Why Choose Twin Peaks for California Estate Planning

Local Expertise + High Net-Worth Perspective

We specialize in estate planning in California, combining deep local knowledge with a focus on affluent clients and complex estates.

Holistic Strategy, Not Just Documents

We help you think through the “why” and “how” of your plan, not just the paperwork. That includes optimizing for taxes, structure, family dynamics, and future changes.

Transparent Pricing & Scalable Complexity

Pricing depends on complexity but generally ranges from $6,500 to $20,000. Clients of Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors may receive relationship-based pricing.

Ongoing Care & Review

A plan should evolve. We recommend periodic reviews especially after major life events like marriage, birth, new property, or changes in law.

Estate Planning 101

Effective estate planning strategies don’t start with documents; it starts with clarity. California estate planning helps ensure your assets are preserved, your family is protected, and your wishes are honored.

While many assume estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy, it’s not. The truth is, if you own property, have children, or simply want a say in what happens if you become incapacitated, you need an estate plan. A thoughtful plan can help reduce taxes, avoid probate delays, and give peace of mind to your loved ones.

Below are six essential steps to help you understand and begin the estate planning process:

1.) Build a Complete Asset Inventory

Start by cataloging both your tangible and intangible assets such as real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement plans, life insurance, and business interests.

As you create your list, assign values where possible to clarify the scope of your estate and guide equitable distribution. Use established figures (i.e., account details) or estimate the value you expect your heirs to assign to them.

2.) Clarify Legal Directives

A strong estate planning framework includes critical legal documents such as:

• Trust: A trust lets you decide how your assets are distributed and helps avoid probate.
• Financial Power of Attorney: This document allows someone you trust to manage your finances if you become unable to do so yourself.
• Medical Care Directive (Living Will): Outlines your healthcare wishes if you’re ever unable to communicate them. This often includes naming a Medical Power of Attorney—someone who can make medical decisions on your behalf.

3.) Designate Beneficiaries

If you have a will, you have likely detailed beneficiaries, however, it may not cover all circumstances. Retirement accounts and insurance policies often pass outside of a will. Review all accounts to ensure you have designated beneficiaries.

Always update beneficiaries when circumstances change, however, consider also naming contingent beneficiaries, in case you neglect to modify the primary beneficiary.

4.) Plan for Life Transitions (Like Divorce)

Review and revise your will, trust, beneficiary forms, and joint ownership titles after significant life transitions. There are some important considerations when going through a divorce. Review and revise your will, trust, beneficiary forms, and joint ownership titles.

If you have already drafted a will, make sure that you review it. If you don’t have one, consider creating one with an estate planning attorney. They’ll ensure your assets are distributed according to your goals and in line with your state’s laws.

Check the beneficiary designations on your pensions, 401(k)s, and insurance policies to make sure they’re up to date. Keep in mind that, under federal law, your spouse is automatically the sole beneficiary of your pension and 401(k) unless they formally agree to waive that right.

5.) Review. Review. Repeat.

Estate planning isn’t a one-and-done task. Revisit your documents every few years—or after key life events like marriage, new children, business growth, or significant purchases.

6.) Seek Help

Consider working with an estate planning attorney to create a trust and explore insurance options that can help protect your assets from estate taxes. It’s also wise to meet regularly with a financial advisor to review your plan, update your goals, and catch potential issues before they affect your long-term savings.

We bring the financial and tax lens; your attorney handles the legal drafting. Together, we ensure your plan is both well-structured and legally sound.

*Documents are generated by EncorEstate

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an estate plan if I’m not ultra-wealthy?

Yes. Anyone who wants control over asset distribution, incapacity planning, and legacy protection benefits from estate planning services. Without a plan, your estate risks probate delays, legal costs, and court‐dictated outcomes.

Do I need a trust and when should I consider setting up a trust?

Trusts are especially useful for avoiding probate, protecting minors, maintaining privacy, handling multiple properties, or when you wish to exert posthumous control.

For non-citizens with U.S-based assets, a trust is often essential to minimize estate taxes and ensure cross-border coordination.

Do I need a power of attorney and healthcare agent?

A power of attorney and healthcare agent protect you during your lifetime. If you’re ever incapacitated, these documents allow someone you trust to manage your finances and make medical decisions. Without them, even basic financial or medical decisions may be delayed by legal proceedings.

What does the estate planning process with TPWA look like?

1. Discovery call to understand your family, assets, and goals
2. Strategic design of your estate plan, applying estate planning strategies tailored to you
3. Coordination with legal counsel for drafting and execution
4. Notarization, funding, and account titling
5. Ongoing support and periodic review

We then provide clear timelines and ongoing support throughout every step of the process. This includes education on estate planning documents (trusts, wills, power of attorney, healthcare agent, guardianship).

How much does estate planning with TPWA cost?

Typical plans range from $6,500 to $20,000, depending on complexity. Pricing factors include instances such as multiple real properties, business ownership, cross-border issues, number of trusts, etc.

Is there a maintenance fee for a revocable living trust?

Not with us. Once your trust is established, there are no annual fees. You may choose to engage us periodically for updates, especially as laws change or your family and assets evolve.

What is the turnaround time for completing an estate plan?

Most estate plans are completed within 4 to 6 weeks. Documents are typically generated in as little as 5-10 business days.

More complex estates can take 6–10 weeks. If you have multiple properties, business entities, or many accounts that need re-titling and beneficiary updates.

What is the time commitment for the client?

Our process is designed to minimize your time investment while ensuring your plan fully reflects your wishes. You can expect to invest about 3-6 hours in meetings, spread over several weeks.

Next Steps: Secure Your Legacy Today

Ready to take control of your estate’s future? Let’s schedule a call to explore your goals and build the foundation for smart, sustainable estate planning.