Personal estate planning counsel in Northern California

Truckee · Estate Planning

Estate Planning Attorney in Truckee, CA

Bring your family, finances, and business into one clear plan for the future.

Counsel
Elaine Andrews, Certified Specialist
Office
10270 Donner Pass Road, Truckee
First meeting
Free initial consultation

§ 1

Estate planning for the whole picture

The Andrews Law Firm, P.C. helps Truckee clients plan for incapacity and asset transfers. Your circumstances and priorities guide the documents needed to put your wishes into a practical estate plan.

§ 2

Provide for your family

Wills and trusts set out distribution wishes and can address important family considerations, including proposed guardians for minor children. Financial powers of attorney and healthcare directives give separate attention to decisions that may arise during your lifetime.

Estate Planning · Truckee, California

§ 3

Include your business and tax concerns

Business owners need to consider what happens to an enterprise when leadership or ownership changes. The firm provides business succession guidance alongside estate tax planning, so these issues can be considered as part of the broader estate.

§ 4

Review the plan as life changes

Marriage, divorce, a new child, or acquired assets may require updates. The firm offers modifications and educational resources for Truckee clients and nearby California communities.

California at a glance

Estate Planning, by the numbers that matter.

Core documents
Trust, pour-over will, financial power of attorney, health care directiveEach covers a different decision: property at death, assets left outside the trust, money during incapacity and medical care.
Probate threshold
$208,850Assets outside a trust above this gross value generally require probate for deaths on or after April 1, 2025 (Probate Code §13100). The limit adjusts every three years.
Guardians for children
Nominated in your willA parent can nominate a guardian of the person and estate of a minor child (Probate Code §1500–1502). The court makes the appointment.
Federal estate tax
$15 million per person (2026)The exemption is indexed for inflation. California has no separate state estate or inheritance tax.

General California and federal information current as of 2026. Figures adjust over time and every situation is different; confirm how a rule applies to you before acting.

Where careful planning pays off.

Family decisions
Address inheritance, care for children, and trusted decision-makers.
Business continuity
Discuss ownership and succession alongside your personal estate.
Useful updates
Keep instructions aligned with major changes in your life.

How estate planning moves forward.

Four stages, with direct attorney guidance from the first conversation to the last document.

  1. Stage 1

    Consultation

    Talk through your family, property and goals at a free first meeting.

  2. Stage 2

    Plan design

    Choose the documents and structures that fit, with scope and fees agreed before drafting.

  3. Stage 3

    Signing & funding

    Sign with the required formalities, then retitle assets so the plan actually works.

  4. Stage 4

    Review

    Revisit the plan after a marriage, birth, death, move, sale or change in the law.

Frequently asked questions

Questions clients ask about estate planning.

Straight answers to start with. Bring your own documents and circumstances to a free consultation for advice that fits.

All frequently asked questions
Can my business be part of the estate planning conversation?

Yes. Bring a summary of your business interests and relevant ownership agreements. Explain who you hope will lead, own, or manage the business later.

Can I discuss guardianship wishes for my children?

Yes. Tell the firm about your family and proposed caregivers so those wishes can be considered in the appropriate planning documents.

What is the difference between financial and healthcare planning?

They address different responsibilities. Discuss who should handle money and property, who should make medical decisions, and how you want each role documented.

When should an existing Truckee estate plan be reviewed?

Seek a review when your family, assets, business, or wishes change. Bring amendments and related ownership information so the documents can be considered together.

Do I need a detailed financial inventory before calling?

A broad asset list is a useful start. Include property, accounts, business interests, existing documents, and any questions you want the consultation to address.

Start with one clear conversation.

Bring your questions, your documents and the decisions you want help with. The first consultation is free.