You might’ve heard the term Legacy Planning floating around lately—it’s becoming more and more common, and for good reason. While it may sound like a fancier version of estate planning, Legacy Planning has a slightly different focus: it’s not just about what happens after you’re gone, but about how you want to impact future generations.
As an estate planning attorney here in California, I’ve had several clients recently ask, “Can we talk about Legacy Planning?” And my answer is always “Yes, absolutely”.
What Is Legacy Planning?
At its core, Legacy Planning includes all the usual estate planning tools you’ve heard about: your trust, will, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. But it goes a step further—it’s about creating a plan with intention. It’s about asking:
How do I want to be remembered?
What values do I want to pass on to my children or grandchildren?
How can I set up the next generation for success?
Legacy Planning helps you answer those bigger life questions, but also gives you the tools to back them up. It can include:
Creating a trust that supports your kids into adulthood—helping them with college, a down payment on a home, or even starting a business
Leaving behind a charitable legacy that reflects causes or communities that matter deeply to you
Preserving family traditions or stories (yes, even that treasured recipe box or handwritten letters can be part of your legacy)
Passing on values, not just valuables. This can be done through ethical wills, letters, or by setting up trusts with educational or character-based milestones.
Why California Families Are Turning to Legacy Planning
California’s high cost of living, shifting real estate market, and diverse family structures (including blended families, chosen families, and LGBTQ+ families) make planning ahead essential. Legacy Planning helps ensure your wealth and values are passed on with clarity and intention.
Legacy Planning is especially helpful when you want to:
Protect your children’s inheritance from future divorces or creditors
Plan for grandchildren or great-grandchildren you haven’t met yet
Support aging parents while still caring for your own growing family
Ready to Build Your Legacy?
Whether you’re starting from scratch or revisiting an older plan, now is the perfect time to think about what kind of legacy you want to leave.
Legacy Planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to make sure their story continues in the lives of the people they love.
To get started, contact our office at (760) 673-7600 or [email protected]. We’d be honored to help you create a plan that reflects your values, protects your loved ones, and secures your legacy.