Why Every Californian Needs an Estate Plan — Even If You’re Not “Rich”
Most people believe estate planning is only for the wealthy, retired, or elderly.
They’re wrong.
In California, estate planning is not about how much you have — it’s about protecting what you have, who you love, and what you want to happen if something ever happens to you.
Whether you're a homeowner in Temecula, a small-business owner in Murrieta, or a couple starting a family in Riverside County, you need an estate plan.
What Is an Estate Plan — and Why Do You Need One?
An estate plan is simply a set of legal documents that protect you during your lifetime and control what happens after you’re gone. Without one in California, your assets will likely go through probate — a costly, public, and court-controlled process that often takes a year or more.
With the right estate plan in place, you decide:
Who makes medical decisions if you’re incapacitated
Who manages your financial affairs if you’re unable to
Who inherits your home, bank accounts, and personal assets
Who becomes guardian of minor children
How your property avoids probate and stays private
The Five Essential Estate Planning Documents
in California
✅ 1. Revocable Living Trust
The cornerstone of most California estate plans. A trust allows your assets to avoid probate and stay private. You control everything while you’re alive — and choose exactly who manages things and who inherits after your death.
✅ 2. Pour-Over Will
This works alongside your trust. If any assets weren’t titled in the trust, the will “pours” them in at death. It also lets you name guardians for minor children.
✅ 3. Durable Power of Attorney
Names someone you trust to manage your financial and legal affairs (paying bills, selling real estate, accessing accounts) if you become incapacitated. Without it, a court may assign a conservator.
✅ 4. Advance Health Care Directive
Specifies your medical wishes and appoints a trusted person to make healthcare decisions if you can’t speak for yourself.
✅ 5. HIPAA Authorization
Allows your chosen representatives to access health information. Without this, privacy laws may prevent your family from getting updates on your condition.
The Most Common — and Most Costly — Mistake
We See
Many Californians set up a trust — but forget to transfer assets into it. That means their home, bank accounts, or investments still go through probate.
Even worse: some homeowners transfer property into a trust but fail to alert their insurance company. If the trust isn’t listed on the policy and a fire, flood, or liability claim occurs, coverage can be denied.
A single phone call to your insurer can fix this — and save tens of thousands of dollars.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Plan
Even if you’re young, healthy, or just starting to build wealth, an estate plan protects you right now, not just after death.
Here’s what it does for you today:
Protects you if you’re hospitalized or injured
Lets someone you choose handle finances and medical care
Avoids 12–18 months of California probate delays
Keeps your affairs private — not part of public court records
Ensures loved ones receive what you intend, without court involvement
Estate planning is not about age or wealth — it’s about control and peace of mind.
Our Firm’s Mission: Clear, Customized, and
Complete Planning
At the Law Offices of Nett & Nett, PC, we make estate planning approachable and tailored to your life — not some
one-size-fits-all template.
We provide:
Flat-fee living trust packages
Fast document turnarounds
Attorney-led strategy sessions
Virtual or in-person planning
Trust funding guidance so nothing is left out
Support for individuals, families, and business owners across Southern California
Serving Temecula, Murrieta, Hemet, Menifee, Riverside County, San Diego, and beyond.
If you own a home, have children, or care what happens if you’re injured — you need an estate plan.
It’s never too early to plan, but it can absolutely be too late.
Schedule your consultation today.
By Kevin P. Nett, Esq., Managing Partner — Law Offices of Nett & Nett, PC
November 2025