Estate Planning Checklist | California Document Guide
Estate Planning Document Checklist
Essential documents every California family needs.
A comprehensive estate plan includes multiple documents working together to protect your family. This checklist shows what you need, what each document does, and why it matters.
| Document | What It Does | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| Revocable Living Trust | Avoids probate, controls asset distribution, plans for incapacity | Everyone with assets over $184,500 or real estate |
| Pour-Over Will | Transfers missed assets into trust, names guardians for minor children | Everyone with a living trust |
| Durable Power of Attorney | Authorizes someone to handle finances if you become incapacitated | Every adult |
| Advance Healthcare Directive | Names healthcare agent, states end-of-life treatment preferences | Every adult |
| HIPAA Authorization | Allows agent to access medical records | Everyone |
| Certification of Trust | Proves trust exists without revealing details | Everyone with a living trust |
| Assignment of Personal Property | Transfers personal belongings into trust | Everyone with a living trust |
| Deed Transfer | Transfers real estate into trust name | Anyone with real estate in a trust |
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