San Francisco, California · Wills & Living Trusts
An estate plan that reflects the people and priorities in your life
LaVelle Law Offices helps San Francisco residents work through estate planning decisions with clear, practical guidance. A plan can address your home, personal property, decision-makers, and the people you want to provide for.
Families do not all look the same. If you are unmarried, part of a blended family, or balancing responsibilities to a partner, children, and other relatives, explain those relationships at the outset. Your documents should be considered in the context of your actual family.
Key Takeaways
- Tell your attorney who you want to include and what concerns you want addressed.
- Bring existing documents and questions about jointly owned property.
- Consider both future transfers and who could help during your lifetime.
Why Choose LaVelle Law Offices
LaVelle Law Offices offers a free 30-minute initial consultation and clear explanations of proposed fees. Managing attorney Colby LaVelle leads the firm. Our goal is to help you understand your options, ask informed questions, and make decisions that fit your circumstances.
Meet Colby LaVelle and learn about the firm, or explore our California estate planning services.
Estate Planning Services in San Francisco
Your documents should be considered together, with attention to your family, property, and goals. Discuss which of the following services fit your circumstances.
Wills
Prepare instructions for property passing under your will and discuss an executor.
Revocable Living Trusts
Consider a living trust for managing and transferring trust assets, with attention to how property would be placed into it.
Durable Powers of Attorney
Discuss an agent for financial decisions and how much authority to give. A durable document can continue during incapacity.
Advance Healthcare Directives
Identify your healthcare decision-maker and put treatment preferences in writing.
Estate planning for San Francisco households with different priorities
For a San Francisco household, the first planning question may be how to balance a home, a partner’s needs, and wishes for children or other beneficiaries. Explain the outcomes that concern you: continued housing, a future transfer, or someone trusted to make decisions.
Bring information about property ownership and any existing agreements or estate documents. If family members live elsewhere, discuss who would realistically be available to help. These details can make the conversation more useful without assuming that every family needs the same plan.
Questions Worth Bringing to Your Consultation
- How do you want to balance a partner’s needs and gifts to other beneficiaries?
- Are there people you want involved who are not immediate relatives?
- Do existing account designations and documents reflect your current wishes?
How to Prepare for Your First Conversation
- Write down your priorities. Note the people you want to provide for and the decisions you want to make clearer.
- Gather what you already have. Bring existing estate documents, an outline of your assets, and questions about property ownership.
- Ask about the proposed work. Discuss recommended documents, fees, signing requirements, and any steps needed after signing.
You can also review our estate planning FAQs before the meeting.
Our San Francisco Office
LaVelle Law Offices50 California St, Suite 1500
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: (415) 233-4574
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM.
Please confirm your appointment location and building access instructions before visiting.
View this office address in Google Maps · San Francisco office information
San Francisco and Nearby Communities
Our San Francisco office is a starting point for residents across the city, including the Financial District, SoMa, the Richmond District, and the Sunset District. Call to confirm appointment arrangements and where your meeting will take place.
San Francisco Estate Planning FAQs
Can unmarried partners discuss an estate plan together?
Yes. Explain your relationship, property ownership, and the decisions each of you wants to make. Your attorney can identify the documents and issues to consider for your circumstances.
How can a blended family approach estate planning?
Start by identifying the needs of a spouse or partner, children from each relationship, and any intended gifts. Bring existing documents and explain where you want clarity before choosing a planning approach.
Is a living trust the same as a will?
No. A trust can provide instructions for trust assets during life and after death. A will addresses property passing under the will and may serve alongside a trust. Ask which combination fits your situation.
Can I update a plan created before I moved to San Francisco?
Bring the complete plan for review. Moving does not automatically mean every document must be replaced, but an attorney can assess whether the documents and property arrangements still meet your needs.
Schedule a Free Estate Planning Consultation
You do not need a simple family situation to take the first step. Tell us what you want to make clearer, and arrange a free 30-minute estate planning consultation with LaVelle Law Offices.
More Estate Planning Resources
Estate planning overview · More questions and answers
Other LaVelle locations: Pleasanton estate planning · San Jose estate planning.
Public information: San Francisco Superior Court: Trusts.
This page provides general information and does not replace advice about your individual circumstances.
