Your estate plan should reflect your life—not your past. If you’ve experienced changes in relationships, assets, or the law, your plan might be outdated. In this blog, we walk through 7 signs your California estate plan may need a refresh and how to keep it working for you and your loved ones.

Including your IRA or 401(k) in your estate plan isn’t about changing ownership now—it’s about making sure your beneficiary designations align with your overall plan. Without proper coordination, your retirement accounts could trigger unnecessary taxes, delays, or even court involvement. This blog explains when to name individuals, when a trust may make sense, and how to protect your loved ones under the SECURE Act’s 10-year rule.

Planning for your children’s future isn’t just about finances—it’s about ensuring they’re raised by the right people and supported with the resources they need. If you have minor children, estate planning means making critical decisions now so a judge doesn’t make them for you later. In California, parents can legally name guardians, set up trusts to protect a child’s inheritance, and avoid costly court involvement through thoughtful planning. This guide walks you through what happens if you don’t name a guardian, how to do it legally, and how trusts can provide both structure and security for your child’s future—giving you peace of mind that your children will be cared for, no matter what.

Irrevocable trusts are powerful tools in California estate planning, offering asset protection, tax minimization, and long-term care planning opportunities. Unlike revocable trusts, these trusts cannot be altered once created—making them ideal for safeguarding wealth, preserving Medi-Cal eligibility, and supporting loved ones with special needs. In this article, Devey Law explores when irrevocable trusts make sense, how they work, and what to consider before including one in your estate plan.

Starting April 1, 2025, California’s changed AB 2016 law brings significant changes to probate, especially for small estates and primary residences. This update simplifies the probate process, allowing estates with a primary residence under $750,000 to bypass court procedures. Learn how these changes affect estate planning and why it's still essential to have an estate plan in place to protect your assets and loved ones.