Vanna White’s Marriage After 13 Years: What California Families Should Know About Estate Planning for Long-Term Partners

For California residents in long-term relationships—whether married or not—understanding how your relationship status affects your estate plan is crucial for protecting your partner and your assets.

Why This Story Matters for California Estate Planning

Vanna White, the beloved “Wheel of Fortune” star, recently married her partner John Donaldson after 13 years together. As White told TODAY, the couple had long felt “like you’re already married” but finally decided to make it official with a private ceremony in January 2026.

This decision highlights a critical question many California families face: How does your marital status impact your estate plan, and what protections do unmarried partners need?

Estate Planning Challenges for Unmarried California Couples

Many long-term couples assume they have the same legal protections as married spouses. Unfortunately, California law treats unmarried partners very differently when it comes to:

Inheritance rights: Unlike spouses who have automatic inheritance rights under California law, unmarried partners inherit nothing without proper estate planning documents

Medical decision-making: Without an Advance Healthcare Directive, your partner may be unable to make critical medical decisions on your behalf

Property ownership: California community property laws don’t apply to unmarried couples, regardless of how long you’ve been together

Probate complications: Assets passing to an unmarried partner may face additional scrutiny and potential family disputes during probate

How Marriage Changes Your Estate Planning Needs

When couples like Vanna and John transition from long-term partnership to marriage, their estate planning priorities shift:

Spousal protections automatically activate: California provides certain statutory protections for surviving spouses

Community property rules apply: Assets acquired during marriage are generally considered community property

Estate tax considerations change: The unlimited marital deduction allows tax-free transfers between spouses

Blended family planning becomes critical: For second marriages (like White’s), protecting both your spouse and children from previous relationships requires careful trust planning

What California Residents Should Do Right Now

Whether you’re in a long-term unmarried relationship, recently married, or planning to marry, here’s how to protect your partner and family:

Create or update your estate plan: Your relationship status directly affects what documents you need and how they should be structured

Execute Healthcare Directives: Even married couples benefit from clear healthcare directives that specify who makes medical decisions

Establish a Revocable Living Trust: This avoids probate and provides clear instructions for asset distribution, especially important for blended families

Review beneficiary designations: Update retirement accounts, life insurance, and other assets with beneficiary designations

Consider a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement: For second marriages, these agreements can protect both partners and their respective children

Real-World Estate Planning Scenarios for California Couples

Scenario 1: Long-term unmarried partners

If you’ve been with your partner for years but haven’t married, you need comprehensive estate planning documents including a will or trust, healthcare directives, and financial powers of attorney. Without these, your partner has no legal standing to inherit assets or make decisions on your behalf.

Scenario 2: Second marriage with adult children

Like Vanna White, who has two adult children from her previous marriage, protecting both your new spouse and your children requires careful planning.A qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust or similar estate planning tool can provide for your spouse during their lifetime while ensuring assets ultimately pass to your children.

Scenario 3: Recently married couples

Getting married is the perfect time to create or update your estate plan. California Probate and Trust, PC helps newly married couples establish comprehensive plans that reflect their new legal status and shared goals.

How California Probate and Trust, PC Can Help

At California Probate and Trust, PC, we understand that every relationship is unique. Our experienced Sacramento-based estate planning attorneys have helped thousands of California families navigate complex relationship dynamics and create customized plans that protect what matters most.

We offer:

Free estate planning consultations to assess your specific situation

Transparent pricing packages designed for California families

Compassionate guidance through sensitive family discussions

Comprehensive solutions from simple wills to complex trust structures

Take Action: Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Whether you’re celebrating 13 years together like Vanna and John, or just beginning your journey as a couple, the right estate plan provides peace of mind and protects your family’s future.

Contact California Probate and Trust, PC today at (866)-674-1130 or visit cpt.law to schedule your free, no-obligation estate planning consultation.

Our experienced attorneys serve clients throughout California from our offices in Fair Oaks, Sacramento, and San Francisco.

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Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Estate planning laws vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. The information presented here is current as of January 2026 but may be subject to change. For specific legal guidance tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified California estate planning attorney. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. California Probate and Trust, PC is a law firm licensed to practice in California.

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Source: TODAY – Vanna White Marries Longtime Love John Donaldson After 13 Years Together