California Estate Planning

How to Become an Organ Donor in California

Thousands of California residents are currently waiting for donated organs.

California’s End of Life Option Act

In 2015, California passed a death with dignity law allowing terminally ill patients to request aid in dying in certain situations.

Burial and Cremation Laws in California

Each state has laws affecting what happens to a body after death.

California Home Funeral Laws

Learn the rules that govern home funerals in California.

Making a Will in California

A last will and testament can help protect your family and your property.

California Restrictions on Who Can Serve as Executor

Learn the rules about who can be your executor in California.

ABLE Accounts in California: A Savings Plan for Disability Costs

ABLE accounts should soon be available in California.

Intestate Succession in California

What happens if you die without a will? Learn about intestacy in California.

Do I Need to Have My California Living Will Witnessed or Notarized?

In California, you must sign your advance health care directive in front of two witnesses or a notary.

The California Statutory Will

California law provides a free fill-in-the-blank will for California residents. It’s called the California statutory will and it lives in California Probate Code Section 6240.

Questions and Answers About the California Statutory Will

California's official question and answer set about its statutory will

Be Cautious with Gifts to Caregivers

In some states, elder care protections may put legitimate gifts to caregivers at risk.

What Happens to Digital Assets in California

Who will have authority to access or manage your digital assets after you die? In California, no one will – not even your executor.

Making a Financial Power of Attorney in California

Why do I need a California financial power of attorney? If you become ill or injured and you can't take care of your own finances, someone else must step in to help.

Do I Need to Have My California Living Will Witnessed or Notarized?

In California, you must sign your advance health care directive in front of two witnesses or a notary.

California's Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Form

A California Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form can help you direct your health care if you're facing a life-threatening medical condition. Find out how it works.

California Probate: An Overview

The California probate process isn't as complicated as in some states, but it can be expensive.

Probate Shortcuts in California

California offers some probate shortcuts for "small estates." These procedures make it easier for survivors to transfer property left by a person who has died.

Avoiding Probate in California

Probate court proceedings (during which a deceased person's assets are transferred to the people who inherit them) can be long, costly, and confusing.