Practice Area 02
A thoughtful estate plan is one of the most important gifts you can give your family. It ensures your wishes are honored, your assets reach the right people, and your loved ones are spared unnecessary conflict and delay.
Why Estate Planning Matters
If you pass away without a valid estate plan in California, the state’s intestate succession laws determine how your assets are distributed — which may not reflect your intentions at all.
Common consequences of dying without a plan
Our Services
01
Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable living trust is the cornerstone of most California estate plans. Unlike a will, a trust allows your assets to transfer to your beneficiaries without court involvement — keeping the process private, faster, and less costly. You remain in full control during your lifetime and can amend the trust at any time.
What we provide
02
Wills & Pour-Over Wills
A will is an essential complement to a trust — but not a substitute. A pour-over will ensures that any assets not placed in your trust during your lifetime are directed into it upon your death. We draft wills that are clear, legally valid in California, and integrated with your overall estate plan.
Also includes
03
Charitable Trusts
Clients who wish to support charitable causes as part of their legacy can benefit from charitable remainder trusts (CRTs), charitable lead trusts (CLTs), or donor-advised fund strategies. These structures can provide income during your lifetime, reduce estate and capital gains taxes, and create a lasting philanthropic legacy.
Charitable structures we work with
04
High-Net-Worth & Tax Planning
For clients with larger estates, tax efficiency is a critical component of planning. We address federal and California estate tax exposure through sophisticated structures and strategies tailored to your asset profile and family goals.
Tax planning strategies include
05
International Assets & Out-of-State Property
Clients with assets outside California or outside the United States face additional complexity. Different states and countries apply their own laws to property within their borders. REPP Law has experience coordinating multi-jurisdictional estate plans.
We address
06
Business Succession Within Estates
For business owners, a complete estate plan must account for what happens to the business. We integrate business succession planning into the estate planning process — ensuring that ownership transfers are coordinated with buy-sell agreements, trust provisions, and tax strategies.
Keeping Your Plan Current
Estate plans are not “set and forget” documents. We recommend a review every 3–5 years, and immediately following any major life change. A periodic review ensures your plan remains aligned with your life and the law.
Family Changes
Marriage, divorce, birth of a child or grandchild, or death of a named trustee, executor, or beneficiary
Asset Changes
Significant change in the value of your assets, acquisition or sale of a business, or purchase or sale of real property
Relocation
Moving to or from California — different states have different estate planning requirements and tax implications
Tax Law Changes
Changes in California or federal estate and gift tax law that affect your planning strategy
Business Events
Starting, acquiring, or selling a business requires integration with your estate and succession plan
Regular Review
Every 3–5 years regardless of life changes to ensure your plan reflects current law and your current wishes
Ready to Begin?
