One of the key components of any comprehensive financial plan includes estate planning documents.  CPSA recommends that any firefighter or law enforcement officer in California have a Revocable Living Trust.  Without a trust, your gross estate will be subject to California probate law.   If you do not currently have a will, you are subject not only to probate, but to the California intestate will that the Legislature has already prepared for you. And, it is subject to the same cost and fees as a testate will that you may have had prepared or written yourself.  You can avoid all costs of the probate court by simply having a Revocable Living Trust.

The Trust must contain the following:

• Certificate of Trust
• The Revocable Living Trust
• Last Will and Testament
• Financial Durable Power of Attorney
• Healthcare Durable Power of Attorney
• Living Will and Advanced Healthcare Directives
• Burial Instructions (optional)
• Final Thoughts (optional)
• Assets and Liabilities (optional but important to update regularly)

CPSA can assist you in obtaining a Trust specifically tailored to the state in which you reside.  The cost is currently $795.