You’ve probably heard the stories: family feuds over Grandma’s jewelry, endless legal battles over an inheritance, or a home that sits unsold for years because it’s tied up in court. Sadly, these situations happen all the time, even to high-profile families. The good news? With the right plan, a lot of this heartache is preventable. To break it down in a way that’s a bit easier to digest, let’s talk about estate planning through the lens of lasagna.

Estate Planning: More Than Just a Document

Estate planning can sound complicated, but at its heart, it’s about ensuring that your wishes are carried out in the smoothest way possible. Think of it like a recipe for lasagna: you need ingredients (like a will or trust), but more importantly, you need a plan for how to put it all together. A will or trust on its own is just one part of the process—like having pasta or sauce without the rest of the meal.

Unfortunately, many people, and even some professionals, treat estate planning as if creating a document is the entire plan. DIY programs and online services tend to reinforce this misconception, offering “ingredients” without guiding you through the recipe. This can lead to unfinished plans, leaving families stuck in court, facing unexpected taxes, or embroiled in disputes.

When California’s Recipe Isn’t to Your Taste

If you don’t set up your own estate plan, California has a “recipe” ready for you—but it may not be what you’d choose. Think of it as a lasagna that doesn’t quite match your tastes. Imagine that instead of using your favorite ingredients, California’s recipe includes spicy sausage when you prefer mild or bland tofu when you’d have chosen meat. It’s also a very expensive recipe—requiring a court process with fees that can add up fast.

California’s default plan not only decides who gets what, but it also makes this process public, invites potential family conflicts, and can take months or even years to finalize. Most people, once they understand what this entails, prefer to create their own plan. But maybe you’re comfortable with California’s approach. The important thing is to know what the state’s “recipe” actually involves so you can decide if it’s right for your family.

Crafting Your Own Recipe – and Outcome

Creating your own estate plan is like making your favorite lasagna from scratch. You get to decide what goes into it: mild or spicy, meat or vegetarian, who gets a serving, and when. You control how it’s shared—immediately or saved for later. You even get the option to avoid the court process for your loved ones. Estate planning isn’t about adding complexity; it’s about making things simpler and smoother for the people you care about most.

Helping You Get It Right

We’ve seen too many families suffer unnecessary hardship after losing a loved one. By understanding that having documents isn’t the same as having a complete estate plan, you can prevent that. As a Personal Family LawyerⓇ Firm, we make sure you know what California’s default plan entails and help you create one that aligns with your values and goals—and that works when it’s needed most. We call it Life & Legacy Planning. With this approach, you can rest easy knowing your loved ones will be protected, your wishes honored, and your legacy secured.

Take control of your legacy. Schedule a Complimentary Discovery Call with us to get started today.

This article is a service of AMO LAW, Personal Family Lawyer® firm. We do not just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session for just $497. 

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.