Last Will and Testament – Why Every Family Needs One

A Last Will and Testament is one of the most important legal documents you can create. It gives you the power to decide how your assets will be distributed, who will care for your minor children, and who will be in charge of settling your affairs after you pass away. Without a valid will, the state of California—not you—will make these critical decisions on your behalf.

I'm Kenneth Nielsen, a solo estate planning attorney in Tracy, CA, and I help individuals and families throughout Tracy, Mountain House, Manteca, and surrounding areas create legally sound, personalized wills that reflect their wishes and protect the people they care about most.

A properly drafted Last Will and Testament allows you to:

• Name beneficiaries to receive your property and assets
• Appoint guardians for your minor children
• Choose an executor to carry out your instructions
• Make specific gifts of personal property, heirlooms, or charitable donations
• Minimize family conflict and confusion after your passing
   

If you die without a will (intestate), your estate will be distributed according to California’s default probate laws, which may not reflect your wishes. This can lead to:

• Unintended heirs receiving your property
• A court choosing who will raise your children
• Delays, higher costs, and unnecessary stress for your family
   

Online forms and do-it-yourself wills may seem convenient, but they often fail to meet California’s strict legal requirements. Errors, vague language, or missing clauses can render a will invalid or ineffective, leaving your loved ones vulnerable to court battles and confusion.

As a local solo attorney, I offer personalized legal guidance to ensure your will is:

• Legally valid under California law
• Clearly written to avoid misinterpretation
• Tailored to your unique family, assets, and goals
   

I work directly with you to understand your wishes and craft a plan that protects your family.