Source: The Guardian
What California Residents Can Learn from This Tragedy
When actor James Van Der Beek died at age 48 after battling bowel cancer, his family faced an immediate financial crisis. Within 24 hours of his death, a GoFundMe campaign raised over $1 million to help his widow Kimberly and their six children cover overwhelming medical expenses and basic living costs.
For California residents managing assets or planning for their family’s future, this tragedy raises urgent questions:
The Hidden Cost of Inadequate Estate Planning
According to the fundraiser, Van Der Beek’s medical care costs “left the family out of funds,” forcing them to fight to stay in their home while trying to maintain stability for their children. The fundraiser’s initial target of $500,000 was quickly surpassed, eventually reaching $1.3 million as the true scope of the family’s needs became clear.
This situation illustrates a critical reality for California families: even successful professionals can find themselves financially vulnerable without comprehensive estate planning and asset protection strategies.
Why Medical Expenses Devastate Even Well-Prepared Families
Van Der Beek had been transparent about his financial struggles, even auctioning off memorabilia from his roles in “Varsity Blues” and “Dawson’s Creek” to cover treatment costs. He stated that 100% of his proceeds would go “to families recovering from the financial burden of cancer (including my own)”.
The U.S. healthcare system’s high costs have long been criticized for imposing devastating financial burdens on patients and families. For California residents, this underscores the importance of:
How Proper Estate Planning Protects Your Family
If you’re a California resident worried about protecting your family from similar circumstances, comprehensive estate planning addresses:
1. Immediate Access to Funds
Unlike assets that must go through probate (which can take 9-18 months in California), a properly structured revocable living trust provides your family immediate access to funds for medical bills, mortgage payments, and daily expenses.
2. Healthcare Decision-Making Authority
An Advance Healthcare Directive ensures your medical wishes are honored and designates a trusted person to make decisions when you cannot—preventing family conflict during already difficult times.
3. Protection from Creditors
Strategic asset protection planning can shield certain assets from medical debt collectors, preserving your family’s home and essential resources.
4. Guardian Designation for Minor Children
Van Der Beek’s six children faced uncertainty about their future stability. A will or trust that clearly designates guardians and establishes financial management for minor children provides crucial security.
5. Tax-Efficient Wealth Transfer
Proper planning minimizes estate taxes and ensures more of your assets go to your family rather than the government.
Real-World Application: What You Should Do Today
For California families concerned about protecting their loved ones:
Questions California Families Are Asking
Q: How much does estate planning cost compared to the consequences of not having a plan?
A: A comprehensive estate plan typically costs $2,000-$5,000 in California. Without one, your family may face probate costs of 4-6% of your estate value, plus months or years of delays accessing funds when they need them most.
Q: I’m healthy now—can’t I wait to create an estate plan?
A: Van Der Beek was only 48 when he died. Serious illness can strike at any age, and once you’re incapacitated, it’s too late to put protections in place. The best time to plan is when you’re healthy.
Q: Will my family really need a fundraiser if I die unexpectedly?
A: Without proper planning, potentially yes. Medical debt, mortgage payments, children’s education costs, and daily expenses continue even after death. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $1 million for Van Der Beek’s family because these costs are real and immediate.
Take Action to Protect Your California Family
Don’t wait until it’s too late. At California Probate and Trust, PC, we help California residents create comprehensive estate plans that protect families from financial devastation during medical crises and after death.
Our experienced estate planning attorneys offer:
We’ve helped thousands of California families gain peace of mind through proper estate planning. Let us help yours.
Schedule Your Free Estate Planning Consultation Today
Call (866)-674-1130 or visit cpt.law to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a Sacramento estate planning attorney.
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 based on California law as of February 2026. For specific legal guidance regarding your situation, please consult with a qualified estate planning attorney licensed in California. California Probate and Trust, PC makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in this article. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.