Famous People Didn’t Plan. You Should.
Why an estate plan matters—even if you’re not famous or “rich”.
Abraham Lincoln. Pablo Picasso. Bob Marley. Prince. What do they share? Their estates became legal messes because their plans were missing, unclear, or contested. Years of court fights and massive fees followed—fate you can avoid with a simple, modern estate plan. Picasso died without a will, spawning years of litigation; Prince also died intestate, triggering a multi-year courtroom saga. Business Insider+1
The 2025 California Update (Good News)
California expanded several probate shortcuts effective April 1, 2025. Two highlights that matter for real families:
Primary residence up to $750,000 may be transferred by a simplified court petition (no full probate) if other conditions are met. California Courts
The small-estate affidavit limit for personal property rose to $208,850 (previously $184,500). California Courts
These changes won’t replace a full plan, but they reduce court friction for many modest estates and can work alongside a trust.
Probate Is Still Slow and Expensive Without a Plan
Even with shortcuts, formal probate in California typically takes 9–18 months (often longer). Statutory probate attorney and executor fees are set by law (a percentage of the gross estate—4% of the first $100k, 3% of the next $100k, 2% of the next $800k, etc.). California Courts Self-Help Guide+1
Translation: if your home, accounts, and investments go through probate, the fees and delays are real—even for normal, non-famous families.
The Simple Estate Plan Most Californians Need
For most households, a revocable living trust–based plan avoids probate, keeps affairs private, and puts your wishes first. Your core documents:
Revocable Living Trust – Avoids probate and keeps control/private during life.
Pour-Over Will – Catches any items left outside the trust (and names guardians for minors).
Durable Power of Attorney – Lets a trusted person manage finances if you’re incapacitated.
Advance Health Care Directive – Names a health-care decision-maker and your treatment preferences.
HIPAA Authorization – Allows access to medical information for those decision-makers.
Pro tip: If you own a home, talk with counsel about whether a Revocable Transfer on Death Deed (RTODD) is appropriate. California’s RTODD statute (Probate Code §§5600–5696) remains in effect (currently through Jan 1, 2032) and can pass a residence outside probate—though it’s not one-size-fits-all and has strict signing/recording rules. Many families still prefer a trust for flexibility and multi-asset coordination. FindLaw Codes+2National Law Review+2
“I’ll Do It Later” Is the #1 Reason People Don’t Plan
Current national data shows fewer than one-third of Americans have a will—and the rate has been declining. Don’t let procrastination or the myth of “not having enough assets” leave your family exposed. Caring+1
Celebrity Cautionary Tales (and What They Teach)
Pablo Picasso (no will): Years of disputes and huge costs—classic example of how intestacy invites conflict.
Business Insider+1Bob Marley (no will): Decades of litigation under Jamaica’s intestacy laws; family control over name/likeness complicated. Trust & Will+1
Prince (no will): Six-year court battle and major expense before resolution. forbes.com
You don’t need a superstar’s catalog to suffer the same delays, fees, and family disputes.
How We Plan (So Your Family Doesn’t Have To Fight)
At Nett & Nett, PC, we build clear, customized, California-specific estate plans:
Trust-based packages that avoid probate and align with 2025 rules
Funding guidance so the trust actually owns what it should
Guardianship planning for minors and special-needs add-ons
Business and real-estate integrations (Riverside, San Diego & Orange County)
Flat fees, swift timelines, and lawyer access when you need it
Bottom line: A few straightforward documents today can save your family months in court and thousands
in fees tomorrow.
Ready to Protect Your Family? Schedule a consultation.