Wills & Trusts in California – Plan Your Legacy with Confidence

Building a secure legacy starts with making your wishes clear. At Newman Law Group, we help individuals and families across California— including clients in Tustin, Orange County, and Northern California—create legally sound wills and living trusts that protect loved ones, avoid probate, and give you control over what happens next.

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Legal Clarity Now, Peace of Mind for the Future

Whether you're updating outdated documents or starting from scratch, our estate planning team walks you through every step. We make complex decisions feel manageable by helping you understand your options—so your plan reflects your goals, not generic templates.


Our attorneys work closely with individuals, couples, and families throughout California—including Southern and Northern regions—to craft wills and trusts tailored to real-life needs. With offices in Tustin, we proudly serve Orange County and beyond.

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Understanding the Difference: Will vs. Trust

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What a Will Does

A will is a legal document that outlines your wishes after death—including guardians for minor children and who should receive your assets. But a will alone doesn’t avoid probate court.

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What a Living Trust Does

A properly funded living trust holds and manages your assets during your lifetime and distributes them privately after death—avoiding probate and minimizing delays.

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Why You May Need Both

Most Californians benefit from having both: a trust for asset management and a simple pour-over will to ensure everything is captured. We’ll help you decide what’s right.

Why You Still Need a Will

A will does more than say “who gets what.” It names guardians for your children, ensures your intentions are legally documented, and serves as a backup for assets that may not be titled into your trust. If you die without a will in California, the state decides how your assets are divided—and who cares for your kids.

Benefits of a Living Trust

Unlike a will, a living trust goes into effect while you’re still alive. It allows you to manage your assets if you become incapacitated and gives your family privacy after your death by avoiding court. Properly drafted and funded, a trust can help your loved ones skip months of probate delays.

Types of Trusts We Commonly Draft

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Revocable Living Trust

Flexible, adjustable, and ideal for most families. You retain control during life.

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Irrevocable Trust

Used for advanced tax planning and asset protection. Cannot be easily changed.

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Special Needs Trust

Protects public benefits for beneficiaries with disabilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a will or a trust or both?

    Most clients benefit from having both. A trust manages your assets; a will covers guardianship and asset backup.

  • Will my estate avoid probate with a trust?

    Only if your trust is properly funded. Otherwise, your assets may still go through probate.

  • Can I write my own will?

    You can—but DIY wills often create confusion, delay, or court disputes. We recommend working with a professional.

  • How often should I update my will or trust?

    At least every 3–5 years or after major life changes (marriage, home purchase, birth, divorce, etc.)

Wills & Trusts, Done Right

Our Personalized Process

We start with a conversation, not a form. After learning about your family, assets, and wishes, we walk you through your legal options, design a personalized plan, and take care of the signing, funding, and updates.