I help individuals and families in Silicon Valley create clear, practical estate plans so they can protect their loved ones and feel confident about the future.
Estate planning is about much more than documents. It’s about making sure the right people are in place to care for your children, ensuring your wishes are respected, and helping your family navigate difficult moments with as little stress as possible.
My practice focuses on estate planning, trust administration, and probate. Whether you are creating a plan for the first time or updating an existing one, my goal is to make the process straightforward, understandable, and tailored to your real life.
Over the years, I’ve learned that many estate planning problems are preventable with proper planning and periodic review. A trust that was never funded, an outdated beneficiary designation, or an estate plan that no longer reflects a family’s circumstances can create significant problems later.
Common Estate Planning Questions
Do I Need a Trust?
Maybe. Maybe not.
Many Silicon Valley homeowners use revocable living trusts to avoid probate, simplify administration, and provide for their families. Whether a trust makes sense depends on your assets, family circumstances, and planning goals.
Read More: Do You Even Need a Trust?
Do I Need a Trust or a Will?
One of the most common questions I hear is whether a trust is necessary or whether a will is enough.
As my father always said, “it depends.”
The answer depends on your assets, probate concerns, and your family’s needs.
Read More: Do I Need a Trust or a Will in California?
What Estate Planning Mistakes Do You See Most Often?
The biggest estate planning mistakes I see are usually not caused by bad intentions. They are often caused by plans that were never updated, beneficiary designations that were never reviewed, or trusts that were never properly funded.
Many probate and trust administration problems could have been avoided with a few simple steps.
Read More: Estate Planning Mistakes I See Most Often in Silicon Valley
How Much Does Probate Cost in California?
California probate fees are often based on the gross value of an estate rather than the net equity.
For many San Jose and Silicon Valley homeowners, probate can be far more expensive than expected.
Read More: How Much Does Probate Cost in California?
What Assets Avoid Probate?
Assets held in a properly funded trust, retirement accounts with beneficiary designations, life insurance proceeds, and certain transfer-on-death assets often avoid probate.
Proper asset ownership and beneficiary designations are critical.
Read More: What Assets Avoid Probate in California?
California Estate Planning & Probate Guide
Many of the questions I receive from clients are addressed in my California Estate Planning & Probate Guide, including topics such as trusts, probate, trust administration, trustee duties, guardianships, and estate planning for families.
View the California Estate Planning & Probate Guide
Reviews
See what clients have to say about working with the Law Office of Adam T. Evan.
Contact
If you have questions about estate planning, probate, trust administration, or guardianships, contact the Law Office of Adam T. Evan at (408) 515-9005 to schedule a consultation.
Law Office of Adam T. Evan 