Estate planning
California Estate Planning Attorneys — Wills, Trusts & Probate
Wills, Trusts & Probate — Serving San Francisco, Sacramento & All of California
FREE CONSULT: (415) 275-1492
Estate planning
Wills, Trusts & Probate — Serving San Francisco, Sacramento & All of California
Your estate plan should be as unique as you are.
We specialize in creating comprehensive estate plans that address the complexities of your life — protecting your beneficiaries, managing real estate holdings, and safeguarding business assets.
A trust transfers your assets directly, no probate required.
California statutory probate fees on a typical home-owning estate.
Trusts stay private. Wills become a public court record.
Our approach
Our flexible estate planning packages easily adapt to meet your complex needs. The cost of our services typically scales with the number of beneficiaries, the variety and number of real estate assets, and the complexity of any business assets involved.
Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all process. Our team is committed to providing personalized and flexible solutions that cater to the unique needs and goals of each client. We recognize that life is dynamic and that circumstances can change unexpectedly — which is why we emphasize adaptability in our approach, ensuring that your estate plan can evolve with you.
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How we start
We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your concerns and goals for your estate. This initial meeting helps us craft an estate plan that perfectly aligns with your objectives and provides the security and peace of mind you deserve.
From that first conversation forward, client satisfaction is our top priority — and that means more than achieving the desired legal outcome. We make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible by maintaining open and transparent communication, keeping you informed at every stage, and being responsive to your questions and concerns.
Peace of mind
A well-built California estate plan answers, in advance and in writing, the questions a grieving family would otherwise have to litigate. Who inherits. Who decides. Who's protected. What your legacy actually looks like.
Family & Dependent Care
Safeguards your family from stress and uncertainty after your death or incapacity, and provides for minors, pets, and other dependents.
Asset Control & Protection
Ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes — not default state or court rules — and shields them from creditors or legal disputes.
Probate Avoidance
Reduces the expenses and delays associated with California probate.
Tax Benefits
Can result in tax savings, preserving more of your estate for beneficiaries.
Privacy
Keeps the details of your estate private.
Incapacity & End-of-Life Decisions
Names someone to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated, and specifies your wishes for medical care and funeral arrangements.
An honest look
The people who need an estate plan are the people you love the most — and it's one of the kindest things you can hand them.
Time and Cost
Involves time and money to create and maintain.
Professional Assistance
May require hiring experts, adding to costs.
Emotional Stress
Confronting mortality can be emotionally challenging.
Communication Issues
Discussing plans with family can be sensitive.
Legal Compliance
Requires adherence to various laws and regulations.
What's included
Living Trust
To manage your assets effectively and avoid probate.
Pour-Over Will
Ensures all assets are included in your living trust.
Durable Power of Attorney
Appoint someone to handle your affairs if you're unable to do so.
Advanced Health Care Directive
Outlines your wishes for medical care.
Property Assignment
Properly assigns your assets to your trust.
Custom Legal Documentation
Tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.
As life changes
We're here to support you as your life changes and your estate plan needs adjustments. We assist with trust amendments, ensuring your estate plan remains aligned with your current circumstances and wishes.
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Why us
At Corcoran Smith Law, we believe estate planning is more than just a legal process. It's a deeply personal journey that shapes the legacy you leave behind. We help you transfer your financial assets and personal belongings, but more importantly, we help you craft a legacy that reflects your values and the love you have for your family.
Every client is unique, with distinct needs and goals — so we reject a one-size-fits-all approach. We take the time to get to know you, understand your objectives, and tailor our services to meet your specific needs. We're not just your legal advisors; we're your steadfast allies in planning your estate, guiding you every step of the way with the personalized attention you deserve.
Free consultation
No commitment. We'll listen, walk through your situation, and tell you whether and how we can help.
Personalized Service. We focus on understanding and addressing your specific estate planning needs.
Flexibility. Our services adapt to the complexity of your estate, providing a tailored solution.
Deep Legal Expertise. With our legal expertise, we ensure that your estate plan is thorough, compliant, and effective.
Frequently asked
While not legally required, a revocable living trust is one of the most effective tools for California families. Without a trust, your estate may go through California's probate process, which can take 12 to 18 months and cost thousands in court fees. A living trust allows your assets to transfer directly to your beneficiaries, avoiding probate entirely. At Corcoran Smith Law, we design trusts tailored to your family's unique circumstances, real estate holdings, and long-term goals.
A will is a legal document that directs how your assets are distributed after death, but it must go through probate. A trust, on the other hand, holds your assets during your lifetime and transfers them upon death without probate. In California, where real estate values are often high, trusts can save families significant time and money. Many of our clients use both documents together for comprehensive protection.
The cost of estate planning depends on the complexity of your estate. A basic will or trust package may be more affordable than you expect, especially when you consider the potential cost of probate, which in California can exceed tens of thousands of dollars. Corcoran Smith Law offers flexible fee arrangements and transparent pricing. Call (415) 275-1492 for a free consultation to discuss your needs and receive a clear estimate.
You should review and update your estate plan after any major life event, including marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in assets, or the death of a beneficiary or trustee. California law may also change in ways that affect your plan. We recommend reviewing your estate plan at least every three to five years to ensure it still reflects your wishes and complies with current law.
If you pass away without a will or trust in California, your assets will be distributed according to California's intestacy laws. This means a court will decide who receives your property, which may not align with your wishes. The probate process for intestate estates is often lengthy and expensive. Creating an estate plan ensures your loved ones are protected and your legacy is preserved.
Yes. Blended families face unique estate planning challenges, including ensuring that both biological and stepchildren are provided for, protecting a surviving spouse's interests, and preventing disputes between family members. We work closely with blended families across California to create customized estate plans that address these complexities using trusts, beneficiary designations, and other legal tools.
Ready to talk?
Book a free consultation. We’ll walk through your situation and lay out the strongest path forward — including whether a flat-fee Initial Case Assessment is the right next step.
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