Estate Planning Attorney Tips for Parents

websitebuilder • May 22, 2025

Planning for the unexpected isn’t easy, especially when you have kids. But one of the most important things you can do as a parent is make sure your child’s future is secure no matter what. At The Corman Law Offices, we work with families in Watsonville, CA, to create estate plans that protect children’s care, finances, and overall well-being. Whether you’re just starting your parenting journey or already have kids, it’s never too early (or too late) to get a solid plan in place.


In this blog post, you will learn essential estate planning tips for parents with minor children, focusing on naming guardians, setting up trusts, and preparing a will.

Why Parents Need an Estate Plan

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or retired. It’s for anyone who wants to make sure their children are cared for if something unexpected happens. An estate planning attorney can help you put the right documents in place so your loved ones don’t face confusion, court delays, or unnecessary stress during an already difficult time. Here’s why parents should prioritize estate planning:


You Decide Who Will Care for Your Children

Without a legal guardian named in your will, a judge will decide who raises your child.


You Control Your Child’s Inheritance

A trust allows you to decide how and when your child receives assets—so it doesn’t all land in their lap at age 18.


You Protect Your Child’s Financial Future

Your estate plan can include life insurance payouts, property, and investments—all protected and managed by someone you trust.

Key Estate Planning Documents Every Parent Should Have

Working with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures your plan covers all the legal and practical bases. At The Corman Law Offices, we help families in Watsonville, CA, prepare essential documents like


A Will That Names a Guardian

This is the most important step you can take. A will legally names who you want to care for your children if you’re no longer able to. You can also name an alternate guardian, just in case.


A Living Trust

A trust allows you to manage and distribute assets for your children without going through probate. You can set rules around when and how money is used—like for education or milestones such as college or buying a home.


Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives

These documents ensure someone you trust can handle your medical and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.

Learn More

How The Corman Law Offices Supports Watsonville Families

We understand that every family’s situation is unique. That’s why we take a compassionate, personal approach to every case. Our team, led by estate planning attorney Lauren T. Corman, works closely with you to:

  • Understand your wishes and values.
  • Help you choose trusted guardians and trustees.
  • Make tax-smart decisions for your estate.
  • Prepare all legal documents clearly and correctly.
  • Keep your plan updated as your family grows or changes.


We’ve been helping families just like yours for over 45 years. You don’t need to have all the answers—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s Build a Safer Future for Your Children

The best time to plan for your children’s future is now. Whether you need a full estate plan or just want to make sure your current plan is still solid, The Corman Law Offices is ready to help. Contact our office today at (831) 427-2414 to schedule your consultation with an experienced estate planning attorney who puts your family first.


Let’s make sure your children are protected—no matter what the future holds.



September 23, 2025
At Corman Law Offices, we know firsthand the importance of succession planning. For the last 45 years, our firm has been dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses protect what they’ve built. Today, we are proud to be led by a trusted family member—proof that thoughtful succession planning works in practice, not just in theory. If you’re a business owner in Santa Cruz, San Jose, or the Greater Bay Area, chances are you’ve invested years of hard work and personal sacrifice into your company. But what happens when it’s time to retire, step away, or if the unexpected occurs? Without a succession plan, even the strongest business can face disruption. A carefully crafted succession plan helps ensure: Business continuity – operations keep running smoothly. Tax efficiency – your legacy isn’t unnecessarily reduced by taxes. Peace of mind – you, your loved ones, and your employees know what to expect. 1. Business Continuity: Protecting What You’ve Built Your business is more than just an income stream—it’s your legacy. Whether you own a family-run store in Santa Cruz, a professional practice in San Jose, or a fast-growing start-up in the Bay Area, the sudden absence of leadership can create uncertainty. Succession planning identifies who will step in and how transitions will unfold. This often includes: Naming a successor who understands your vision. Defining decision-making structures so employees know where to turn. Creating timelines that allow for a smooth transition. With a plan in place, employees remain confident, customers stay loyal, and the enterprise you’ve built continues to thrive. 2. Tax Efficiency: Keeping More of What You’ve Earned Without planning, taxes and legal complexities can take a significant toll on your business and your family. Some common challenges include: Estate taxes that reduce the value of what you pass on. Liquidity issues if wealth is tied up in business assets. Ownership disputes among partners or family members. An experienced estate planning attorney can help integrate tax-efficient strategies into your succession plan. Tools such as buy-sell agreements, trusts, or gifting strategies can protect your assets and reduce unnecessary financial burdens. In other words, you’ve worked hard to build your business—why risk losing a portion of it to a lack of planning? 3. Peace of Mind: For You and Your Loved Ones A succession plan also provides reassurance that your business, employees, and family will be cared for if you’re no longer at the helm. For family-owned businesses, this clarity is especially valuable. It can: Reduce conflict by outlining leadership roles. Clarify ownership and responsibilities. Preserve harmony while honoring your legacy. Peace of mind is one of the greatest benefits of planning ahead. You can focus on running your business today knowing that tomorrow is secure. Why Local Guidance Matters Succession planning is never one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on your unique business structure, family dynamics, and local laws. That’s why working with an experienced Bay Area firm like the Corman Law Offices makes all the difference. Our decades of experience—and our own successful leadership transition—give us a unique perspective on how to create effective plans for local entrepreneurs and family businesses. Ready to Start the Conversation? Your business deserves the same care and foresight you’ve already invested in its growth. Let us help you protect your legacy and plan for the future with confidence. Contact the Corman Law Offices today at (831) 427-2414 831-427-2414 Visit us online: www.cormanlaw.net
Estate planning attorney shaking hands with client after signing estate documents in office.
By websitebuilder August 29, 2025
Trust The Corman Law Offices for expert estate planning in Watsonville, CA. Call 831-427-2414 to speak with a skilled estate planning attorney today.
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By websitebuilder August 12, 2025
At the Corman Law Offices, we understand that estate planning can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. As a boutique estate planning firm serving individuals and families across Santa Cruz, San Jose, and the Bay Area, we specialize in creating customized plans that offer clarity, peace of mind, and future prot
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