Estate Planning
Made Simple
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About
Cali Paralegal Services
Thank you for considering Cali Paralegal Services for your estate planning needs. Are you thinking about establishing your estate plan? We’re here to help! With nearly 30 years of experience, we understand the emotional decisions involved in planning for the future. We take pride in ensuring that your wishes are honored, and your family is protected, no matter what.
We go through the steps of creating the documents related to your estate plan with you. Although we are not attorneys, we explain each document involved in the estate planning process and assist with the administration after the passing of a trust creator. Your peace of mind is our priority.
Wills
⦁ A simple Last Will and Testament can be prepared for anyone with an estate valued less than the probate limit. Keep in mind, having a Last Will and Testament only can subject your estate to the probate process.
⦁ A Pour-Over Will is a type of will used alongside a trust, acting as a safety net for the trust. It is designed to transfer any remaining assets into the Trust at the time of your death. Essentially, if you forget to move an asset into your Trust while you’re alive, the Pour-Over Will ensures that the asset is “caught” and transferred into the trust after your passing.
Trusts
Most family trusts are created as revocable living trusts. These trusts are designed to help you avoid probate and keep your financial matters private.
A trust allows you to place your assets under your own management, as you act as the Trustee. If you become incapacitated or can no longer manage your assets, a trusted Successor Trustee, whom you’ve appointed, will step in to manage them on your behalf during your lifetime.
After your passing, your Successor Trustee will distribute your estate according to your instructions. Since the trust is revocable, you retain full control over it, whether you’re managing it yourself or not, and can change or cancel it at any time.
Power of Attorney
(Important legal documents to avoid a Court Conservatorship):
⦁ A General Durable Power of Attorney (“POA”) is a legal document that gives a trusted individual the authority to act on your behalf in various personal, legal and/or financial matters. The term “General” means it covers a wide range of decisions like paying bills, managing property or handling investments. The term “Durable” means it stays in effect even if you become incapacitated and become no longer able to make your own decisions.
Healthcare POA
A Healthcare Power of Attorney (“HC-POA”) is a legal document that lets you choose someone that you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so on your own.
A HIPAA Release authorizes specifically named individuals to communicate with medical staff about your health status and obtain copies of medical records.
An Advance Health Care Directive guides our healthcare agents by clearly stating your pre-selected choice not to prolong life in the event of an irreversible condition that would otherwise require life-sustaining machines.
Deeds
We typically use a Quitclaim Deed format. This is a legal document that transfers the ownership of your real property into your Trust. This allows the acting Trustee to manage the property and avoid probate.
Death in the family
(Trust creator): As a Trustee, handling a trust administration is the process of managing and distributing assets according to the terms of the trust. The Trustee will identify and value the assets, pay debts, taxes and expenses, distribute the assets to the beneficiaries and manage ongoing trust activities, if needed (e.g., for minors or long-term beneficiaries).
Young Adult Planning
When you turn 18, you are legally an adult. This change in legal status means parents no longer have automatic access to a child’s medical, financial, or educational records.
With proper planning in place like a simple Will, General Durable Power of Attorney (“POA”), Healthcare Power of Attorney (“HC-POA”) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Waiver, you can ensure your wishes are respected and the people you trust have the proper authority to make decisions on your behalf.
Corporate/LLC Set Up
We take care of the entire formation process for you by working directly with the California Secretary of State’s Office. Our services include:
- Filing all required formation documents
- Obtaining your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Filing the initial Statement of Information
- Preparing customized internal documents, such as:
- Bylaws or Operating Agreements
- Organizational Meeting Minutes
- Share Certificates or Membership Certificates (if applicable)
We ensure everything is prepared in compliance with California state requirements, so your business starts off on solid legal ground.
Corporate/LLC Compliance
Once your Corporation or LLC is formed, we continue to support you by helping maintain your good standing with the state. Our ongoing compliance services include:
- Annual reminders for required state filings
- Updates to corporate records as your business evolves
- Assistance with filing Statements of Information as needed
- Preparing updated minutes or resolutions for major business decisions
We help ensure your business stays organized, compliant, and ready for growth.
About
Kim Castaneda
Discovering My Purpose in Estate Planning
As a paralegal serving the Whittier and surrounding areas, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some of the best attorneys, mentors, and teachers over the past 30+ years.
Early in my career, I worked at several law firms, gaining experience in different areas of law. While grateful for those experiences, I found myself feeling frustrated as my focus shifted from one area of law to another, never quite finding a field I was truly passionate about.
Then, over 25 years ago, I joined an estate planning firm.
Although I was initially hesitant to dive into such an emotionally charged area of law, I quickly realized it had everything I was searching for. It felt natural and right to focus my skills on estate planning and trust administration.
The attorneys I’ve worked with have always created a patient, thoughtful, and caring environment for our clients, and I find great satisfaction in knowing I’ve helped bring peace to families during challenging times.