Estate Planning Checklist and Strategy

Federal Estate Tax: $1.8M is well below the $13.61M federal threshold — no federal estate tax exposure. California: CA has no state estate tax. However, CA probate on estates over $184,500 is notoriously expensive (1.5–4% of gross estate value = $27,000–$72,000 in fees). PRIMARY RECOMMENDATION: Revocable Living Trust to avoid probate entirely. Essential Documents Priority List: 1. Revocable Living Trust — estimated $2,500–$4,000 with CA estate attorney. 2. Pour-Over Will — catches any assets not in trust at death. 3. Durable Financial Power of Attorney — critical if incapacitated. 4. Healthcare Directive + HIPAA Authorization. 5. Guardian Nomination for minor children — must be in will. Beneficiary Audit: 401k has beneficiaries. IRA — update immediately (likely missing). Life insurance — confirm primary + contingent named. Home: deed into trust. Immediate Action: Book estate attorney consultation. Average CA revocable trust package: $2,500–$5,000. Cost of doing nothing: $27,000–$72,000 in probate fees.