Estate Planning &
Legal Protection
for SFV Families.

A will alone guarantees probate — a public court process taking 9–18 months that costs 4–10% of your gross estate. A living trust avoids probate entirely, keeps your affairs private, and protects you if you become incapacitated. For most California families who own property, a living trust is the better choice. A pour-over will is still included in every trust package as a safety net.

LAESQUIRE charges $2,000 for a couple's trust package and $1,500 for a single trust package, plus $250 per minor child. This includes the customized living trust, pour-over wills, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, living will, HIPAA authorization, up to two California real estate deeds, assignments of personal property, and memorial instructions. No hidden fees. No charge for client calls during drafting.

California Probate Code §10810 sets maximum statutory fees: 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, and 1% of the next $9,000,000. Debts are not deducted — a home appraised at $1,000,000 with an $800,000 mortgage is still a $1,000,000 asset for fee purposes. A typical estate also incurs $1,000–$3,000 in court costs. The personal representative receives the same statutory fee as the attorney. A $1M estate can incur $40,000+ in combined fees before distribution.

When a Medi-Cal recipient owns a home at death, California's Department of Health Services can place a claim against the estate to recover benefits paid. A Medi-Cal trust removes the home from the recipient's name in a way that protects it from state liens while preserving Medi-Cal eligibility. Pre-planning is critical because of the look-back period. Adult children who want to protect an elderly parent's home and their own inheritance should act early — before any long-term care need arises.

Yes — and this is one of the most commonly missed steps. When a home is transferred into a living trust, the homeowners insurance policy should be updated to reflect the new ownership. Many standard policies have provisions that can create coverage gaps for trust-owned property. INSUREDLA reviews your existing coverage as part of the coordinated LA Vakil process to make sure no gap is created.

Yes. Every adult — regardless of asset level — needs at minimum a Healthcare Power of Attorney, a Durable Power of Attorney, and a Living Will. Without these, if you become incapacitated, the court must appoint a conservator. This process is public, expensive, and traumatic for families. The Will Package ($500) covers these basics for every adult.

Yes. LAESQUIRE serves clients throughout the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles — including Northridge, Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Woodland Hills, West Hills, Simi Valley, Canoga Park, Reseda, Tarzana, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Calabasas, and all surrounding neighborhoods. Virtual consultations are available for clients throughout California.