California Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in California, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its California guide.
- Will
- California will requirements. Learn what makes a will valid, witness rules, holographic wills, and mistakes that invalidate wills. Read the guide
- Living trust
- California revocable living trust guide. Learn how trusts avoid probate, what they cost, how to fund them, and if a trust is right for you. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Guide to California powers of attorney under Probate Code 4000-4545. Covers durable, springing, and limited POAs with signing requirements. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- Guide to the California Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) under Probate Code 4700. Covers agent powers, POLST forms, and signing rules. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what California requires from an online will before you sign anything.
California estate planning guides
California Estate Planning Basics
California estate planning basics. Learn the core documents you need, how to avoid probate, and steps to protect your family and assets.
California Will Requirements: How to Make a Valid Will
California will requirements. Learn what makes a will valid, witness rules, holographic wills, and mistakes that invalidate wills.
California Power of Attorney (Probate Code 4000)
Guide to California powers of attorney under Probate Code 4000-4545. Covers durable, springing, and limited POAs with signing requirements.
California Advance Health Care Directive Guide
Guide to the California Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) under Probate Code 4700. Covers agent powers, POLST forms, and signing rules.
California Guardianship & Conservatorship Guide
Guide to California guardianship for minors and conservatorship for adults under Probate Code 1500+. Covers nominations and alternatives.
California Revocable Living Trust: Complete Guide to Probate Avoidance
California revocable living trust guide. Learn how trusts avoid probate, what they cost, how to fund them, and if a trust is right for you.
California Trust Administration After Death
California trust administration after death. Learn trustee duties, timelines, required notices, and how it differs from probate.
California Transfer on Death Deed: Complete TOD Guide
How a California TOD deed avoids probate on your home: two-witness + notary rules, the 60-day recording deadline, revocation, and Prop 19 tax impact.
California Community Property Probate: Complete Guide
California community property probate rules. Learn how assets pass at death, surviving spouse rights, and the double step-up tax benefit.
California Pet Trusts: Providing for Your Animals
California pet trust laws under Probate Code 15212. Learn how to create a legally enforceable trust for your pets' care.
California Digital Assets in Probate: RUFADAA Guide
California digital asset estate planning explained. Learn how RUFADAA affects access to email, social media, cryptocurrency, and online accounts after death.
Not sure what you need in California?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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