If you own an interest in California real property or if your real and personal property totals more than the threshold dollar amount to trigger a California probate proceeding (in 2021, this amount is $166,250), then you should consider whether a trust would benefit you.  Property held in a trust will not be part of the creator’s estate for probate and tax purposes.

In addition, if you have minor children, it is worth thinking about how you would want them to manage their inheritance if you were not here to guide them.  For instance, would you want your child to receive their entire inheritance, outright and without any guidance or restrictions, when they turn 18?  That is what will happen under California law, unless you have left an estate plan with different instructions.