Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our California estate planning platform.
Is a DIY living trust legal in California?
Yes. A revocable living trust executed in accordance with California law is a valid California estate planning instrument. Our templates are written around California Probate Code requirements.
Do I need a lawyer?
No — for simple and straightforward situations. Complex families, tax-driven plans, or special-needs beneficiaries are better served by an attorney. See the homepage comparison.
How is this different from LegalZoom or Trust & Will?
Our documents are California-specific, not generic US templates. We price below the big platforms and do not subscribe-trap you. Everything is stateless — no account required.
What information do I need before I start?
Full legal names of yourself and any agents, beneficiaries, guardians, or successor trustees. Dates of birth for children. Beneficiary share percentages. Your property address and APN if you're buying a trust package.
How do I pay?
Stripe secure checkout. All major credit and debit cards accepted. No account is required.
Do you keep my information?
No. We do not retain your completed intake or generated documents after delivery. Save your PDF immediately after generation.
What if I make a mistake?
Because we do not save your information, revisions require a new order. Review every name, date, and percentage carefully before generating.
How do I get my documents notarized?
Take your signed documents to any California notary public. Our cover page includes specific signing and notarization instructions for each document in your package.
Where do I record my deed?
Record the signed, notarized deed at the County Recorder's office for the county where the property is located. Submit the PCOR with it.
Do you offer Spanish-language documents?
The website and intake are bilingual (English and Spanish). Generated documents are provided in English for consistency and California use. Some recorded documents may require English for county recorder acceptance.
What if my situation is too complex?
Contact an independent California attorney. Our platform is designed for simple and straightforward cases only.
Is this a law firm?
No. MYCAESTATEPLAN is a self-service document platform. Use of the site does not create an attorney-client relationship.
What is probate?
Probate is the court process used after someone dies to transfer property, pay valid bills and debts, and distribute what is left to heirs or beneficiaries. A judge may need to appoint a personal representative to handle the estate. Probate can be required even when there is a will.
Does a will avoid probate?
Usually, no. A will tells the court and your family who should receive your property and who should handle your estate, but property still titled only in your name may need probate. A will is important, but it is not the same as a funded living trust or a beneficiary designation.
How can estate planning help avoid probate?
A living trust can help your loved ones avoid probate for assets that are actually moved into the trust. For a home, that means signing and recording a deed that transfers title to the trust. Bank, investment, retirement, and insurance accounts may also need updated ownership or beneficiary forms.
How do these documents help while I am alive?
Estate planning is not only about death. A Durable Power of Attorney lets someone you trust handle financial matters if you cannot. An Advance Health Care Directive and HIPAA Authorization help your chosen health-care agent talk with doctors and make medical decisions if you cannot speak for yourself.
What should I do after signing?
Make sure the people you named have agreed to serve, give them copies or tell them where copies are kept, and explain how to access important accounts and papers. If your packet includes a deed, record it with the County Recorder and submit the PCOR. For trust plans, follow the funding instructions so assets are actually connected to the trust.
Still have questions? Email support@mycaestateplan.com.