What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning involves creating documents that manage your assets during life and after death. Explore subcategories to find the most relevant templates.
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California Estate Planning
Estate planning helps individuals prepare for the future. Using attorney-drafted templates is quick and straightforward.
Common California Estate Planning documents
- Last Will — outlines how your assets will be distributed after death.
- Living Trust — manages your assets while you're alive and specifies distribution after death.
- Power of Attorney — designates someone to make decisions on your behalf.
- Healthcare Directive — expresses your wishes regarding medical treatment.
- Advance Directive — outlines your preferences for end-of-life care.
Estate Planning forms by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Popular forms
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California Life Documents Planning Package, including Will, Power of Attorney and Living WillPrepare for the future with essential legal documents, all conveniently packaged for your peace of mind.
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California Last Will and Testament PackagePrepare for the future with all necessary estate planning forms in one convenient package.
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California Essential Legal Life Documents for Baby BoomersGet everything you need to safeguard your health and finances in one convenient package.
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California Aging Parent PackageGet essential documents to help prepare and protect your aging parent’s health and finances in one convenient package.
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California Organizing your Personal Assets PackageKeep your personal and financial affairs organized with essential legal forms in one convenient package.
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California Essential Legal Life Documents for New ParentsEverything needed to protect your health, finances, and affairs in one place, with multiple related legal forms.
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California Essential Legal Life Documents for NewlywedsPrepare for life changes with essential legal forms for newlyweds, helping you safeguard your family and assets in one convenient package.
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California Essential Legal Life Documents for Military PersonnelPrepare essential legal documents with forms tailored for your needs, ensuring peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Find a form
Similar documents: key differences
- Will vs. Trust — a will takes effect after death; a trust can manage assets during life.
- Power of Attorney vs. Healthcare Proxy — a power of attorney covers financial decisions; a healthcare proxy pertains to medical choices.
- Living Will vs. Healthcare Directive — both express medical wishes, but terminology may vary.
- Probate vs. Intestate — probate is the legal process for distributing a will; intestate refers to dying without a will.
Key legal points
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Ensure documents are signed and dated properly.
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Witnesses or notarization may be needed for validity.
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Keep titles and designations consistent across documents.
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Update documents after major life events, like marriage or divorce.
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Store originals in a safe place and inform trusted individuals.
How to get started
Start in minutes with these steps.
- Find a template or package that fits your situation.
- Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
- Get full access with a subscription.
- Complete it in the online editor.
- Export or send: download, email, USPS mail, notarize online, or send for e-signature.
FAQs
The purpose is to ensure your wishes are honored regarding asset distribution and healthcare decisions.
It's best to start estate planning as soon as you acquire assets or have dependents.
Yes, you can update your documents whenever necessary to reflect your current circumstances.
Without an estate plan, state laws will dictate how your assets are distributed.
Glossary
- Will - A legal document detailing asset distribution after death.
- Trust - An arrangement to manage assets on behalf of beneficiaries.
- Power of Attorney - A document appointing someone to act on your behalf.
- Healthcare Directive - A document outlining your medical treatment preferences.
- Probate - The legal process of validating a will and distributing assets.
- Assets - Anything of value owned by an individual.
- Beneficiary - A person designated to receive assets from a will or trust.
- Intestate - Dying without a valid will in place.
- Executor - An individual appointed to carry out the provisions of a will.