LAST WILL & TESTAMENT

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Will Preparation

A Last Will and Testament is one of the most important documents in your estate plan. It allows you to clearly state who should inherit your assets, who should serve as the guardian of your minor children, and who should be responsible for settling your affairs after your passing. Without a valid will, the State of California will decide how your property is distributed—regardless of your personal wishes.

At Devey Law, we help individuals and families create legally sound, personalized wills that reflect their goals and protect their loved ones. Whether you need a standalone will or a pour-over will to complement your living trust, we guide you through the process with clarity and care. We also offer will reviews and updates to ensure your existing document remains current as your life evolves.

Please note: In California, a will alone does not avoid probate. If avoiding probate is a priority for you, we may recommend establishing a Revocable Living Trust as part of a more comprehensive estate plan.

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Let's Plan Your Will 
What Is A Will?

Without a valid will in place, your estate will be distributed under California’s intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes and can create confusion or disputes among your loved ones.

Standalone Wills vs. Pour-Over Wills

If you do not have a living trust, a standalone will can distribute your entire estate. However, standalone wills often go through probate, which is a public, court-supervised process.

If you have a Revocable Living Trust, you will still need a pour-over will, which acts as a safety net—directing any assets not already in your trust to be transferred into it at death. This helps ensure that all of your property is handled according to your trust’s terms, even if an asset was unintentionally left out.

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Why Do I Need A Will?

A properly drafted California will can:

  • Specify who will inherit your assets

  • Nominate a guardian for minor children

  • Name an executor to handle your estate

  • Include specific gifts of money or property

  • Direct the handling of your personal belongings

  • Coordinate with your trust, if you have one

When Should You Update Your Will?

It’s important to review and update your will when:

  • You get married or divorced

  • You have or adopt a child

  • A named beneficiary or executor passes away

  • Your wishes or assets change significantly

  • You move to or from California

Devey Law offers will drafting as a standalone service or as part of a complete estate plan. We also review and update existing wills to ensure they reflect your current goals and comply with California law.

Ready to Create Your Will? Click Here.