Six Areas of California
Estate Planning
Each practice area is approached with the same commitment — education first, clarity always, and support that extends well beyond the signing of documents.
Estate Planning for
Parents
Protecting Your Children's Future with a California Estate Plan
Guardianship, trustees, and emergency access, clearly established before they're needed.
For many parents, the most important question in estate planning isn't about assets. It's about their children. Who will care for them? Who will manage their inheritance? How will they be supported until they're ready to receive it?
Without planning, the court decides who raises your children, and assets may be handed over at age 18 with no structure. We help parents build a thoughtful framework for their children's care and financial future.
- Guardian designation: your wishes respected by the court
- Trust planning for minors: not just 18 by default
- Trustee selection: financial and caregiving roles can be separate
- Emergency access provisions: trusted people can act quickly
- Staged inheritance distributions at appropriate ages
- Plan reviews as your family grows
Parents Promise Plan - protection for children
A thoughtful plan ensures your children are protected, supported, and guided, regardless of what happens.
You
Choose The Guardian
Full Control
Set The Age To Inherit
What it Covers
Guardian Designation
Nominate who cares for your children, the court follows your lead
Trust for Children
Assets managed by a trustee, not handed over at 18
Trustee Selection
Financial and caregiving roles can be separated
Emergency Access
Trusted individuals can act quickly if needed
3-Year Reviews
Plan updated as your family grows, included
Have children? This is the most important plan you'll ever make.
Book a Free Clarity CallFrequently Asked Questions
Who cares for my children if I die without a will?
If parents have not nominated a guardian, the court will determine who should care for the children based on the circumstances — without guidance from you. Nominating a guardian in your estate plan allows the court to consider your specific wishes.
At what age do children receive an inheritance?
Without trust planning, children typically receive full control of inherited assets at age 18. Many parents prefer structured distributions — at 25, 30, or tied to milestones — which can be designed into a trust.
Can the guardian and trustee be different people?
Yes. Some families choose separate individuals for caregiving and financial management roles. This is often a thoughtful choice — the best caregiver isn't always the best financial manager, and vice versa.
Estimate California
Probate Fees
California probate attorney fees are set by statute and calculated based on the gross value of the probatable estate — not the net equity after mortgages or debts.
This means a home worth $1,200,000 with a $900,000 mortgage may still generate fees based on the full $1,200,000 value. Use this calculator to estimate.
ESTATE VALUE
ATTORNEY FEE RATE
First $100,000
4%
Next $100,000
3%
Next $800,000
2%
Next $9,000,000
1%
Both the attorney and executor are entitled to this statutory compensation. Extraordinary fees may apply for real estate sales or litigation.
Understand the cost of probate.
Enter the gross fair market value of the estate — before any mortgages or debts.
START WITH CLARITY
Estate planning does not need to feel overwhelming.
Understand your situation - Answer initial questions - Determine the right next step