Can You Still Do Estate Planning After Death?

If you’ve just lost a loved one and are trying to make sense of what happens next—especially without a will—this episode is for you. I get this question all the time: “My dad just died… my aunt passed away yesterday… they didn’t have a will. Can we still do estate planning?” Here’s the short answer: no. Once someone passes, estate planning is no longer an option. But here’s the good news—you still have a legal path forward through probate. In this episode, I’ll walk you through what probate is, how it works in California, and what you can do today to protect the estate, even when it feels like chaos. What I Cover: The difference between estate planning and estate administration What California’s intestate succession laws say if there’s no will Who can open a probate case—and what assets require it Why you can’t “just transfer the house” or “write a will after death” What steps to take in the days and weeks after a loss Real stories from clients like Ana and Michael, who faced this same situation How to lead with clarity, courage, and legal authority Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: The question I hear every week from grieving families 01:25 – What estate planning is—and why it ends at death 03:10 – Estate administration: what you can still do 04:40 – Understanding intestate succession in California 06:20 – Who inherits when there’s no will 07:45 – What probate is and when you need it 09:10 – Why you can’t “fix” it with a backdated will or fake document 10:50 – Real-life examples: Ana and Michael’s stories 13:00 – Final thoughts: This is hard—but you’re not alone If you’re overwhelmed, grieving, and unsure what to do next, this episode will give you the guidance—and grace—you need. Ready to learn more about Rachel King: Website: https://rachelkingattorney.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelawyerking/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelkinglaw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZIOh5b6kNo3KYojIA8vKw?si=91205d1a16194e67 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rachel's book, "Getting Divorced: Now What?", is now available. Visit https://rachelkingattorney.com/ for more information and to get your copy. #ProbateWithoutWill #EstatePlanningAfterDeath #CaliforniaProbateLaw #NoWillWhatNow #RachelKingAttorney #GavelsDownVoicesUp #IntestateSuccession #LegalStepsAfterDeath #EstateAdministration #FamilyLawSupport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.