Estate Planning Attorney Serving Southern California

Protect Your Family With a Thoughtfully Crafted Plan

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, secure your assets, and ensure your wishes are honored. Many Southern California families turn to estate planning not only to create clarity—but to help loved ones avoid the stress, expense, and delay of probate whenever possible. From our offices in Chino Hills and San Diego, we work with individuals, couples, and seniors across Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties to build plans that reflect their goals and circumstances. With hundreds of estate plans completed and nearly a decade of experience, Clavel Law guides you through every decision with care, clarity, and practical expertise.

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Comprehensive Estate Planning Services

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Wills

A will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and allows you to nominate guardians for minor children. We help you create a clear, legally sound will that complements your overall plan.

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Living Trusts

Living trusts help your family avoid probate, maintain privacy, and manage assets seamlessly during incapacity. We draft customized trusts and guide you through proper funding to ensure they function as intended.

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Powers of Attorney

A financial power of attorney gives someone you trust the authority to manage your affairs if you become unable to do so. We tailor these documents to your specific preferences and responsibilities.

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Advance Health Care Directives

This document allows you to express your medical wishes and appoint a healthcare agent to advocate for you. We help you take control of your care and provide peace of mind for your loved ones.

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Beneficiary Designations

Many assets—including life insurance and retirement accounts—transfer outside probate through beneficiary designations. We review these selections to ensure they align with the rest of your plan.

What to Expect When Creating an Estate Plan

A well-crafted estate plan requires thoughtful preparation, meaningful conversations, and precise drafting. Below is a simple overview of how the planning process works and what families can expect along the way.


Our process begins with understanding your goals, assets, concerns, and family dynamics. From there, we design a tailored estate plan that protects your wishes and provides long-term security for the people you love.

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Initial consultation

Discuss your goals, family structure, property, and potential challenges.

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Customized document drafting

We prepare wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and directives based on your needs.

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Review and execution

You’ll have time to review each document, ask questions, and sign with confidence.

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Trust funding guidance

We help ensure assets are properly titled or designated so your trust works as intended.

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Ongoing support

Estate plans should evolve; we’re here to help update documents as your life changes.

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Common Questions About Estate Planning

  • What does an estate planning attorney do for me?

    We help you create legally valid documents that protect your family, preserve your assets, and avoid unnecessary court involvement. We also guide you through important decisions like choosing guardians, agents, and trustees.

  • Do I need a will or a living trust?

    Many families benefit from a living trust to avoid probate and streamline asset transfers. A will still plays an important role—typically as a “pour-over” will directing remaining assets into your trust.

  • When should I start estate planning?

    It’s never too early. Whether you’re planning for retirement, raising young children, or managing property in Southern California, a solid plan offers clarity and protection at every stage of life.

  • What happens if I become incapacitated?

    Without a power of attorney or healthcare directive, your loved ones may face court intervention to manage your affairs. These documents allow you to designate trusted individuals and spell out your medical preferences.

  • Do estate plans reduce taxes?

    While California has no state estate tax, federal rules may apply to high-value estates. Strategic planning can help reduce or prevent unnecessary tax burdens for your beneficiaries.

Explore Related Services

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Probate

If your loved one passed away without a trust or with assets requiring court involvement, we guide families through probate with compassion and clarity.

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Personal Injury

We help accident victims pursue fair compensation for their injuries, losses, and recovery needs.

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Business Law

For small business owners, we offer contracts, advisory services, and structural planning to protect your enterprise.

Ready to Get Probate Help?

We’re here to guide families across Southern California & Beyond through probate with clarity, patience, and trusted legal experience. Reach out today for a free consultation focused on your unique situation.