Estate Planning Checklist for California: Essential Steps to Follow

Planning for the future isn’t just about finances—it’s about peace of mind. Estate planning ensures that your wishes are honored, your loved ones are cared for, and unnecessary legal complications are avoided. For Californians, state-specific laws make it even more important to have a well-structured plan.

At Desert Law Group, we’ve been guiding individuals and families in the Coachella Valley since 2001. We understand the unique estate planning needs of Californians and are here to help you take the necessary steps to protect what matters most.

1. Defining Your Goals

Before diving into the required legal documents, it’s important to define what you want to achieve with your estate plan. Consider these questions:

• Who do you want to inherit your assets?
• Do you have minor children, and who should care for them if you’re not around?
• Are there specific charities or organizations you’d like to support?
• What are your long-term care preferences?
• How do you want to protect your assets from unnecessary taxes or legal challenges?

Clarifying these objectives helps shape the legal and financial decisions involved in estate planning.

2. Inventorying Your Assets and Liabilities

A thorough estate plan starts with knowing what you own and owe. Create a detailed list of:

• Real Estate: Primary residence, rental properties, vacation homes
• Financial Accounts: Checking, savings, and investment accounts
• Retirement Accounts: IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions
• Life Insurance Policies: Including beneficiaries
• Business Interests: Ownership in companies, partnerships
• Personal Property: Jewelry, artwork, collectibles, vehicles
• Digital Assets: Online accounts, social media, cryptocurrency
• Debts: Mortgages, loans, credit card balances

Having a clear picture of your assets and liabilities makes the next steps much smoother.

3. Choosing Your Fiduciary Roles

Estate planning requires choosing responsible individuals for critical roles:

Executor/Administrator

The executor of your will ensures that your final wishes are carried out. In California, probate laws can be complex, so choosing a responsible executor is key to avoiding unnecessary delays.

Trustee

If you establish a trust, a trustee manages your assets according to your instructions. Trusts help avoid probate, keep your affairs private, and ensure financial stability for beneficiaries.

Guardian for Minor Children

Naming a guardian ensures that your children are cared for by someone you trust. It’s also important to name a backup guardian in case your first choice cannot serve.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney allows someone to manage your financial or medical decisions if you become incapacitated. California recognizes durable and springing powers of attorney, each with different levels of authority.

4. Creating Essential Estate Planning Documents

Having the right legal documents in place is the foundation of a solid estate plan. These documents ensure your wishes are followed and your loved ones are protected.

Last Will and Testament

A will outlines asset distribution and final wishes. It can also name a guardian for minor children. Without one, California’s intestate laws determine who inherits your estate.

Revocable Living Trust

A trust avoids probate and provides greater control over how and when assets are distributed. It also helps in cases of incapacity, allowing a trustee to manage finances without court intervention.

Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Decisions

This document lets someone handle financial matters on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. Without it, family members may need court approval to manage your affairs.

Advance Healthcare Directive

This outlines your medical preferences, including life-sustaining treatments and end-of-life care. It also designates someone to make healthcare decisions for you if necessary.

5. Asset Management and Beneficiary Designations

Keeping track of your assets and making sure they go to the right people is just as important as having a will or trust. Regularly reviewing your beneficiary designations helps prevent future complications.

Reviewing Beneficiary Designations

Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial assets often pass directly to named beneficiaries, bypassing probate. Review these designations regularly to ensure they align with your estate plan.

Digital Asset Planning

Documenting online accounts, passwords, and digital investments ensures that your executor or trustee can manage them appropriately.

6. Financial Considerations

Beyond legal documents, financial planning plays a major role in estate planning. Evaluating your insurance, long-term care options, and tax strategies ensures that your loved ones are financially secure.

Life Insurance Review

Life insurance can provide financial security for your family. Consider whether your coverage will meet their needs, especially for mortgage protection and education costs.

Long-Term Care Planning

The cost of long-term care can be significant. Planning ahead—whether through savings, insurance, or other strategies—can protect assets and reduce financial strain.

Tax Planning

While California doesn’t have a state estate tax, federal estate taxes apply to larger estates. Proposition 19 has also impacted property tax reassessments, making proactive planning essential.

7. Regular Reviews and Updates

Estate planning isn’t a one-time event. Life changes—marriage, divorce, births, deaths, and financial shifts—can impact your plan. Reviewing your estate documents every 3-5 years ensures they remain aligned with your current situation.

8. Document Storage and Communication

Store estate planning documents in a safe but accessible place, such as a fireproof safe or a secure online vault. Let trusted individuals know where they are and how to access them in an emergency.

Discussing your plan with family members can also help prevent misunderstandings or disputes later on.

9. Consulting with an Estate Planning Attorney

While it’s possible to create basic estate planning documents on your own, professional legal guidance ensures everything is done correctly and in compliance with California law. At Desert Law Group, we provide:

• Personalized estate planning strategies
• Legally sound documents
• Guidance on tax and probate issues
• Ongoing support for updates and modifications

Protect Your Legacy: Contact Desert Law Group Today

Estate planning brings peace of mind, knowing that your wishes will be honored and your loved ones will be protected. At Desert Law Group, we provide trusted estate planning services in Palm Springs, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding areas.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact us today at 760-239-5661 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation.