California estate planning for families who worked too hard to leave anything to chance.

Remote. Flat-fee. Your family, protected.

Trusted by families across California

California State Bar
Why It Matters

What Probate Could Cost Your Family

Without a plan, California law takes over. The costs to your family can be staggering.

$30K+

High Fees

California probate fees are set by statute based on gross estate value. For a modest home, attorney and executor fees alone can exceed $30,000, calculated on the gross value, not your equity.

16–24

Months of Delay

The average California probate takes 16 to 24 months. During this time, your family cannot access accounts, sell property, or distribute assets.

100%

Public Record

Everything filed in probate court becomes public record: your assets, your debts, your family details. Anyone can see it.

A living trust costs a fraction of what probate takes from your family. Protect a $900,000 home for $3,500, or risk $60,000+ in probate fees.

One-time, flat fee. No billing by the hour. No surprises.

Why It Matters

You Choose Who Raises Your Children. Not a Judge.

If something happens to you, your children need immediate protection. Without a plan, the state decides their future. Our comprehensive estate plans ensure your wishes are honored, your assets are protected, and your family avoids the stress and cost of probate court.

Estate Planning

Complete peace of mind for your family's future.

Wills & Trusts

Customized documents that protect your assets.

Special Needs Trusts

Protecting vulnerable family members long-term.

Probate Services

Navigating the court process with clarity.

Our Services

How We Protect Your Family

Comprehensive estate planning built around your life, your family, and your goals.

Guardianship & Family Protection

Name the guardian you trust for your children. Protect their inheritance. Make sure your family is cared for according to your wishes, not left to a court's default.

Living Trusts & Wills

A properly funded living trust keeps your home and assets out of probate and passes everything directly to your loved ones privately, quickly, and at a fraction of the cost.

Special Needs Trusts

Provide lifelong support for a loved one with special needs without jeopardizing their government benefits. Carefully drafted for California requirements.

Probate Services

Guidance and support when a loved one has passed and you need help navigating the California probate process with clarity and compassion.

Transparent Pricing

Know Your Cost Before You Begin

Flat Fee
Starting at
$3,500

Your exact fee is confirmed upfront, based on the scope of your plan.

No surprises. No hidden fees.

Revocable Living Trust
Pour-Over Wills
Financial Power of Attorney
Advance Healthcare Directive
Guardianship Nominations
Trust Funding Guide

Our Simple 3-Step Process

Estate planning does not have to feel overwhelming. We guide you through a clear, supportive process from start to finish, beginning with a consultation to understand your goals and confirm the right plan for your family.

Step 1

Tell Us About Your Family

We begin with an initial consultation to understand your goals and answer your questions. You then complete a comprehensive questionnaire at your own pace. We follow up with a second meeting to review your answers together and confirm the right plan for your family.

Consultation + questionnaire
Step 2

We Draft Your Documents

Based on your questionnaire and our conversation, we prepare your complete set of legal documents — living trust, will, powers of attorney, healthcare directive, and guardianship nominations. You receive drafts to review on your own time.

Drafted around your family's goals
Step 3

Review, Sign, and You're Done

We meet to review everything together, answer any remaining questions, and finalize any changes. Once you're happy, we walk you through signing. Your plan is legally valid under California law and your family is protected.

Leave with a completed plan
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Free Resource

The California Estate Planning Checklist

7 things every California adult needs in place. Written in plain language, backed by the California Probate Code. Enter your email to get your free copy.

  • How to avoid probate and court involvement
  • What a living trust does (and doesn't do)
  • The documents every adult over 18 needs
  • Guardianship planning for parents

No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Get Started

Start Protecting Your Family Today.

Schedule your consultation. We'll answer your questions and help you determine exactly what kind of planning you need.

Phone
(949) 484-8055
Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm PST
Email
info@smartestateslaw.com
We respond within one business day

Contact Us

Estate planning for California families who worked too hard to leave anything to chance. Serving clients statewide.

Practice Areas

© 2026 Smart Estates Law, APC. All rights reserved.

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This website is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing on this site should be construed as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information contained herein does not create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.