Insights and Guidance for Your Peace of Mind

You get a phone call. Your aunt passed away. After a few tears and awkward small talk, someone tells you, “By the way, she named you as executor of her estate.” You pause. Smile politely. But inside, you're thinking: What the heck is an executor?

Nobody wants to think about dying, especially not young parents, newlyweds, or even successful entrepreneurs in San Diego who are way too busy living. But here's the problem: if you don’t have a will in place, the State of California has one for you. And spoiler alert, it's probably not what you’d choose.

If you’ve been Googling around trying to figure out whether you need a will, a trust, or both, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we get at Peaceful Warrior Law. And honestly, the answer depends on your goals, your assets, and your stage of life. Let’s break it down.

When people hear “estate planning,” they often picture a gray-haired couple in Del Mar, sipping cabernet, arguing over who gets the vacation home in Tahoe. But if you're a young family in San Diego, running on coffee, diapers, and barely enough sleep, estate planning is actually more urgent for you.