Our Most Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions
If you are thinking about creating or updating an estate plan, these answers can help you better understand what documents you may need, when to update your plan, and why working with an experienced estate planning attorney matters.
What Documents Are Needed for an Estate Plan?
A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a revocable living trust, a pour-over will, a durable power of attorney for finances, an advance health care directive, and a HIPAA authorization. Together, these documents help protect you during your lifetime and after your death.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Estate Planning?
California does not legally require you to hire an attorney, but working with a qualified estate planning lawyer is strongly recommended. Improperly drafted documents can lead to costly court proceedings, family disputes, and unintended outcomes.
Can I Do Estate Planning Online or With a DIY Kit?
Online tools and DIY kits may create documents that appear valid, but they often contain errors, omissions, or provisions that may not comply with California law. An experienced estate planning attorney can help make sure your plan works when your family needs it most.
How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?
You should review your estate plan at least every three years and after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary, or a significant change in your assets.
How Can I Prevent Family Conflicts Over My Estate?
Free Resources to Help You Plan with Confidence
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Top estate planning law firm. follow with you and keep your family trust up to date, do not create trust and leave you. highly recommend for family trust. My lawyer has been with me entire time and knows what to do to protect your assets to give to your family as you decide. And nobody knows but you.
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Always get great service and advice from KMO. Been a client for 40+ years.
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Great seminar. Very informative. Upfront costs for services.
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The front desk person was always really pleasant to talk with, and my lawyer Jane is very professional, and a pleasant person to talk too.
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Very informational. Atty Kavesh made it light, interesting and fun!
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In 1992 we attended a seminar at Kavesh & Minor. It was so informative and professional. We made our 'free' appointment, met our Estate Attorney Peter Keon and were thoroughly comfortable. We have regular 3 year (free!!) reviews, learn updates from Peter, make educated decisions if changes are necessary. He is most kind if we do not invest in a change. Now in our late 70's we have peace knowing our 3 daughters will have the best counsel at an office that has all our legal estate plans on file and any attorney in this office will always be available to guide our family. Years ago we had to find our elderly aunt's attorney, he had retired, she did not follow through when his letter arrived and her records were all lost. Kavesh, Minor & Otis are always going to be there, no worries! Peace of mind!
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We have been a client of the Law Firm of Kavesh, Minor & Otis for decades. Their knowledge and skill in preparing and executing a Living Trust inspires confidence. We appreciate their regular update seminars and the offer of a free evaluation of our estate plan every 3 years.
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Their seminar is a great presentation that covers many of the common and not so common scenarios and protection options. I would definitely recommend it for anyone who is thinking about creating or reviewing their trust.
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After the passing of both my parents, my father in 2018 and mother in 2020, I decided it was time for me to establish a living trust. The living trust seminar was very informative. I contacted the firm to schedule a consultation with Peter Keon. Peter was very thorough and responsive to my needs in creating a living trust. I highly recommend Kavesh, Minor & Otis to anyone who wants to create a living trust or has a living trust that may need updating.
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My experience was great. I attended a seminar and later I met Peter Keon and he answered all my questions . I highly recommend him for a consultation and planning.
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Kavesh, Minor & Otis were referred to me by a coworker. I went to one of their workshops on living trust and estate planning, and I learned a lot. Peter Keon was incredibly knowledgeable and professional as he guided me through the process. I strongly urge others to work with the Law Office of Kavesh, Minor & Otis for their estate planning and to create a living trust.
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Overall, a very pleasant and efficient experience. Peter was excellent!