Tseng Law Firm

09/15/2026

A living trust in California typically runs $1,500 to $5,000 or more when an attorney drafts it, and the price mostly comes down to how complicated your estate is. A couple with one home and simple beneficiaries lands on the lower end. Someone with rental properties, a business, or a blended family with kids from a prior marriage lands higher, because the plan has to account for more moving pieces.

Most Bay Area estate planning attorneys bundle everything into one flat fee: the trust itself, a pour-over will, durable power of attorney, and a healthcare directive. That pour-over will is the safety net that catches any asset you forgot to title in the trust's name and moves it into the trust after you pass, so nothing falls into probate by accident.

Curious where your situation would land on that range, and what is actually included at each price point? The full breakdown is up now.

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07/14/2026

Your trust and will spell out who gets what. They won't tell your family where you keep the safe deposit box key, the password to your photo library, or why you split things the way you did.

That's what a letter of instruction is for. California law doesn't treat it as a legal document, so no court reviews it and no relative can contest it. But it's often the page your family reads first and holds onto longest, especially in the early days after a loss when they're grieving and just need clear direction.

Our latest post walks through what to include: a personal message, account and digital asset details, and where to find the papers and keepsakes people always end up searching for later.

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07/07/2026

Quick question: who did you name as trustee on your trust? For a lot of families, the answer comes down to tradition - the oldest child, or whoever handled things when their own parents passed - regardless of whether that person is ready for the job.

A trustee's actual responsibilities are bigger than most people realize: managing trust assets, filing tax returns, communicating with beneficiaries, staying compliant with California law, and distributing everything according to the trust's terms. For a larger or complex estate, that workload can stretch on for years.

A corporate trustee - a bank or trust company - handles all of this for a contracted fee and has no personal stake in your family's history. An individual trustee brings a real relationship with your family and the people who will inherit.

Our latest post walks through when each option fits a California estate best.

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03/20/2026

Planning your own funeral might sound heavy, but it actually makes things so much easier for your family. It takes the pressure off them during a tough time. Here’s how to approach it: https://bit.ly/3OwUl6q

03/13/2026

Have kids with big age gaps or different needs? A pot trust lets you adapt how assets are shared—based on need, not just age or birth order. Smart move, or too complex? Read this before deciding: https://bit.ly/4aEKi6X

There are multiple trusts worth knowing about as you embark on creating your estate plans. Discover the flexible benefits of a pot trust for families.

03/06/2026

Married in California? If one spouse passes, the other could claim up to $13.99M in unused estate tax exemption—but only if the right forms are filed. Missing the deadline could cost millions. https://bit.ly/4rnF8U3

Tax laws are constantly changing, affecting portability (DSUE) for estate taxes in California. Learn more about creating couples' estate plans for the future.

02/27/2026

Have photos, blogs, or revenue from digital accounts like Etsy or PayPal? Your estate plan might be missing something big. Find out what to include: https://bit.ly/4qKLNGM

Digital assets range from URL addresses and website content to the cloud-based photos and albums stored online. Know these digital assets must be accounted for.

02/20/2026

Seniors with paid-off homes and large retirement accounts are prime targets for estate planning scams. Not sure what red flags to watch for? Here's a breakdown to help you (or your loved ones) stay safe: https://bit.ly/408oxaA

Even estate plans are vulnerable to scams. Working with estate lawyers is the only way to avoid being taken advantage of by these common estate planning scams.

02/12/2026

Ameritas outlines ten specific ways life insurance can enhance your estate plan, from basic family protection to sophisticated tax strategies. The versatility of life insurance often surprises people who think of it only as income replacement.

Understanding these different applications helps you evaluate whether life insurance could solve specific challenges in your estate plan. Each use case addresses different family situations and planning goals.

Life insurance is more versatile than most people realize.

Explore all ten uses in the article below 👇

02/09/2026

Life insurance in estate planning serves purposes beyond just replacing income. Charles Schwab explains how life insurance can solve liquidity problems, equalize inheritances, and even help with tax planning in larger estates.

The decision to include life insurance in your estate plan depends on your specific situation and goals. Understanding the different roles life insurance can play helps you determine whether it belongs in your planning strategy.

Life insurance might solve problems you didn’t know you had.

Learn about life insurance’s role in estate planning in the article below 👇