Legacy is deeply personal

We're your California estate planning lawyer who knows you'd do anything to protect your family

You’ve made a thousand small decisions no one else saw; let us support you in this one. We believe estate planning should reflect the same level of thought and love you pour into your people every day.

Three people at a table reviewing papers in a cozy home office

Estate planning isn’t just about documents.

At Northern Legacy Law, we believe estate planning should feel less like a legal task and more like what it truly is:


A thoughtful act of care for the people you love.


Planning for young children, navigating a blended family, protecting a family business or simply wanting to make things easier for your loved ones one day, our role is to help you create a plan that reflects your life.


We proudly serve families throughout Northern and Southern California.

How Estate Planning Protects Your Family

Avoid probate and unnecessary court involvement

Protect your children and name trusted guardians

Keep important decisions in the hands of people you trust

Reduce conflict during emotionally difficult moments

Protect your home, business interests, and family assets

Create clarity if incapacity or unexpected life events occur

Estate Planning for Real Families

Blended Families

Second marriages, children from prior relationships, separate property, evolving family dynamics.

Bilingual Households

Families balancing multiple generations, cultures, traditions, and communication styles.

Business Owners

Protecting what you’ve built while planning for continuity and long-term legacy.

Families with Complex Histories

Because not every family dynamic is simple—and your plan should reflect that.

Take the first step.

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Estate planning services

Revocable Living Trusts

Designed to help your loved ones avoid probate, maintain privacy, and carry out your wishes more smoothly.

Wills

Helping ensure your intentions are clearly documented, including guardianship provisions for minor children.

Financial Powers of Attorney

Allows someone you trust to step in and manage financial matters if you’re unable to.

Advance Health Care Directives

Ensures your medical wishes are clearly documented and the right people can make healthcare decisions if needed.

Guardianship Planning

For parents who want a clear plan in place for who would care for their children.

Trust Funding & Asset Alignment

Because creating a trust is only part of the process—making sure it actually works matters just as much.

Your attorney should treat your planning like the meaningful act of love it truly is

Kind Words

Here's what our clients have to say about working with Northern Legacy Law

Client said:

Working with Linette of Northern Legacy has been really and truly amazing! I knew very little about the trust and estate plan process and she walked me through the whole thing and answered my many questions. She also had an air of calm and confidence throughout this whole process that assured me that I was working with someone of competence and experience, as evidenced by how smoothly the whole process went. I could not recommend her highly enough!

Mirriam said:

Loved working with Linette!! She is very experienced and taught us quite a bit. We didn't know much about Estate planning and she walked us through it all. Super smooth and fast process. I am really happy we were referred to her and would definitely refer her to all of my friends and family.

Client said:

I bought my first home so I had no idea what I needed to do when it came to estate planning. Linette was able to guide me step by step in the process and answered all the questions I had. She was patient and flexible even when I had limited availability. She worked efficiently and diligently until we completed all the documentation I needed. I highly recommend to everyone. Linette and her team are professional and knowledgeable.
Outline map of California in light pink on a white background

Hi, I'm Linette.

Estate planning became personal for me long before it became my profession. After watching my own family navigate loss and the weight of difficult decisions, I knew I wanted to help other families experience those moments differently. Today, I help clients create plans that protect the people they love and bring confidence for what comes next.

Smiling woman in a cream blazer resting her chin on folded hands at a wooden table, in a book-lined room

Frequently Asked Questions about Estate Planning

Here are the most commonly asked questions I receive from people who are interested in legal expertise.

  • Do I need an estate plan if I don't have a lot of assets?

    This is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear. Estate planning isn't about how much you have. It's about who you love. If you have children, a partner, a home, or anyone who depends on you, you have a reason to plan. In California, even modest estates can end up in probate court without the right documents in place.

  • Is estate planning more complicated for blended families?

    It can be — but that's exactly why it matters even more. Estate planning for blended families in California requires careful thought about how to protect everyone involved: your spouse, your children from a prior relationship, stepchildren, and other loved ones. We do this every day, and we know how to build a plan that reflects your intentions clearly.

  • What happens in California if I die without an estate plan?

    California's intestate succession laws will determine what happens to your assets — and those laws may not reflect your wishes at all. If you have minor children and no named guardian, a court will make that decision. If you have a blended family, the results can be even more complicated. A plan puts you in control.

  • How much are your estate planning legal services?

    The cost of services can vary depending on the type of legal support you need and the complexity of your situation. Once we learn more about what you’re looking for, we can help you better understand what services may be the best fit and what to expect moving forward.

  • How long does the estate planning process take?

    It depends on the complexity of your situation, but most clients move through the process in a matter of weeks — not months. We guide you step by step so nothing feels rushed or overwhelming.

  • How much does estate planning cost in California?

    Estate planning costs vary depending on your needs — a simple will looks different from a comprehensive trust-based plan. During your consultation, we'll talk through what makes sense for your family and what to expect. We believe in transparency, not surprises.

  • Can I update my estate plan later if things change?

    Absolutely — and we encourage it. Life changes: marriages, divorces, new children, moves, business changes, loss of a loved one. Your estate plan should keep up. We stay in touch with our clients and are always here when it's time to revisit your plan.

You’ve planned for so much already. Why not this?

A thoughtful estate plan doesn’t begin with paperwork. It begins with a conversation.

for your loved ones
OUR PRACTICE AREAS

From future planning to more immediate legal needs, our practice areas are designed to meet you with support and guidance.

We lead with your story

At Northern Legacy Law, we know that making thoughtful decisions for the future you’ve worked hard to create is something you don't take lightly, and neither do we. And while our approach is personal, it’s also backed by meaningful experience.

WE'RE YOUR CALIFORNIA ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY

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