Basic Family Estate Planning in California

Essential Planning for Families at Every Stage

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or retired. If you have children, loved ones who depend on you, or simply want your wishes respected, a basic family estate plan is one of the most important protections you can put in place.


At Clavel Law, we help individuals and young families across Southern California create simple, effective plans that protect children, name decision-makers, and provide peace of mind — without unnecessary complexity.

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What’s Included in a Basic Estate Plan

Basic Family Planning focuses on the foundational legal documents every adult — especially parents — should have. These documents ensure your loved ones are protected and that important decisions are made by people you trust.


This type of plan is ideal for:

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Young families with minor children

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Individuals starting their careers

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Parents who want guardianship clarity

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Anyone who wants basic protections in place

Even modest estates benefit from proper planning.

Core Documents in a Basic Family Plan

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Family or Individual Will

A will allows you to name beneficiaries and, most importantly for parents, appoint guardians for minor children. Without a will, the court — not you — decides who raises your children and how assets are distributed.

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Healthcare Directive

An Advance Health Care Directive lets you appoint someone to make medical decisions if you’re unable to speak for yourself and allows you to clearly state your treatment preferences.

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Financial Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney authorizes a trusted person to handle financial matters if you become incapacitated. This prevents delays, court involvement, and financial disruption for your family.

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Kids Protection Planning

For parents, planning goes beyond documents. We help you clearly designate guardians, provide instructions for immediate care, and reduce the risk of court involvement if an emergency occurs. This ensures your children are cared for by the people you choose.

Protection for Everyday Families

Many people assume estate planning can wait. The reality is that accidents and medical emergencies can happen at any age. A basic estate plan ensures:

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Your children are protected and cared for

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Your wishes are honored during incapacity

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Your loved ones avoid unnecessary court proceedings

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Your family has clarity during stressful times

This is about preparedness, not wealth.

Simple, Clear, and Family-Focused

Clavel Law makes the estate planning process approachable and straightforward. We explain each document in plain language and tailor your plan to your family’s needs — not a one-size-fits-all template.



Our approach includes:

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Flat-fee options for predictable pricing

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Personalized guidance from an experienced attorney

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Careful review to ensure nothing is overlooked

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A supportive process designed for first-time planners

With hundreds of estate plans completed, we know how to help families get this right.

Is a Trust a Better Fit?

As your family or assets grow, additional planning tools may become beneficial. If you own real estate, want to avoid probate, or have more complex goals, a living trust may be appropriate.


You can explore more advanced options here:

Learn About Wills & Trusts

Common Questions About Basic Family Estate Planning

  • What do I need in a basic estate plan?

    Most families need a will, healthcare directive, and power of attorney. Parents should also name guardians for minor children.

  • Is estate planning only for older people?

    No. Young adults and parents often benefit the most, especially when children or medical decision-making is involved.

  • Can I do this even if I don’t have many assets?

    Yes. Estate planning is about protection and decision-making, not just money.

  • How long does it take to set up a basic plan?

    In many cases, documents can be completed within a few weeks, depending on your schedule and needs.

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Ready to Protect Your Family?

Getting a basic estate plan in place is simpler than you may think. We help families across Southern California take this important step with confidence and clarity.