A will is one of the simplest ways to decide who receives your property, who will administer your estate, and, if you have minor children, who you want to care for them. At Golden State Legacy Planning, attorney Kylie M Tsudama helps individuals and families throughout El Segundo, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities prepare California wills that reflect their wishes, regardless of the size of their estate. Whether you are creating your first will or updating an existing one, we will prepare a will that reflects your wishes and works with the rest of your estate plan.

Why Choose Golden State Legacy Planning?

Every family has different priorities. We take the time to understand yours before preparing your will. When you work with us, you can expect:

  • Planning tailored to you. Your will is prepared around your family, your assets, and your wishes.
  • Direct access to your attorney. You will work directly with Kylie M Tsudama throughout the planning process.
  • Clear, practical guidance. We explain your options in straightforward language so you can make informed decisions.
  • Planning that grows with you. Whether you are starting a family, buying a home, or updating your estate plan, we tailor your documents to your current goals.
  • Spanish interpretation available. We want every family member to feel comfortable participating in the planning process.

What Does a California Will Do?

A will directs how your individually owned property should be distributed after your death and names the executor who will administer your estate according to your wishes. If you have minor children, it also allows you to nominate the person you want the court to appoint as their guardian. You can also use your will to leave gifts to friends, charities, or other beneficiaries and name one or more successor executors if your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve.

A will only takes effect after death. It does not authorize someone to make financial or medical decisions if you become incapacitated. That is why many estate plans also include a durable power of attorney and an advance health care directive. 

Who Should Have a Will?

Nearly every adult can benefit from having a will.

Preparing a will is particularly important if you:

  • Have children under 18
  • Own a home or other valuable assets
  • Are married, remarried, or have a blended family
  • Want to leave property to an unmarried partner, friend, or charity
  • Want to choose who will administer your estate

Your net worth does not determine whether you need a will. What matters is being able to decide what happens to your property and who will carry out your wishes.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in California?

If you do not have a valid will, California’s intestate succession laws determine who inherits your estate.

Your surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, or other relatives may inherit according to California law. Those rules may not reflect your personal wishes, particularly if you have a blended family, unmarried partner, or specific charitable intentions.

If you have minor children and there is no surviving parent able to care for them, the court will determine who should serve as their guardian. Preparing a will allows you to express your preference before that decision becomes necessary.

How Do You Make a Will Legally Valid in California?

California law generally requires that you be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. Your will must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two adults who are present when you sign or acknowledge your signature.

Although California recognizes handwritten, or holographic, wills, they often create problems during probate. Mistakes in wording, signing, or witnessing can lead to delays or disputes. California generally allows competent adults to serve as witnesses, but using someone who will inherit under the will can create legal complications. We will prepare your will correctly and guide you through the execution process to help ensure it complies with California law.

Will My Estate Still Go Through Probate?

Usually, yes.

A will directs the probate process, but it does not avoid probate. Depending on your estate and the probate court’s schedule, probate in Los Angeles County often takes a year or more to complete.

Some smaller estates qualify for simplified procedures, and certain assets, such as life insurance policies and retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries, pass outside your will. If avoiding probate is one of your goals, we can help you determine whether a revocable living trust should be part of your estate plan.

When Should You Update Your Will?

A will is not a document you sign once and forget. We recommend reviewing it after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes to your finances, to help ensure it continues to reflect your wishes.

Create a Will That Reflects Your Wishes

Creating a will is often simpler than people expect. At Golden State Legacy Planning, attorney Kylie M Tsudama helps clients throughout El Segundo, Los Angeles, and nearby communities prepare wills tailored to their goals and families. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start putting your wishes in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave a spouse or child out of my will?

It depends. California law provides important protections for spouses and for certain children who are unintentionally omitted from a will, such as a child born or adopted after the will is signed. Whether someone can be disinherited depends on your specific circumstances and should be addressed carefully when preparing your estate plan.

Where should I keep my original will?

Keep your original will in a secure location where your executor can access it when needed. Be sure your executor knows where the document is stored.

Can I make changes to my will by writing on it?

Generally, no. Handwritten changes can create uncertainty or lead to disputes. It is usually better to update your will through a codicil or by signing a new will.

Can my executor also be a beneficiary?

Yes. In California, it is common for an executor to also inherit under the will. Many people choose a spouse, adult child, or another trusted family member to serve in both roles.

Wills

A will is one of the simplest ways to decide who receives your property, who will administer your estate, and, if you have minor children, who you want to care for them. At Golden State Legacy Planning, attorney Kylie M Tsudama helps individuals and families throughout El Segundo, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities prepare California wills that reflect their wishes, regardless of the size of their estate. Whether you are creating your first will or updating an existing one, we will prepare a will that reflects your wishes and works with the rest of your estate plan.

Why Choose Golden State Legacy Planning?

Every family has different priorities. We take the time to understand yours before preparing your will. When you work with us, you can expect:

  • Planning tailored to you. Your will is prepared around your family, your assets, and your wishes.
  • Direct access to your attorney. You will work directly with Kylie M Tsudama throughout the planning process.
  • Clear, practical guidance. We explain your options in straightforward language so you can make informed decisions.
  • Planning that grows with you. Whether you are starting a family, buying a home, or updating your estate plan, we tailor your documents to your current goals.
  • Spanish interpretation available. We want every family member to feel comfortable participating in the planning process.

What Does a California Will Do?

A will directs how your individually owned property should be distributed after your death and names the executor who will administer your estate according to your wishes. If you have minor children, it also allows you to nominate the person you want the court to appoint as their guardian. You can also use your will to leave gifts to friends, charities, or other beneficiaries and name one or more successor executors if your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve.

A will only takes effect after death. It does not authorize someone to make financial or medical decisions if you become incapacitated. That is why many estate plans also include a durable power of attorney and an advance health care directive. 

Who Should Have a Will?

Nearly every adult can benefit from having a will.

Preparing a will is particularly important if you:

  • Have children under 18
  • Own a home or other valuable assets
  • Are married, remarried, or have a blended family
  • Want to leave property to an unmarried partner, friend, or charity
  • Want to choose who will administer your estate

Your net worth does not determine whether you need a will. What matters is being able to decide what happens to your property and who will carry out your wishes.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in California?

If you do not have a valid will, California’s intestate succession laws determine who inherits your estate.

Your surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, or other relatives may inherit according to California law. Those rules may not reflect your personal wishes, particularly if you have a blended family, unmarried partner, or specific charitable intentions.

If you have minor children and there is no surviving parent able to care for them, the court will determine who should serve as their guardian. Preparing a will allows you to express your preference before that decision becomes necessary.

How Do You Make a Will Legally Valid in California?

California law generally requires that you be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. Your will must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two adults who are present when you sign or acknowledge your signature.

Although California recognizes handwritten, or holographic, wills, they often create problems during probate. Mistakes in wording, signing, or witnessing can lead to delays or disputes. California generally allows competent adults to serve as witnesses, but using someone who will inherit under the will can create legal complications. We will prepare your will correctly and guide you through the execution process to help ensure it complies with California law.

Will My Estate Still Go Through Probate?

Usually, yes.

A will directs the probate process, but it does not avoid probate. Depending on your estate and the probate court’s schedule, probate in Los Angeles County often takes a year or more to complete.

Some smaller estates qualify for simplified procedures, and certain assets, such as life insurance policies and retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries, pass outside your will. If avoiding probate is one of your goals, we can help you determine whether a revocable living trust should be part of your estate plan.

When Should You Update Your Will?

A will is not a document you sign once and forget. We recommend reviewing it after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes to your finances, to help ensure it continues to reflect your wishes.

Create a Will That Reflects Your Wishes

Creating a will is often simpler than people expect. At Golden State Legacy Planning, attorney Kylie M Tsudama helps clients throughout El Segundo, Los Angeles, and nearby communities prepare wills tailored to their goals and families. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start putting your wishes in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave a spouse or child out of my will?

It depends. California law provides important protections for spouses and for certain children who are unintentionally omitted from a will, such as a child born or adopted after the will is signed. Whether someone can be disinherited depends on your specific circumstances and should be addressed carefully when preparing your estate plan.

Where should I keep my original will?

Keep your original will in a secure location where your executor can access it when needed. Be sure your executor knows where the document is stored.

Can I make changes to my will by writing on it?

Generally, no. Handwritten changes can create uncertainty or lead to disputes. It is usually better to update your will through a codicil or by signing a new will.

Can my executor also be a beneficiary?

Yes. In California, it is common for an executor to also inherit under the will. Many people choose a spouse, adult child, or another trusted family member to serve in both roles.