Legal Review By
Rozsa Gyene, Esq.
California State Bar #208356 | Licensed Since 2000
25+ years estate planning experience in California
In 2026, the average California family loses $30,000 to $100,000+ in mandatory probate fees set by CA Probate Code Section 10810. While generic 50-state platforms like LegalZoom ($549+) and Trust & Will ($798+) provide static templates, our California law firm provides attorney-reviewed trusts for a flat $400. Every document is personally reviewed by Rozsa Gyene (Bar #208356) for Proposition 19 property tax protection and proper Grant Deed language. This is not document filing - this is legal representation.
National platforms are legally barred from giving California-specific advice. They are "document scriveners" - they just print what you type. We are a California law firm.
A "Will" is just a ticket to probate court. In California, any estate exceeding the $208,000 small estate threshold requires full court probate if the decedent only had a will. With California's median home price exceeding $800,000, virtually every homeowner is exposed.
The probate fee schedule under CA Probate Code Section 10810 is NON-NEGOTIABLE. These are statutory fees - the court will not reduce them regardless of how "simple" your estate is.
| Home Value | Statutory Probate Fees | Court Delay | Our One-Time Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $26,000 | 12-18 months | $400 |
| $750,000 | $36,000 | 18-24 months | $400 |
| $1,000,000 | $46,000 | 18-24 months | $400 |
| $1,500,000 | $56,000 | 2+ years | $400 |
| $2,000,000 | $66,000 | 2+ years | $400 |
Fees are calculated as: 4% of first $100K + 3% of next $100K + 2% of next $800K + 1% of next $9M. These fees are paid TWICE - once to the attorney and once to the executor.
The 2026 Prop 19 exclusion threshold is $1,044,586. National platforms don't account for California's parent-child exclusion rules. Your heirs could face property tax increases of 300-400%.
California County Recorders reject deeds with incorrect language. Generic templates often use language that doesn't comply with CA requirements, leaving your property outside the trust.
LegalZoom and Trust & Will are legally barred from giving legal advice. They print what you type. Errors go undetected until your family goes to court - when it's too late.
Section 10810 fees, Section 13100 affidavit rules, and Probate Code funding requirements are California-specific. Generic platforms use boilerplate that may not comply.
Looking for a revocable living trust attorney in California? Attorney Rozsa Gyene (CA Bar #208356) personally reviews every trust we create. This is not AI review. This is not a form letter. This is a licensed California living trusts attorney with 25+ years of experience examining your specific situation.
"After comparing LegalZoom and Trust & Will, I chose Living Trust California because of the included attorney review. Rozsa personally reviewed my trust and caught an issue with how my rental property was titled."
- Michael R., Los Angeles
"The Prop 19 explanation alone was worth it. National sites don't understand California property tax law. Attorney Gyene explained exactly how to protect my children's inheritance from reassessment."
- Sandra K., Irvine
"We have properties in LA and Orange County. Generic online services couldn't handle multiple properties across counties. Living Trust California included everything - trust, pour-over will, and deed transfers for all three properties."
- The Patterson Family, Orange County
The best online living trust for California residents is one reviewed by a licensed CA attorney. While LegalZoom charges $549+ and Trust & Will charges $798+ for attorney access, LivingTrustCalifornia.com includes attorney review by Rozsa Gyene (Bar #208356) in a flat $400 fee.
As of 2025, California's small estate affidavit threshold is $208,000. Estates below this amount may use simplified transfer procedures. However, with California median home prices exceeding $800,000, virtually all homeowners exceed this threshold and require probate without a trust.
Under Prop 19 (effective Feb 2021), inherited California property is reassessed to current market value unless the child moves in as their primary residence within one year. The 2026 inflation-adjusted exclusion is limited to $1,044,586 above the assessed value. Without proper trust planning, heirs can see property taxes jump 300-400%.
Traditional attorneys charge $2,500-$4,000+. LegalZoom costs $549+ (attorney review extra). Trust & Will costs $798+ (attorney review extra). LivingTrustCalifornia.com provides an attorney-reviewed trust for a flat $400 ($500 for couples), with attorney review INCLUDED.
A living trust and a last will and testament serve different purposes. A living trust avoids probate entirely—your assets transfer immediately to beneficiaries without court involvement. A will, however, must go through probate court, taking 12-18 months and costing thousands in fees.
Most California families benefit from BOTH documents: a living trust for major assets and a pour-over will to catch anything not transferred to the trust. Our $400 living trust package includes a pour-over will, financial power of attorney, and advance healthcare directive—everything you need for complete estate planning.
Our $400 online living trust is available to residents throughout California. Create your trust from anywhere—no office visit required.
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Join thousands of California families who have protected their legacy from probate court. Flat $400 fee. Attorney review included.
Start My Trust - $400CA Bar #208356 | (818) 291-6217 | 450 N Brand Blvd, Suite 600, Glendale
Legal Review By
California State Bar #208356 | Licensed Since 2000
25+ years estate planning experience in California