Estate Planning That Fits Your Family
Plan today to protect tomorrow. We help California families create wills, trusts, and other essential documents so their loved ones are cared for and their wishes are honored.
What Is Estate Planning and Why It Matters
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to make sure their loved ones are cared for and their wishes are honored.
It’s about creating a clear plan for your family’s future, avoiding unnecessary stress, and ensuring important decisions are made by the people you trust. Whether you own a home, have savings, or simply want to provide guidance for your children’s care, estate planning helps protect what matters most.
Estate planning isn’t one‑and‑done. Review your plan after life events, like a new child, marriage, move, or major purchase.
Who This Helps
Estate planning benefits more than “the wealthy.” If you want your family protected and your wishes honored, this is for you.
Parents of Minor Children
Name guardians and set rules so a judge doesn’t decide for you.
Families with Special Needs
Use a special needs trust to care for your loved one without risking benefits.
Homeowners
Keep your home out of probate and control who inherits it.
Single Adults
Choose who can make medical and financial decisions if you’re unable.
Blended Families
Protect your spouse/partner and children from prior relationships—fairly and clearly.
Retirees & Seniors
Simplify your plan, reduce taxes where possible, and lower stress for family.
Why Choose Nickerson Law
Personalized Approach
Every family’s situation is unique, so your plan will be tailored to your needs.
Protection for Your Loved Ones
We make sure your family’s future is safe and your wishes are respected.
Decades of Legal Experience
We’ve been guiding families through estate planning and probate for years.
What Clients are Saying
Real feedback from families we’ve helped across the Inland Empire.
“Nickerson and his team are the true experts in their field and made my experience in Estate Planning a wonderful and super easy one. Everyone was also very nice and professional.”
- Abby, Temecula
“If I could give 10 stars I would. From start to finish – professional, kind, patient and understanding. Couldn’t have had a better experience”
- Cori, Temecula
“With Nickerson Law you are taken care of. They have the old school honesty, that comes from the heart. Thank you for everything! God Bless you and your family!”
- C Oettle, Murrieta
Ready to Protect Your Family’s Future?
Get started today with a personalized estate plan that fits your family’s needs.
Virtual consultations available. Evening appointments on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s what most California families ask before building their estate plan.
Estate planning lets you control how your assets are handled and who makes medical and financial decisions if you’re unable to. A full California plan often includes a living trust, will, durable powers of attorney, and advance health care directives — not just who inherits, but how to manage things during your lifetime.
That’s called dying intestate. California law will decide who gets your assets — often not according to your wishes — so it’s risky to skip making a will.
A will lays out final asset distribution and appoints an executor and guardian. A living trust manages your assets during your lifetime, avoids probate, and can include conditions for beneficiaries. In California, both are often used together for full coverage.
Not legally, but a self-drafted will that doesn’t meet state requirements (e.g., two witnesses, proper signing) may be invalid. A lawyer helps avoid mistakes and future disputes.
Yes, with tools like joint tenancy, beneficiary designations (e.g., payable-on-death accounts), and living trusts. Small estates under about $184,500 may qualify for a simplified probate process.
A durable power of attorney ensures someone you trust can handle money if you’re disabled. A healthcare directive(or proxy) allows someone to make medical decisions on your behalf — both prevent costly court appointments.
Absolutely. You should review your estate plan after events like marriage, divorce, having children, buying property, or changes in law, to keep it accurate and enforceable.
Estate Planning Insights
Learn more with our latest articles and guides to help you make informed decisions for your family’s future.
Only about one-third of Americans have a will or living trust and if you die without one, your estate could take two years to settle and cost tens of thousands in legal fees. Even among high earners, just 15% have kept their wills up to date, leaving many families exposed to uncertainty and expense.
When ‘I Got You Babe’ needs a will: discover how Sonny Bono’s shocking lack of an estate plan triggered a fierce legal battle between his widow and ex-wife Cher over his music royalties, underscoring the urgent need for clear, binding agreements to protect your legacy.
Will or trust? Which one really serves your family’s needs best? Explore how a will may be quick and affordable now, but risk delays, disputes, and court entanglements later, while a trust might cost a bit more upfront but offers faster, private asset transfers free from probate hassle.