Estate Planning
Comprehensive planning to protect your family and preserve your legacy
What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of your assets during your lifetime and after your death. A comprehensive estate plan includes documents that specify your wishes and ensure your family is cared for according to your values and preferences.
Avoid Probate
A properly structured estate plan can help minimize or eliminate probate costs and delays.
Minimize Taxes
Strategic planning can reduce estate and income taxes for your heirs.
Ensure Your Wishes
Your plan ensures your assets go where you want them and your values are honored.
California Considerations
- Consider California homestead exemptions
- Plan for California capital gains tax
- Understand California's community property laws
- Address California state income taxes
What's Included in Your Estate Plan
Revocable Living Trust
The cornerstone of most plans, allowing you to maintain control while avoiding probate.
Last Will & Testament
Specifies how remaining assets should be distributed and names a guardian for minor children.
Financial Power of Attorney
Designates someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so.
Living Will / Healthcare Directive
Specifies your wishes regarding end-of-life medical care and treatment.
HIPAA Authorization
Authorizes healthcare providers to share your medical information with designated individuals.
How Our Fees Work
Every family is different, so every plan is quoted individually. You will receive your fee in writing, as a flat amount, before you commit to anything.
Flat fees, quoted in writing
You will know the full cost of your plan before any work begins. No hourly surprises and no invoices you did not expect.
Priced to your situation
What you own, whether you hold real property, whether you have minor children, and what you want to protect all shape the plan and the fee.
Your consultation counts
Your consultation fee is credited in full toward your planning fee when you engage the firm the same day.
Two Ways to Begin
Paid Consultation
Schedule a one-on-one consultation with Portia to discuss your specific situation, goals, and concerns.
- • 30-minute or VIP strategy session available
- • Personalized recommendations
- • Custom plan discussion
- • Starting at $375 (credited toward services)
Free Educational Webinar
Join our free webinar to learn the basics of estate planning and whether you qualify for our services.
- • Educational content
- • Common mistakes to avoid
- • Q&A session
- • 100% free
Our Process
Initial Consultation
We discuss your family, assets, goals, and concerns
Analysis
We analyze your situation and develop recommendations
Plan Design
We create a customized estate plan for your approval
Document Preparation
We draft all necessary legal documents
Review & Sign
We review documents with you and handle execution
Implementation
We help with funding trusts and other setup tasks
Estate Planning Questions
Yes. Without an estate plan, California law (or your state's law) will dictate how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. An estate plan also minimizes taxes and probate costs.
A will is a document that directs how your assets are distributed after death. A trust is a legal arrangement that can manage your assets during your lifetime and after death, often avoiding probate altogether.
While simple plans might be DIY, DIY mistakes can be costly. A professional ensures your documents are legally valid, tax-efficient, and truly reflect your wishes.
Review your plan every 3-5 years or whenever major life events occur (marriage, divorce, significant asset changes, birth of children, etc.).
Everyone should have basic documents—a will, healthcare directive, and financial power of attorney. These are inexpensive and essential regardless of asset level.
Most estate plans are completed within 4-8 weeks, depending on the complexity of your situation and how quickly you provide information.
Protect Your Legacy Today
Don't leave your family's future to chance. Let Portia help you create a comprehensive estate plan.