Phone: 805.720.3411 Email: Info@DeveyLaw.comLast Will & Testament Service
A Last Will and Testament is one of the most important documents in your estate plan. It allows you to clearly state who should inherit your assets, who should serve as the guardian of your minor children, and who should be responsible for settling your affairs after your passing. Without a valid will, the State of California will decide how your property is distributed—regardless of your personal wishes.
At Devey Law, we help individuals and families create legally sound, personalized wills that reflect their goals and protect their loved ones. Whether you need a standalone will or a pour-over will to complement your living trust, we guide you through the process with clarity and care. We also offer will reviews and updates to ensure your existing document remains current as your life evolves.
Please note: In California, a will alone does not avoid probate. If avoiding probate is a priority for you, we may recommend establishing a Revocable Living Trust as part of a more comprehensive estate plan.
Protect Your Wishes,
Plan for Peace of Mind
What Is A Will?
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets distributed after your death. It allows you to name beneficiaries, appoint a guardian for minor children, and designate an executor to carry out your instructions. A will is an essential part of any estate plan—especially if you have specific preferences for who should receive your property, care for your dependents, or manage your estate.
Without a valid will in place, your estate will be distributed under California’s intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes and can create confusion or disputes among your loved ones.
What Can A Will Do?
A properly drafted California will can:
Specify who will inherit your assets
Nominate a guardian for minor children
Name an executor to handle your estate
Include specific gifts of money or property
Direct the handling of your personal belongings
Coordinate with your trust, if you have one
Standalone Wills vs. Pour-Over Wills
If you do not have a living trust, a standalone will can distribute your entire estate. However, standalone wills often go through probate, which is a public, court-supervised process.
If you have a Revocable Living Trust, you will still need a pour-over will, which acts as a safety net—directing any assets not already in your trust to be transferred into it at death. This helps ensure that all of your property is handled according to your trust’s terms, even if an asset was unintentionally left out.
When Should You Update Your Will?
It’s important to review and update your will when:
You get married or divorced
You have or adopt a child
A named beneficiary or executor passes away
Your wishes or assets change significantly
You move to or from California
Devey Law offers will drafting as a standalone service or as part of a complete estate plan. We also review and update existing wills to ensure they reflect your current goals and comply with California law.
Why Choose Devey Law?
At Devey Law, we provide personalized estate planning services across California, with attention to your family dynamics, financial goals, and long-term peace of mind. Whether you’re creating a will for the first time or updating an old one, we ensure your documents are legally sound, clearly written, and fully aligned with your wishes.
Schedule a Consultation
If you need assistance with probate, Devey Law is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support you through this process. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most during this difficult time.