If you’ve remarried or have children from multiple relationships, estate planning is especially important to ensure your wishes are carried out and to minimize potential conflicts.
Every family’s situation is different. That’s why working with experienced attorneys matters. We take the time to understand your circumstances and build a plan tailored to your goals.
Why families in Los Angeles choose Weiner Law
At Weiner Law, estate planning is a core part of our practice. Our attorneys guide clients through the process with the care and attention these important decisions deserve.
Here’s what sets us apart.
Deep knowledge in our practice areas. We don’t spread ourselves across dozens of practice areas. Our focus on probate, trusts, and estate planning means we bring deep knowledge to every client’s plan.
Guidance through difficult decisions. We know these conversations aren’t easy. Our team explains your options in plain language, answers your questions, and helps you make informed decisions without pressure.
Knowledge of California law. From community property rules to probate thresholds and trust administration requirements, we understand the specific laws that affect your estate plan in California.
Convenient Los Angeles location. Our Los Angeles office is located at 445 S Figueroa St, Suite 3100, Los Angeles, CA 90071. We serve clients from offices throughout California, with headquarters in San Diego (12626 High Bluff Drive, Suite 440, San Diego, CA, 92130)
Contact Weiner Law to discuss how we can help protect your family’s future. Call 866-273-8652 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently asked questions about estate planning
Do I really need an estate plan if I don’t have many assets?
Yes. Estate planning covers more than asset distribution. It includes naming guardians for your children, designating who makes financial, legal, and medical decisions for you during incapacity, and keeping your family out of court. Regardless of the size of your estate, these decisions matter.
What’s the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust?
A revocable trust can be changed or dissolved during your lifetime. You maintain full control. An irrevocable trust generally cannot be modified once created, but it may offer tax benefits and stronger asset protection. Our attorneys can help you determine which type fits your needs.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Review your plan every three to five years or after any major life event, such as a marriage, divorce, birth of a child, significant change in assets, or a move to a new state.
How long does the estate planning process take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your situation. A straightforward plan may take a few weeks, while more complex arrangements may take longer. We’ll give you a clear timeline during your consultation.
Schedule a consultation with our Los Angeles estate planning attorneys
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Whether you need a simple will, a comprehensive trust-based plan, or guidance on protecting your family’s future, the attorneys at Weiner Law are here to help.
Call 866-273-8652 to schedule a consultation at our Los Angeles office. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you build a plan that gives you and your family peace of mind.
If you’re facing a legal matter involving trusts, probate, estate planning, or litigation, our team is here to help. With offices in San Diego and Los Angeles, Weiner Law serves clients throughout Southern California and beyond. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can put our experience to work for you.
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