What to Include in Your California Estate Plan: A Checklist for 2025

Estate planning isn’t just a one-time event—it’s a proactive way to protect your loved ones and preserve your legacy. As we enter 2025, it’s essential for Californians to review and update their estate plans to reflect current laws and personal changes.

Your 2025 Estate Planning Checklist

✅ 1. Will or Trust

Decide if a Last Will and Testament or a Revocable Living Trust(or both) best suits your goals. Trusts can help avoid probate, provide privacy, and simplify asset distribution.

✅ 2. Power of Attorney

Appoint someone you trust to handle your financial matters if you’re ever unable to do so yourself. This document is critical in emergencies or incapacity.

✅ 3. Advance Health Care Directive

Also known as a living will, this directive allows you to make your medical wishes known and appoint a healthcare agent to speak on your behalf.

✅ 4. Beneficiary Designations

Ensure your life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts have updated beneficiary information to avoid unintended consequences.

✅ 5. Guardianship Nominations

If you have minor children, name a guardian who will care for them in case something happens to you.

✅ 6. Digital Asset Inventory

List your online accounts, digital files, and social media profiles, and assign someone to manage them as part of your legacy.

The California Advantage with Local Guidance

Because estate laws vary by state, working with a California-based estate planning attorney like Yacoba Ann Feldman ensures that your documents comply with California law and are tailored to your unique situation.

Don’t wait for a crisis—make 2025 the year you secure your estate plan.