Placerville Will Attorney – Create Your California Last Will & Testament
Your Wishes Deserve to Be Honored—We’ll Help Put Them in Writing
At the Law Office of Gregory S. Clark, we help individuals and families throughout Placerville and El Dorado County take an important step in protecting their future: making a legally valid will. Whether you’re just starting a family or updating old documents, we guide you through the process clearly and thoughtfully—without stress or legalese.
A will lets you make your own decisions about what happens to your assets and who will care for your children. Without one, California law steps in—and that can lead to confusion, delays, and outcomes that don’t reflect what you would have wanted. We make sure your wishes are clear, enforceable, and designed to minimize complications for the people you love.
Every Adult Should Have a Will—It’s Not About Wealth, It’s About Clarity
A will is more than a legal document—it’s a plan for your loved ones. It lets you:
- Decide who receives your assets
- Appoint someone you trust to manage your estate
- Name guardians for your children if something happens to you
Without a will, the court follows California’s default rules, which may not align with your values or family situation. And perhaps most importantly, without a named guardian, a judge will choose who raises your children.
Even if your estate is modest, a clear and legally sound will can prevent unnecessary stress, delays, and family disputes.
We Make Writing a Will Straightforward and Personal
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter documents. When you work with us, we’ll take time to understand your goals, your family dynamics, and any specific wishes you want to include.
Gregory will:
- Help you choose an executor
- Talk through options for naming guardians
- Clarify how your assets should be distributed
- Draft your Last Will and Testament in plain English
- Make sure it meets all of California’s legal requirements, including proper witnesses
Whether you need a first-time will or an update to one made years ago, we’ll ensure the process is smooth, respectful, and legally thorough.
What’s Included in a Simple Will
Most wills we prepare are “simple wills”—designed to clearly express your wishes without complicated tax planning or large trusts. Here’s what that usually includes:
- Executor Nomination – Someone you trust to handle financial matters, pay debts, and distribute assets according to your instructions.
- Guardianship for Minor Children – For parents, this is a vital part of the will. You can name who you’d want to raise your children if something happens to you (and your spouse).
- Asset Distribution – Who gets what. You can make specific gifts (e.g., family heirlooms or charitable donations) and direct how the rest of your estate is divided.
- Special Instructions – Some clients include funeral or burial preferences, pet care plans, or other personal requests. Gregory can help you phrase these appropriately so they’re honored.
Need to Make Changes? Your Will Can Evolve With You
Life doesn’t stay the same—and your will shouldn’t either. Major life events like marriage, divorce, a new child, or a significant purchase should prompt a review.
We assist with:
- Codicils (legal amendments)
- Drafting a new will that replaces the old one
- Reviewing outdated documents, even if they were written out-of-state
It’s never too early to write a will, and it’s never too late to update one.
What makes a will legal in California?
A valid California will must be written, signed by you (the testator), and witnessed by two people who are present at the same time and watch you sign it. Those witnesses should not be beneficiaries. Handwritten (holographic) wills are allowed but are more easily challenged in court. A properly witnessed, lawyer-drafted will is the safest route.
If I already have a living trust, do I still need a will?
Yes. Most people with a trust also need a “pour-over will” to catch anything not titled in the trust and direct it properly. A will is also the only place to name guardians for your children. We’ll make sure your will and trust work hand-in-hand.
Can I just write a will myself?
Legally, yes—but many DIY wills are invalid due to incorrect signing, vague language, or missing provisions. We’ve seen families end up in court because of small mistakes. Having a will done right the first time is far less stressful and costly than trying to fix it later.
Does a will avoid probate?
No. A will still goes through California’s probate process. Its role is to instruct the court and your executor on how to carry out your wishes. If your goal is to avoid probate, we may recommend a living trust. But even with a trust, a will is still an essential backup.
How long is a will valid?
A will has no expiration date. It stays valid until you revoke or replace it. But your life will change—and so should your will. We recommend reviewing it every few years or after big events like births, deaths, marriages, or major purchases.
Where should I keep my will?
Store it in a safe, fireproof location at home or in a bank safe deposit box. Make sure your executor or a trusted loved one knows where it’s located. We’ll give you the original and can keep a digital or physical copy on file at your request.
Don’t Let an Assault Charge Define You
If you’ve been arrested for assault or battery in Placerville, don’t wait to see how things unfold. These cases can move quickly—and early decisions matter. At the Law Office of Gregory S. Clark, we fight to protect your name, your freedom, and your future.
Call now for a confidential consultation. We’re here when you’re ready to fight back.
