Sacramento estate planning

Keep your home, and your family, out of probate court.

A California house left without a trust usually spends 9 months to 3 years in probate, with fees set by law. Start with a free 15-minute Probate Risk Check with founder Daniel Zales.

  • Free, 15 minutes, no obligation
  • One flat fee if you go ahead, in writing first
  • Evenings and Saturdays, in Midtown or by video
Google rating goes hereAdd once the firm has 10+ reviews

Book your free Risk Check

We'll call or email to set a time that suits you.

No costNo obligationWe never share your details
See your number

What probate would cost your family

California sets probate fees by law, as a percentage of your home's full value, not your equity. The attorney and the executor are each paid on the same schedule. A funded living trust avoids the process entirely.

Talk through my number
Attorney fee$13,000
Executor fee$13,000
Time in probate9 months to 3 years
Estimated statutory fees$26,000

Based on California Probate Code §10800 and §10810. Court costs, appraisal and bond fees are extra. For illustration only.

How it works

From first call to a finished plan

Step 1

Free Risk Check

Fifteen minutes on what you own and who depends on you. No documents needed.

Step 2

A plan and a price

If a trust makes sense, you get a written plan and one flat fee. You decide in your own time.

Step 3

Signed and funded

We prepare the documents, sign with you, and move your home into the trust so it actually works.

Transparent pricing

You'll know the price before you commit

Probate Risk Check
$0
  • 15 minutes, phone, video or in person
  • Your probate cost and timeline
  • A straight answer on whether you need a trust
Living trust plan
Flat fee quoted in writing
  • Revocable living trust and pour-over will
  • Powers of attorney and health care directive
  • Deed transfer so your home is in the trust

Before launch: add the firm's starting price here. Price was the top reason people hesitated.

Who you'll speak with

Daniel Zales, founder

Daniel founded California Legacy Law Firm in Sacramento to make estate, tax and business planning clear and affordable. Before law, he helped launch more than 50 organizations and ran an investment and consulting firm, so he explains plans in plain numbers.

  • EducationBusiness and tax law, UC Davis School of Law
  • PracticeEstate planning, tax planning, business law
  • Office2530 J St, Suite 320, Sacramento 95816
  • LicenseVerify any California attorney at calbar.ca.gov
Client reviews

What Sacramento families say

★★★★★

Google review 1 goes here, with the client's first name and neighborhood.

★★★★★

Google review 2 goes here. Use only real reviews, with permission.

★★★★★

Google review 3 goes here. A couple's review is ideal.

Questions

Before you book

Is the Risk Check really free?

Yes. It's free with no obligation. If a trust makes sense for you, you'll get a flat fee in writing and can decide later.

I already have a will. Isn't that enough?

In California, a will alone usually doesn't keep a home out of probate. A funded living trust does. We'll look at what you have.

Can my spouse join?

Please bring them. Most couples decide together, and it saves a second conversation.

Do I have to give my phone number?

No. Email is enough. Phone is optional.

Is this a sales pitch?

It's fifteen minutes to show you what probate would cost your family and what your options are. Many people leave with a clear answer and nothing to buy.

Free · 15 minutes · No obligation

Find out where your family stands

Most people put this off until it's urgent. Fifteen minutes now answers the question.

Free Risk CheckCall