Estate planning is how you decide, in advance, who makes decisions if you cannot and who receives what when you pass, instead of leaving those choices to the courts. At William Ha Law, we build clear, practical plans for families in Whittier, Long Beach, and throughout California, in plain English and without the intimidation.
Who needs an estate plan
- You own a home in California, where probate is slow, public, and costly without a plan.
- You have minor children and want to decide who would raise them.
- You want to plan for incapacity, not only for death.
- You have a blended family, a business, or a loved one with special needs.
- You want to keep your affairs private and your family out of court.
If any of these describe you, a plan is worth having, and it is almost always simpler than people expect.
How William Ha Law helps
We are a digital-first firm, which means most of the process can happen from home, by video, on your schedule. Attorney William Ha is licensed in California and New Mexico and works with families across the state. We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options in plain language, and build a plan that actually fits, then we help keep it current as life changes.
What a California estate plan usually includes
- A will , which names guardians for your children and an executor, but does not avoid probate on its own.
- A revocable living trust , the main tool for keeping your home and accounts out of California probate.
- A durable power of attorney and an advance health care directive, so someone you choose can step in if you are ever unable to manage your own affairs.
- Guardian nominations for minor children.
You can learn how these pieces fit together in our Education Center .
Common questions
Do I need a trust, or is a will enough? It depends on what you own, but for most California homeowners a trust is what actually avoids probate. See Will vs. Trust: What California Homeowners Need to Know .
Can we do this remotely? Yes. Our process is built to work by video, so you can complete most of it from home.
When should I start? The best time is before a health event or a loss, while decisions are calm and unhurried.
To get oriented, watch our free estate planning webinar or explore the Education Center .