Class recorded May 1, 2020.

For updated information on estate planning in California, including the current dollar limit for small estates, click here and here.

Planning for the end of life, illness or disability is complicated, and it’s hard to know where to start. Preparing proper legal documentation now, while you are still able, can protect your loved ones financially and emotionally in case of death or incapacity. This class provides you with the legal basics, including the different ways of ensuring that your money and property pass to your heirs the way you want and with as little trouble and expense as possible (wills and trusts), plus the options available to make sure you receive the medical treatment you want at the end of life (advanced health care directives). You will also learn about free resources available to help. Learning important legal fundamentals about wills, trusts and advanced health care planning can make your legal journey easier and more successful.

Class covers:

• The importance of writing a will and/or creating a trust
• Pros and cons of trusts vs. wills, and why you might need both
• Do-it-yourself estate planning vs. hiring a lawyer
• What probate is, and how to help your heirs avoid it
• Different types of trusts, and when each is appropriate
• Advanced health care directives: how to make sure you receive the medical treatment you want during severe illness or end of life

Course Materials: If you would like to receive a copy of the course materials for any of the classes, including any PowerPoint used, please register at the Register Now! button for the class, provided below. A staff member will email you the course materials (usually within one business day)."

Video Recordings: We recognize that not everyone can attend in person classes, so even if you can't make it in, please watch any of these recordings and remember that we are still here to help! Call us at (213) 785-2513, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or chat with us online to get help finding information and resources on any legal (or not-quite-legal) question. Access to the video recordings is free.

Dated Material: Please note that the law changes. The original recording date for each class is provided on the display page. To be certain that you receive up-to-date information, please attend the in-person class, or contact us for help researching or updating your specific legal issue.

LA Law Library does not provide legal advice:
LA Law Library does not provide legal advice. LA Law Library provides legal resources and assistance with legal research as an educational service. The information presented in this program is not legal advice and is provided solely as an educational service to our patrons. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.