Dustin MacFarlane, Attorney at Law
If You Die Without a Trust,
Your Family Goes to Court.
Probate is public, expensive, and takes 12–24 months. A properly drafted living trust keeps your family out of court — and in control. I've helped 6,000+ California families protect what they've built.
Free answers in under 2 minutes — no appointment needed.
"Someone Just Died.
What Do I Do Now?"
If you just lost a loved one, you're facing legal deadlines, frozen accounts, and decisions you've never had to make before — often within days. We handle this every week. We can help you right now.
No appointment needed. Real answers from a Certified Specialist, not a call center.
What happens next depends on:
Did they own a home?
Real estate almost always triggers probate
Did they have a trust?
Trust = no court. No trust = 12–24 months
Was the estate over $184,500?
California probate threshold — AB 2016
⚠️ High-Stakes Situations
Facing a Medi-Cal Crisis or Cognitive Decline?
Read our Certified Specialist's guide to protecting your home and assets before it's too late.
What Happens If You Do Nothing
Most California families don't plan until it's too late. Here's what that looks like.
Probate Court
Your estate goes to court. California probate fees are set by law — 4% on the first $100K, 3% on the next $100K... on a $1M estate that's $23,000+ in attorney fees alone. Then 12–24 months of waiting.
Family Conflict
No clear instructions means your family makes it up. Arguments over money, property, and "what you would have wanted" destroy relationships. Lawsuits between siblings are more common than you think.
Nursing Home Asset Loss
Long-term care in California costs $8,000–$12,000/month. Without a Medi-Cal plan, you may be forced to spend down your life savings before any government assistance kicks in.
None of this is inevitable. A properly drafted trust prevents all three.
How We Protect California Families
Every plan is customized. Every client gets a Certified Specialist — not an associate.
Living Trust Planning
Keep your family out of probate court and in control.
Learn more →Incapacity Planning
Who decides if you can't? Make sure it's someone you trust.
Learn more →Medi-Cal Planning
Legal strategies to protect assets from long-term care costs.
Learn more →Inheritance Protection
Shield your kids' inheritance from divorce, creditors, and lawsuits.
Learn more →Trust Administration
Guidance for trustees navigating complex responsibilities.
Learn more →Emergency Planning
Same-day options when time is critical and stakes are high.
Learn more →Will vs. Living Trust in California — At a Glance
Most Sacramento and Placer County families with a home need a living trust, not a will. Here's why — in plain English.
| Feature | Last Will & Testament | Revocable Living Trust | Certified Specialist Trust ★ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probate Court | ✅ Required — 12–24 months | ❌ Avoided entirely | ❌ Avoided + advanced planning |
| Privacy | 🔓 Public record | 🔒 Fully private | 🔒 Fully private |
| Fees on $1M Estate | $46,000+ (statutory) | $0 probate fees | $0 probate fees |
| Incapacity Planning | ❌ None | ✅ Successor trustee acts immediately | ✅ Seamless transition |
| Medi-Cal Protection | ❌ None | ⚠️ Revocable = no protection | ✅ Irrevocable strategies available |
| Inheritance Protection for Heirs | ❌ Exposed to creditors/divorce | ⚠️ Basic provisions | ✅ Protected from creditors & divorce |
Medi-Cal Asset Limits Are Returning
California eliminated Medi-Cal asset limits in 2024 — but they're coming back July 1, 2027. The new limit will be $130,000 for a single person. Families who plan before the deadline can protect significantly more. Families who wait may lose everything.
Learn How to Protect Your Assets →Did Someone You Love Pass Away?
You may qualify for a faster, cheaper simplified probate process. Answer 5 quick questions to find out — no attorney required to check eligibility.
A message from Dustin
“I Am Not Letting This Happen Again.”
A client died one week before signing her estate plan. That's why I now offer express service — for people who are ready to act now, not later.
What California Families Say
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Rated by Northern California families we've served
Is Your Estate Protected?
Most California families have 2–3 blind spots that could cost their heirs $20,000+ and a year in court. Take the 2-minute audit — get your score and see your red flags instantly.
2-Minute Estate Health Audit
Answer 5 questions. Get a score. See your red flags instantly.
No signup required. Instant results.
Ready to Protect Your Family?
Book a confidential consultation with Dustin MacFarlane — California's Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law. Most plans complete in 6 weeks.
Serving Sacramento, Placer County, El Dorado County, and all of California