Estate Planning Document Preparation

People commonly choose a will or living trust, a power of attorney for finances, an advance health care directive, and a HIPAA authorization. Which documents you need is your decision. We prepare the ones you direct us to prepare and cannot recommend a structure.

California law says a will must be in writing and signed by the person making the will, with at least two witnesses present at the same time who understand it is the will. A notary is not required. We prepare the document for signing with witnesses.

No, we do not recommend trust structures, distribution strategies, or tax strategies. You decide which documents to prepare. The court's self-help site explains the general differences, and an attorney can advise on your situation.

Each document has its own signing rules. A will needs two witnesses. A power of attorney needs a notary or two qualifying witnesses.

We prepare the documents and return them to you for review and signing. Where you keep them afterward is your decision. A trust or will is only useful if the right people can find it, so think about telling your agent or executor where it is.