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If you’re looking for a trust and will attorney in Costa Mesa—or anywhere across California—you’re taking an important step to protect those you cherish. At AMO LAW, we help families create more than just documents—we develop personalized Life & Legacy Plans that protect what matters most: your loved ones, your values, and the stories that define your journey.
“We decided pretty quickly after meeting you that we want to work with you. We appreciate your personable, laid-back approach! I think part of my procrastination about taking care of this matter was because I was dreading having to deal with a pushy, judgmental old guy! So thankful to have found you!” — L.B.
If you’ve been putting off estate planning because the idea of meeting with a lawyer feels intimidating or impersonal, you’re not alone. Many of our clients have felt the same—until they realized that our process is different. Thoughtful. Warm. Designed to help you feel supported and seen.
A Last Will and Testament empowers you to:
While Wills serve as foundational documents, many Californians don’t realize that even with a Will, estates still typically undergo the public and often expensive probate process, especially in regions like Costa Mesa, where property values frequently exceed probate thresholds.
This reality is why we take a comprehensive approach to your planning.
We’ll explore whether incorporating a Revocable Living Trust might better serve your family’s needs, or how your Will can work within a broader strategy designed to streamline administration, preserve privacy, and honor your intentions.
For parents, a Will naming guardians is just the beginning. A truly protective plan for your children requires specialized legal tools that many attorneys overlook. At AMO LAW, we recognize that standard estate planning documents—whether from DIY platforms or traditional law firms—often fall short in providing complete protection for minor children. We go beyond the basics to ensure your kids are protected in the moments that matter most.
Our comprehensive Kids Protection Plan® includes:
These critical protections aren’t typically included in standard Will packages but make an enormous difference in how smoothly your children transition if the unthinkable happens.
There’s significant misinformation circulating about trusts—what they do, what they cost, and whether you need one. At AMO LAW, we’re not here to sell you a trust. We’re here to empower you with clear, honest information so you can decide if a trust makes sense for your unique situation.
Many clients come to us confused about the differences between various trust options.
For example, there’s a substantial distinction between:
Through our educational approach, you’ll gain a genuine understanding of how each trust type functions, what benefits it might provide for your specific circumstances, and whether the investment makes financial sense for your situation. Our clients consistently tell us how relieved they feel after getting straightforward answers instead of sales pressure.
We believe informed decisions lead to better outcomes, so we take the time to ensure you fully comprehend your options before making any recommendations.
The sobering reality about wealth transfer is often overlooked in traditional estate planning: approximately 70% of family wealth disappears by the second generation, and 90% is gone by the third generation. Even more concerning, the average inheritance, regardless of size, is typically spent in just five years, and one-third of inheritance recipients actually end up in debt within two years. These statistics reflect a fundamental truth: transferring assets without transferring knowledge, values, and preparation often leads to financial dissipation rather than true generational wealth. At AMO LAW, we take a different approach.
Our holistic planning process delves deeply into your specific:
This comprehensive analysis allows us to develop practical strategies tailored to your family’s unique circumstances—strategies designed not just to transfer wealth, but to grow and sustain it across generations. As your trusted advisor, we provide ongoing guidance, facilitating family meetings, identifying opportunities for better financial alignment, and adjusting your plan as life unfolds. We also collaborate with your broader team of professionals, including your financial advisor, CPA, insurance planner, and other trusted experts, to ensure that your estate plan integrates seamlessly with your overall financial strategy.
Our goal is to help you create not just an estate plan, but a true legacy plan—one that preserves both your financial assets and the values, vision, and family story that make your legacy truly meaningful.
Your legacy encompasses far more than financial assets. The stories, values, and wisdom you’ve accumulated throughout your lifetime are your most precious gifts to future generations—yet they’re often lost when traditional estate planning focuses solely on property distribution.
Our unique Legacy Interview Process captures:
This recorded conversation becomes a priceless family heirloom, ensuring that your voice and wisdom remain accessible to your family long after you’re gone—because true legacy is about who you are, not just what you own.
Creating your Life & Legacy Plan should feel meaningful—an opportunity to thoughtfully consider what matters most and ensure your intentions remain clear, even when you’re no longer present.
When you collaborate with AMO LAW, you can expect:
Estate planning shouldn’t be a one-time event. Life changes, laws evolve, and your plan should keep pace.
Our relationship-centered approach includes:
This ongoing support ensures your plan remains effective and aligned with your current circumstances and wishes, without unexpected hourly billing surprises.
Even the most carefully crafted documents can’t guide your family through the emotional and practical challenges following a loss.
That’s why we provide:
This compassionate support during a difficult time distinguishes our firm from traditional practices that consider their work complete once documents are signed.
If you’ve been searching phrases like “create a Will online” or “do I need a trust,” it’s likely you’ve already been bombarded with ads from DIY legal platforms promising fast, low- cost, and one-size-fits-all solutions. And while those options might look appealing—especially when life is busy and the budget feels tight—they can leave your family vulnerable when it matters most.
At first glance, online Will and Trust templates seem simple and straightforward. But in our experience, they often lead to:
“I’ve helped many families who initially used online Wills that appeared adequate—until they faced real-world challenges,” notes Cecilia Amo, founder of AMO LAW. “When we develop your plan collaboratively, we’re creating both legal protection and emotional reassurance.”
While online forms may seem convenient, they often fail to reflect California’s specific legal requirements or the real-life nuances of your family, finances, and values. More importantly, your Life & Legacy Plan is more than a legal form—it’s the way you care for your people, even when you’re no longer here. It’s your voice when you can’t speak. Your values when your family needs guidance. That kind of planning deserves thoughtful conversation—not automated checkboxes.
When you work with AMO LAW, you’re not just getting legally valid documents—you’re getting:
Because creating your Will or Trust isn’t just about avoiding problems—it’s about creating peace of mind for the people who love you most.
Begin Your Estate Planning Journey with a Costa Mesa Wills & Trust Attorney Who Cares Whether you’re taking your first steps in estate planning or updating existing documents, we’re here to make the experience approachable, empowering, and meaningful.
Contact our Costa Mesa office at (949) 891-2114 or schedule your consultation online.
We provide flexible meeting arrangements, including evening and weekend appointments, to accommodate your schedule. Because your legacy encompasses more than financial assets—it’s about creating clarity, comfort, and continuing your values for generations to come.
