California Will Attorney
Helping Los Angeles Families Create Legally Valid, Enforceable Wills That Reflect Their True Wishes
A last will and testament is one of the most important legal documents you will ever create, and one of the most commonly misunderstood. At Best Coast Estate Law, our California will attorneys work with individuals and families throughout Los Angeles to draft wills that are legally valid, clearly written, and fully tailored to their specific wishes and family situation.
Without a valid will, California law, not you, decides who inherits your assets, who administers your estate, and who raises your minor children. Even a basic, well-drafted will puts those decisions back in your hands, where they belong.
We serve clients throughout Los Angeles County from our Burbank office and offer in-home legal services for clients who prefer to meet at home. Our flat-fee will and estate planning packages are priced transparently so you always know what to expect.
Ready to protect your family? Call us at (626) 390-5953 for a free consultation, or fill out the form.
What Is a Will in California?
A Legal Declaration of Your Wishes
A last will and testament is a legal document in which you declare who receives your assets, who administers your estate, and, if you have minor children, who you nominate to raise them. In California, a valid will must meet specific legal requirements to be enforceable.
Protecting Your Family
Part of a Complete Estate Plan
A will works best as part of a coordinated estate plan, alongside a living trust, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. Together, these documents give you full control over your assets, your healthcare, and your legacy both during your lifetime and after.
How We Create Your Will - Our 8-Step Process
We handle the complexity so you can focus on your decisions, not the paperwork.
STEP 1 →
Free Initial Consultation
We begin with a complimentary phone consultation to learn about your family, assets, goals, and estate planning needs. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and recommend the right planning documents for your situation.
STEP 2 →
Estate Planning Questionnaire
Once you decide to move forward, we’ll provide a comprehensive estate planning questionnaire to gather important information, including your beneficiaries, assets, family details, and any specific wishes you’d like incorporated into your plan.
STEP 3 →
Personal Planning Meeting
STEP 4 →
Attorney Drafting
STEP 5 →
Review & Revisions
We’ll send your completed draft for review and walk through each document in plain language. We’ll answer your questions and make any necessary revisions until you’re comfortable moving forward.
STEP 6 →
Proper Execution & Signing
STEP 7 →
Coordination With Your Trust
STEP 8
Secure Storage & Future Reviews
After your documents are signed, we’ll provide guidance on safe storage and explain when your estate plan should be reviewed. We generally recommend updating your plan every three to five years, or sooner after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in assets.
Why Every California Adult Needs a Will
A California will allows you to:
- Control who inherits your assets
- Name guardians for minor children
- Choose who administers your estate
- Protect personal property and digital assets
- Designate backup executors and guardians Courthouse
A properly drafted will ensures your wishes, not the state’s, guide these important decisions.
Types of Wills in California
Attested Will (Formal Will)
The most common and reliable type of will in California. An attested will is typed, signed by the testator, and witnessed by at least two adult witnesses.
Holographic Will
A holographic will is entirely handwritten and signed by the testator. While California recognizes holographic wills, they carry significant risks, including ambiguity, improper execution, and legal challenges.
Pour-Over Will
A pour-over will is used alongside a revocable living trust. It directs any assets not already held in the trust into the trust upon death.
For most Los Angeles homeowners, a living trust is strongly recommended alongside a will because California real estate values are high enough that a will alone will almost certainly trigger probate.
Will vs. Living Trust - Which Do You Need?
A Will Alone Requires Probate. A Trust Does Not
If you only have a will, your estate will go through California probate court. A living trust distributes assets privately without court involvement.
A Will Is Public Record. A Trust Is Private
Wills filed with the probate court become public documents. The terms of a living trust remain private.
A Will Can Name a Guardian for Minor Children. A Trust Cannot
This is the one thing only a will can do. If you have minor children, a will is essential.
Most California Residents Benefit From Both
A complete estate plan typically includes a living trust as the primary vehicle for asset distribution, plus a pour-over will as a safety net and a guardian nomination document.
Why Choose Best Coast Estate Law as
Your California Will Attorney?
Creating a legally valid will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, your assets, and your wishes. Our California will attorneys help clients throughout Los Angeles create customized estate plans that provide clarity, security, and peace of mind.
- California-specific estate planning expertise
- Custom-drafted wills tailored to your situation
- Guidance on guardians for minor children
- Flat-fee pricing with no surprise costs
- Coordination with trusts and estate plans
- Clear explanations in plain English
At Best Coast Estate Law, we create wills that protect your family, preserve your wishes, and give you confidence that your legacy is secure.
About Best Coast Estate Law - Your California Will Attorneys
Women-Owned & Operated
Best Coast Estate Law is a women-owned and operated probate and estate planning law firm founded by attorney Brittany Britton, with offices in Burbank and Palm Springs, California. Our estate planning team, including attorney Lisa West, has helped hundreds of Los Angeles families create legally valid, thoughtfully drafted wills and complete estate plans that truly protect what matters most.
We are recognized on Avvo for our commitment to client service and are proud members of the Women’s Lawyer Association of Los Angeles (WLALA) and the Studio City Collaborative. Our clients trust us to handle one of the most challenging legal processes a family can face, with expertise, efficiency, and genuine care.
Our team (including probate attorney Lisa West, legal assistant Katherine, and office manager Victoria) brings genuine care and deep expertise to every client relationship. We understand that estate planning involves not just legal decisions but deeply personal ones, and we approach every conversation with that in mind. We’re proud members of the Women’s Lawyer Association of Los Angeles (WLALA) and the Studio City Collaborative, and we’ve helped hundreds of Southern California families protect what matters most to them. Ask about our in-home legal services →
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team specializes in simplifying the will process so you and your loved ones can feel certain about every decision. Start with this overview, and then book a consultation when you’re ready to talk more.
What is a last will and testament in California?
A last will and testament is a legal document that determines who receives your assets after death, who administers your estate, and who serves as guardian for minor children.
Do I need a California will attorney, or can I write my own will?
You can write your own will, but DIY wills often create costly probate disputes due to errors, ambiguity, and missing legal requirements.
What happens if I die without a will in California?
Your assets will be distributed according to California intestate succession laws, and a court will make decisions about estate administration and guardianship.
What are the legal requirements for a valid will in California?
A will must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by at least two adults (unless it is a valid holographic will).
Is a handwritten will valid in California?
Yes, but handwritten wills often create legal complications and are generally not recommended.
How do I name a guardian for my children?
You name a guardian in your will. Without a will, the court makes that decision.
Who should I name as executor?
Choose someone trustworthy, organized, and willing to carry out your wishes.
Can I leave assets to anyone I want?
Generally, yes, though California law imposes certain limitations regarding spouses and community property.
Does a will avoid probate?
No. A will goes through probate. A living trust is the primary probate-avoidance tool.
What is a pour-over will?
A will that directs assets into a living trust after death if they were not already transferred into the trust.
Can I update my will later?
Yes. You can revise your will at any time while you have legal capacity.
How much does a will cost?
Best Coast Estate Law offers flat-fee pricing that varies based on complexity.
How long does it take?
Most wills and estate plans are completed within two to four weeks.
Working With Best Coast Estate Law
Do you offer in-home appointments?
How do I get started with Best Coast Estate Law on a my will?
The first step is a free consultation with one of our probate attorneys. We will review the basic facts of the will, explain the process and timeline, answer your questions, and advise you on the best path forward. You can reach us at (626) 390-5953 or contact us through the form on this page. We serve clients throughout Los Angeles County and all of California.
What areas do you serve?
Los Angeles County, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, North Hollywood, Encino, Woodland Hills, West Hollywood, Culver City, Santa Monica, Torrance, Long Beach, Arcadia, Monrovia, Palm Springs, and surrounding communities.
Your Family Deserves a Plan. Let's Build It Together.
Creating a will is one of the most important things you can do for the people you love, and it does not have to be complicated or overwhelming.
Whether you need a simple will, a complete estate plan, or guidance on where to start, Best Coast Estate Law is here to help.
Call (626) 390-5953 for a free consultation.
Serving Los Angeles County and all of California. Offices in Burbank and Palm Springs. In-home appointments available.
