Law Office of Marisa Nelson, PC

Law Office of Marisa Nelson, PC Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Law Office of Marisa Nelson, PC, Estate Planning Lawyer, 1300 Industrial Road, Suite 14, San Carlos, CA.

We make death and medical emergencies suck less by enabling your people to take care of you and you to take care of your people with guidance through wills, and trusts, and probate. We guide our clients through the creation and implementation of comprehensive wills and trusts so that you can provide for your treasured people, pets, and charities with confidence and ease. In addition to one-on-one

estate planning, we also offer DIY Estate Plans (comprehensive, downloadable estate plans) and expedited estate planning (the same comprehensive estate planning done in 1-2 days one-on-one). For more information, you can schedule an initial phone call or zoom appointment on our website, where we also answer many frequently asked questions and provide information about fees and our planning process.

What makes this DIY option different than others? A lot of things, but one big difference is that buy the version that f...
03/27/2026

What makes this DIY option different than others? A lot of things, but one big difference is that buy the version that fits your circumstances, so that most of what you need is already baked in.

That means less to fill out, less to figure out, and much less risk of mistakes. Different situations call for different documents.

Pick the package that's right for you based on a few key factors.

Are you married or single?
(If you have a partner but you're not legally married, you'll need to pick the "single" option.)

Do you have kids (or plan to soon)? Pick the "parents" option.
No kids? Pick the option designed for people without kids.

What assets do you have at this point?
If you're a young adult (or young at heart) and don't yet have any assets to speak of, perhaps our Young Adult Legal Foundations option is just right for you.

Have a few assets but valued under ~$200k?
We've got complete plans with wills, and the other important documents you'll also need.

Higher value assets (over ~$200k), or own U.S. real estate, or planning ahead for when you do?
Grab one of our trust-based estate plans to suit your situation and goals.

Just need to nominate a guardian for your kids right now and deal with the rest later? We offer Guardian Nominations on their own, with versions for both one and two parents (the two-parent option assumes both parents are naming each other as the first choice).

All of these are specifically for California residents (yes, this is really important - state law varies a lot). All documents are designed to be inclusive of all genders.

All "complete estate plans" come with health care directives, HIPAA releases, and financial powers of attorney. Plans for parents include guardian nominations. Plans that include trusts include essential supporting documents such as Certifications of Trust and Assignments of Personal Property.

Got questions? Comment or DM! More details about some of our packages are below, or check out marisanelson.com.

Join me on March 30th at 12 noon California time to learn more! Comment or DM with questions.

Should I DIY my will or trust in California, or work with a lawyer? How do I decide?Ultimately it’s up to you and what w...
03/25/2026

Should I DIY my will or trust in California, or work with a lawyer? How do I decide?

Ultimately it’s up to you and what works best for you, but there are a few factors that can help make the decision clearer.

Which is more limited for you right now, time or money?
If you really don’t have the time to figure this out on your own right now, working with a lawyer takes a lot of the work and “figuring out” off your plate. Someone else keeps things moving forward so you have guidance, accountability, and less to do. You tell me your goals, I createj legal documents that carry them out.

If funds are tight, and you can find the time to make planning for yourself and the people, pets, and charities you care about a priority, DIY may be a great option for you.

Another question to ask yourself is whether you actually like to DIY.
If yes, great. Perhaps that’s your answer.

But if you know that learning about wills and trusts and filling out questionnaires and forms and following through on signing everything is something you are likely to keep putting off because life is busy and your free time is limited, it may be worth choosing a path that helps you move things forward instead of leaving the plan sitting unfinished.

You also want to think about whether your situation fits within the limits of DIY templates. Some situations work very well with *good quality* and *carefully chosen* DIY options. Others need more customized drafting, discussion, and legal advice.

I'll talk more about that Live on March 30, but in the meantime, check out my blog and the specifics of the DIY options I offer to learn more.

If you have been wondering whether DIY estate planning is a good option for you, join me live.

Comment below or send me a message, and I will send you the link.

When I decided to create a DIY estate planning option, after years of guiding clients through their estate planning and ...
03/24/2026

When I decided to create a DIY estate planning option, after years of guiding clients through their estate planning and reviewing the DIY options some had already created, I concluded over and over again that there had to be a better DIY option.

While working with an experienced attorney to create custom documents is a great solution for many, there are always going to be people who choose DIY, whether because of financial realities or personal preference.

And the options that already existed SUCKED. Every time I reviewed DIY docs sold by one of those companies we've all heard of, there were major problems.

Often, the situations were straightforward and common. Everything goes to the spouse and then to the kids. But when I reviewed the documents my clients brought to me, they didn’t actually accomplish even these basic goals. Sometimes the children were doing all the work of administering the estate, but inheriting none of the assets. Other times, the documents were full of ambiguities and confusion that could easily lead to arguments, misunderstandings, court battles, and siblings never speaking to each other again. Which kind of defeats the whole point.

A lot of these “simple” or “basic” documents sound good in theory, but they leave out critical language. A "simple" trust often doesn't even include the key provisions that title companies and lenders require for common transactions like selling or refinancing a home.

Keeping these documents short to avoid intimidating purchasers to the point where the documents don't even accomplish common and critical tasks is unacceptable.

That's why I decided to create a different kind of DIY option, one built by a lawyer who has spent years creating estate plans and helping families navigate probate and trust administration after a loss.

If you want to learn more about DIY estate planning, what works, what doesn’t, and how this is a better option, I will be talking about that and more, live on March 30, 2026, at 12 PM PDT.

Have questions? Comment below or send me a message, and I'll answer live.

DIY estate planning documents, built by a lawyer and designed for real life.These on-demand estate planning options were...
03/23/2026

DIY estate planning documents, built by a lawyer and designed for real life.

These on-demand estate planning options were created by a California wills and trusts lawyer for people who want a clear, structured way to DIY their estate planning.

If you've been wanting to DIY your will or trust and get your loved ones covered, but have found that the other DIY options and forms out there are frankly s**t, join me to learn more about how I've solved the problems I see over and over again with other online options, and who can benefit from this option.

Each of my DIY options is designed for a specific situation and guides you through the information that actually matters, so your documents reflect your real life, not just checked boxes that don't fit anyone. Estate planning isn't generic. You are not generic. A plan doesn't do any good if it isn't tailored to you and your situation. It should reflect the way your life actually works, the people who matter to you, and the decisions you want to make ahead of time.

For many people, DIY estate planning can be a practical and thoughtful way to get started. It allows you to move forward at your own pace while still working with documents that were created by an actual estate planning lawyer who has been guiding clients through this process for nearly 15 years.

Join me Live on March 30, 2026, at 12 PM PDT to learn more and find out how my DIY option solves problems and is tailored to your situation.

Comment or DM me with questions!

12/29/2025

Privacy is critical, and it has never mattered more. It is not just about comfort; for many people, it is about safety. Keeping private matters private and out of public court protects you from unnecessary exposure, and it also avoids the time, cost, and stress that come with court involvement. Court isn't where anyone wants to be; even more so for those who are being targeted for discrimination. For anyone dealing with gender or name changes, confidentiality becomes even more important. Your personal and financial information does not need to be part of a public record.

When preparing these documents, clarity is crucial. Clear names, accurate details, and removing gendered language where it is not legally required can make a big difference. A lot of legal language uses gendered terms out of old habits, and in many cases, it is not necessary at all. Keeping things neutral often avoids confusion and keeps the documents aligned with your needs.

These documents exist so that you can decide who should inherit your assets, who will manage things if you are unable to, and who will take care of your children, pets, and anyone else depending on you. They give you the ability to make these decisions in advance instead of leaving them to chance or for a judge to decide, and they are especially important for individuals and families whose rights are not always respected or consistently protected.

If you are ready to set up your legal documents, comment below, and I will send you the link to book a consultation. You can also visit my website to get started. (Or if you're not a California resident, I may be able to refer someone to help - DM me.) And if you want more practical guidance on protecting yourself and your loved ones, follow for more!

12/26/2025

If you are trans or for any reason your gender or name has legally changed, there are a few details that become especially important when preparing or updating estate planning documents. If your legal name or gender has changed since your documents were created, it is important to update your documents (and other people's documents who name you) so the paperwork matches who you are now and does not raise questions that could cause delays, confusion, or room for discrimination.

Consistency is also key to avoiding unnecessary and discriminatory questions and roadblocks.

It's important that your ID match the name on your assets, and on your new documents (and the documents of others naming you in any role), because most of these documents need to be signed in front of a notary. The notary will check your ID, and if the names do not match, the signing may not be possible. This is also how we prevent future challenges, avoid scrutiny from institutions, and keep things out of court whenever possible.

If your name is different from what appears on your ID or other documents, let your lawyer know as early as possible. That includes any previous names still tied to bank accounts, real estate, or government records, or if you have started a legal name change but have not completed it yet. The more we know upfront, the more clearly and safely we can draft your documents and make sure everything is valid, enforceable, and avoids future issues.

If you are ready to get started, comment below, and I will send you the link to book a consultation. (Or if you're not a California resident, I may be able to refer someone to help - DM me.) And if this was helpful, follow for more guidance on estate planning and protecting your rights.

12/24/2025

Trusts are especially important when planning the inheritance of young children, but they are just as useful for older children, spouses, partners, pets, friends, or anyone else you want to inherit your assets. A trust allows you to choose how the assets can be used, at what age, for school, not a Ferrari, etc, and also gives you control over how those assets are managed if you are still here and need someone to help you out.

You can plan further ahead, too. You can decide what happens if you leave money to your spouse and they pass after you - who gets it next (maybe your kids, not their future hypothetical spouse!). You can decide who receives what next and how the inheritance continues. Trusts give you that flexibility.

And like the other documents I talk about here regularly, a revocable living trust does not lock you into anything. It is ready if you ever need it, and you can update or change it anytime as life changes. Today (and almost always when I'm talking about trusts), I am only talking about "revocable living trusts," since other types of trusts work differently.

If you found this helpful and want to set up your own plan or learn what makes the most sense for your family, you can book a consultation through the link on my website. You can also follow for more estate planning guidance, or comment below if you are ready to get started, and I will send you the link directly. (Or if you're not a California resident, I may be able to refer someone to help - DM me.)

12/22/2025

Trusts are one of the most effective ways to decide who should inherit your property and who should manage your assets if you cannot. They are usually a better option than a will because trusts are private, while wills go through a public court process. Trusts are also much more cost-effective and faster to administer than a will, especially in California. When a trust is drafted clearly and properly funded, it avoids the delays, costs, and exposure of probate.

A trust also allows someone you choose to manage your finances if you are incapacitated, traveling, detained, or otherwise unable to take care of things. A trustee can handle bills, financial decisions, and anything else needed in your best interest. This gives you protection and flexibility that a will alone cannot offer. Wills do not help you while you are alive; trusts do.

Trusts are especially useful when planning for young kids or anyone who needs support with financial decisions. You can decide what the money should be used for, who manages it, and at what age the beneficiary should have access. Most people prefer an age older than 18, and a trust allows you to make that choice.

If you are ready to put a plan in place, comment below, and I will send you the link to book a consultation. You can also visit my website through the link in my bio, and follow for more clear guidance on protecting yourself and the people you care about. (Or if you're not a California resident, I may be able to refer someone to help - DM me.)

12/19/2025

Guardian nominations are one of the most important documents for any parent with a child under 18. It is a simple legal document that allows you to choose who will care for your child if you cannot be there. A guardian steps into the role of a parent and is responsible for housing, food, education, and the day-to-day decisions we often take for granted.

There is also something called a guardian of the estate, which covers a child’s assets/inheritance, although a trust is usually a better way to manage the financial side. These terms vary from state to state, but in California, a guardian refers to the person who takes care of a child’s needs when the parent cannot. If you do not put this choice in writing, a judge will decide based on state priorities and available relatives, which is almost never ideal. You have the right to choose, but it should be in writing in a clear legal document.

This becomes especially important in families where a parent’s rights might not be honored by the government. This can include unmarried parents, situations where one parent is not on the birth certificate, or LGBTQ parents whose relationships may not be consistently recognized. In these cases, it is essential to clearly name the other parent as the first person on the list.

If you are ready to set up your guardian nomination or want help choosing the right planning for your family, comment below, and I will send you the link to book a consultation. You can also visit my website through the link in my bio. Follow for more guidance on protecting your family and planning with confidence. (Or if you're not a California resident, I may be able to refer someone to help - DM me.)

12/17/2025

Guardian nominations are how you choose the person who will take care of your kids if they are under 18 and you cannot be there for any reason. They're important for all parents of young children, but especially parents whose relationship with their kids may not be recognized by the government.

Trusts are how you decide who manages your money if you are incapacitated, out of the country, or detained, and they also determine who inherits your assets. Trusts are private legal documents, which is especially important right now. (Unlike wills, which are administered publicly.)

Health care directives allow you to appoint the person you want to visit you in the hospital if you are sick and to make medical decisions for you if you cannot do so yourself. These documents make your choices clear and enforceable. They are important for everyone, and even more critical if your relationship with your spouse, partner, kids, or other loved ones is not being consistently respected or protected.

This is general legal information and not legal advice. I am licensed in California, and my practice focuses on wills, trusts, and probate, so that is the perspective I bring to this topic. Laws vary from state to state, and this is just one set of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

If you are ready to get these documents in place, you can book a consultation with me through the link on my website.

12/15/2025

We’re all aware that recently, there have been a lot of attacks on the rights of LGBTQ people in this country. Estate planning may not be the first thing that comes to mind with everything going on, but here’s why it should be prioritized.

Estate planning through wills and trusts enables us to exercise our rights and make critical choices in a legally binding and powerful manner. It’s how we make sure the people who matter to us are recognized. It’s how we give them authority to act for us, be involved, and inherit our assets. It’s also how we choose who should take care of our kids, our pets, and anyone else who depends on us.

Estate planning is important for everyone, but it becomes even more essential when our relationships and rights are not consistently recognized or respected. This is one concrete step we can take to protect ourselves and the people we love.

To get started on your estate plan, visit my website to schedule a consultation and take the first step today. (Or if you're not a California resident, I may be able to refer someone to help - DM me.)

Address

1300 Industrial Road, Suite 14
San Carlos, CA
94070

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16504853437

Website

https://www.marisanelson.com/diy-offerings, https://www.marisanelson.com/diy-offerings/gu

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