Traditionally, people have passed their estates by will. In a will you can specify how you will leave your assets and name an executor to distribute those assets. In California, a will must go through a probate in the county courts if an estate has a value over $100,000. Parents can also use a will to name guardians for their minor children.
Although most people pass their estates by trust, a will is still a valid estate planning instrument for people with very small and simple estates. We can help you determine whether a will or a trust will best meet your estate planning needs.