A will and estate plan for California.
Built to California's rules, in plain words. Start free, then pay one setup fee with your first year included.
Reviewed by a licensed lawyer on October 29, 2026.
Your California documents
Will
Says who gets what, who is in charge, and who would raise young children.
Financial power of attorney
Names who handles your money if you can't.
Healthcare directive
Names who speaks for you about care, and what care you want.
Revocable living trust
Holds your things and passes them on, often without court.
In the Complete plan
Pour-over will
Catches anything you left out of your trust.
In the Complete plan
How signing works in California
Signing your will
- Gather two adult witnesses. Pick people who get nothing under your will.
- Sign your will while both witnesses watch.
- Each witness signs the witness statement at the end of your will while you watch.
- Keep the original somewhere safe.
California does not allow electronic wills. You print your will and sign it in ink.
How to sign your healthcare directive
- Choose how you will sign. You can sign with two adult witnesses or a notary.
- If you use witnesses, sign while both watch. Then each witness signs. Your witnesses may not be your agent or your health care provider. At least one must not be related to you or named in your will. If you live in a nursing home, a patient advocate must also sign.
- If you use a notary, sign in front of the notary.
- Keep the original somewhere safe. Share a copy with your doctor.
How to sign your financial power of attorney
- Choose how you will sign. You can sign with two adult witnesses or a notary.
- If you use witnesses, sign while both watch. Then each witness signs. Your agent may not be a witness.
- If you use a notary, sign in front of the notary.
- Keep the original somewhere safe.
How to sign your revocable living trust
- Sign your trust in front of a notary.
- The notary signs and stamps it.
- Keep the original somewhere safe.
We give you a printed signing checklist for each document.
Taxes and court fees in California
As of 2026, the federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per person. Confirm with your accountant.
What it costs
- Essential: $199 setup, then $49 a year.
- Complete: $499 setup, then $99 a year.
- Concierge: $1,495 setup, then $249 a year.
One setup fee. Your first year is included. 30-day money-back guarantee on estate setup fees.
A lawyer can review your plan for a flat fee. The lawyer gives the advice.
Own a business in California?
Take the 5-minute check. See an estimated value range, your best path, and the one gap that caps your price.
Questions?
Questions about California? A real person can help.
Succession Plan is not a law firm. We do not give legal advice or tax advice. For advice, talk with your own lawyer or accountant.