Wills – Protect Your Legacy & Ensure Your Wishes Are Honored

Create a Legally Binding Will to Secure Your Family’s Future

A will is one of the most essential estate planning documents. It ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are cared for after you’re gone. Without a will, California’s intestacy laws will determine how your estate is handled—potentially leading to disputes, delays, and unintended consequences.

At Brentwood Law, we help individuals and families in Los Angeles draft clear, legally binding wills that protect their assets and provide peace of mind.

📞 Call (310) 800-1961 for a FREE consultation today.

What is a Will?

A last will and testament is a legal document that outlines how your assets, property, and personal belongings should be distributed upon your passing. It also allows you to:

✔️ Name beneficiaries – Specify who will inherit your assets.
✔️ Appoint an executor – Choose someone to manage your estate.
✔️ Designate guardians for minor children – Ensure your children are cared for by someone you trust.
✔️ Express final wishes – Outline instructions for funeral arrangements, charitable donations, or personal requests.

Having a will prevents confusion and legal battles among your heirs, ensuring that your wishes are honored.

Why You Need a Will

Without a will, your estate will go through California’s intestate succession process. This means:

⚠️ The state decides who gets your assets.
⚠️ Your family may face legal battles and delays.
⚠️ Your minor children may be placed under court-appointed guardianship.
⚠️ Loved ones may not receive what you intended to leave them.

By drafting a legally sound will, you can prevent disputes, reduce stress for your family, and maintain control over your legacy.

What Can You Include in a Will?

A well-structured will covers:

✅ Real Estate & Property – Homes, rental properties, and land.
✅ Financial Accounts – Bank accounts, stocks, and investments.
✅ Personal Belongings – Jewelry, vehicles, heirlooms, and collectibles.
✅ Business Interests – Instructions for company ownership.
✅ Charitable Donations – Leave a legacy to organizations you care about.
✅ Guardianship for Minor Children – Designate trusted guardians.
✅ Pet Care Instructions – Ensure your pets are cared for.

At Brentwood Law, we create customized wills that reflect your unique needs and protect your loved ones.

Types of Wills We Draft

At Brentwood Law, we offer a variety of wills based on your needs:

📜 Simple Will – A basic will that outlines asset distribution and appoints an executor.
📜 Testamentary Trust Will – Includes provisions to create a trust upon your passing.
📜 Joint Will – A will shared between spouses, ensuring assets go to the surviving partner.
📜 Living Will (Advance Healthcare Directive) – Specifies medical treatment preferences in case of incapacity.
📜 Pour-Over Will – Works with a trust to transfer any remaining assets into it upon death.

We’ll guide you in selecting the right estate planning strategy for your situation.

The Probate Process in California

If you have a will but not a trust, your estate will go through probate. This is a court-supervised process that can take months or even years to complete.

During probate, the court:

✔️ Validates your will
✔️ Oversees debt repayment
✔️ Distributes assets to beneficiaries

⚠️ Potential Downsides of Probate:

  • Expensive legal fees (4-7% of your estate’s value)

  • Delays in asset distribution

  • Public court records (lack of privacy)

To avoid probate, consider using a revocable living trust in combination with a will.

Who Should Have a Will?

Everyone should have a will, especially if you:

🏡 Own property or valuable assets
👶 Have minor children and need to name guardians
💰 Want to ensure assets go to specific people
📑 Have personal wishes that should be legally documented

Even if you already have a trust, a pour-over will is essential to cover any assets accidentally left out of the trust.

How Brentwood Law Can Help

✔️ Attorney-Drafted Wills – Legally sound documents tailored to your needs.
✔️ Fast & Easy Process – We handle all paperwork and legal formalities.
✔️ Comprehensive Estate Planning – Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and more.
✔️ Flat Fees & Transparent Pricing – No surprises, just honest legal guidance.

Get started on protecting your family’s future today.

📞 Call (310) 800-1961 for a FREE consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Do I still need a will if I have a trust?
Yes! A pour-over will ensures that any assets not placed in your trust will still be distributed according to your wishes.

❓ How often should I update my will?
You should review your will every 3-5 years or whenever a major life event occurs (marriage, divorce, birth of children, new assets, etc.).

❓ Can I write my own will?
While DIY wills exist, they often lead to legal challenges and probate issues. A lawyer ensures your will is legally valid and properly structured.

❓ Can I name multiple executors?
Yes, but it's best to name one primary executor and a backup in case they are unable to serve.

Get a Legally Binding Will Today

Don’t leave your family’s future to chance or state laws. A properly drafted will ensures that your assets, property, and loved ones are protected.