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Wills

A will is a document which expresses one's "testamentary intent." In simple terms, a will sets forth how one wishes to leave his or her property, and on what terms, upon death.

When creating an estate plan, there are several goals one must keep in mind. The most basic of these goals include:

  • Whom do I want to have what and on what terms?
  • Will my estate go through probate (a long and expensive court process) upon my death? If so, would it be good to avoid probate and how do I avoid it?
  • Are estate taxes something I am worried about? If so, how do I minimize or avoid them?
  • Who will be in charge of administering my estate?
  • If I have minor children, who will raise them (handle personal matters and/or finances for them)?


Depending on one's financial situation, a will may be all that is needed to achieve these goals. Or, a will may be only a small part of one's estate plan.

A common misconception is that a will avoids the need for probate. Having a will has no effect on whether probate is necessary. An experienced estate planning attorney should be consulted to determine what type of estate planning instruments are best for your situation.

We are here to help you make this decision. An experienced California estate planning attorney will meet with you, listen to your concerns, analyze your specific situation, and thoroughly discuss your options.

After you make your decision, we will prepare the necessary documents for you and help you execute your estate plan.

For a better understanding of wills and avoiding probate Click Here.

To view a short video by Long Beach Estate Planning Attorney John T. Anderson on wills and estate planning,
Click Here.

As always, feel free to contact our office if you have any questions.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this website is intended to inform the reader, generally, of issues in California estate planning, trust, and probate law and is not to be the final resource, and should not be considered legal advice. The information is not intended to be all-inclusive. To obtain detailed information or advice regarding a specific legal problem, you should contact a qualified attorney in your geographic area and state. Although attorneys John T. Anderson, Lisa R. Norman, and John T. Anderson, Jr. (“Attorneys”) intend that this website be correct, complete, and up-to-date, they do not guarantee it to be. It is not intended to be a source of legal advice, thus the reader must seek out specific advice, from competent counsel. Attorneys do not intend links on this website to be referrals or endorsements of the linked entities. Sending e-mails to John@trustlaw.ws or other e-mail addresses associated with attorneys or staff at The Law Office of John T. Anderson does not create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services provided by Attorneys exceeds that provided by other lawyers. To the extent that this website is deemed an “advertisement,” Attorneys advertise only in California and do not seek to represent a person based solely on that person’s visit to this website. Attorneys are licensed to practice law only in California and are willing to appear in courts only in California. Attorneys maintain one office located in Long Beach, California.

The Law Office of John T. Anderson
1741 E. Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, California 90807