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When Family Members Request Your Social Security Number for Estate Planning: What California Residents Need to Know

When Family Members Request Your Social Security Number for Estate Planning: What California Residents Need to Know

If a family member has asked you for your Social Security number or passport number as part of their estate planning process, you may be wondering: Is this request legitimate? Should I share this sensitive information? A recent advice column highlights a troubling situation that raises important questions about identity verification, estate planning best practices, and how to protect yourself from potential fraud.

The Real Question: Is Your Social Security Number Actually Required for Estate Planning?

Here’s what California residents need to understand: A beneficiary’s Social Security number and passport number are NOT required when someone names you in their will or trust. This is a critical fact that many people don’t realize when faced with such requests from family members.

When you’re named as a beneficiary in someone’s estate plan, the estate planning attorney typically only needs:

  • Your full legal name
  • Your relationship to the person creating the estate plan
  • Your current address
  • Basic contact information

    • Common Estate Planning Scams Targeting California Families

    Unfortunately, scammers increasingly target families by impersonating relatives and requesting sensitive personal information under the guise of estate planning. Here’s how to protect yourself:

  • Verify the caller’s identity: Even if the caller ID shows a family member’s name, independently verify it’s really them by calling them back at a known number
  • Question unusual requests: Legitimate estate planning rarely requires extensive personal documentation from beneficiaries
  • Be especially wary of passport requests: There is virtually no legitimate estate planning scenario where a beneficiary’s passport number would be needed
  • Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is

    • What Should You Do If a Family Member Asks for This Information?

    If you find yourself in this situation, here are the steps California residents should take:

  • Pause before sharing: Don’t provide sensitive information immediately, even to trusted family members
  • Verify independently: Contact your family member through a separate, known channel to confirm the request
  • Ask specific questions: Request the name of their estate planning attorney and why this information is supposedly needed
  • Consult your own attorney: If you’re unsure, speak with an estate planning professional who can advise you on whether the request is legitimate
  • Decline if uncomfortable: You have every right to refuse to provide this information, and you should not feel guilty about protecting your personal data

    • How Proper Estate Planning Works in California

    Understanding the legitimate estate planning process can help you identify when something doesn’t add up. When California residents work with experienced estate planning attorneys, the process typically involves:

  • Initial consultation: The person creating the estate plan (not the beneficiaries) meets with an attorney to discuss their goals
  • Document preparation: The attorney drafts wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives based on the client’s wishes
  • Beneficiary designation: Family members are named in documents using basic identifying information
  • Asset funding: Assets are transferred into trusts or designated to pass according to the estate plan
  • Periodic updates: The plan is reviewed and updated as circumstances change

    • At no point in this legitimate process should beneficiaries be required to provide Social Security numbers or passport information to the person creating the estate plan.

    Protecting Your Family Legacy: Why Professional Guidance Matters

    Whether you’re creating your own estate plan or concerned about a family member’s requests, working with qualified California estate planning attorneys ensures that:

  • Your sensitive information remains protected
  • Estate documents are properly structured and legally valid
  • Family relationships are preserved through transparent, professional processes
  • You understand your rights and obligations at every step

    • For California residents managing estate planning concerns—whether creating a comprehensive trust, navigating probate, or simply understanding what information you should (and shouldn’t) share—professional legal guidance provides clarity and protection.

    Get Expert Estate Planning Guidance for Your California Family

    If you’re facing questions about estate planning, beneficiary designations, or protecting your family’s assets in California, California Probate and Trust, PC offers transparent, compassionate legal services designed specifically for California residents who value family protection and want clear answers to complex legal questions.

    Our experienced attorneys provide:

  • Free estate planning consultations to assess your specific needs
  • Clear, understandable guidance on wills, trusts, and probate matters
  • Protection strategies that safeguard both your assets and your personal information
  • Personalized solutions that reflect your family’s unique dynamics

    • Schedule your free consultation today: Visit cpt.law or call (866)-674-1130 to speak with a certified estate planning specialist who can help you navigate these important decisions with confidence.

    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 and general estate planning principles. For specific legal advice regarding your estate planning needs, beneficiary designations, or concerns about identity theft and fraud, please consult with a qualified estate planning attorney licensed to practice in your state. California Probate and Trust, PC is available to provide personalized legal counsel to California residents. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this article.