CA Estate Planning
Approachable Guidance, Meaningful Outcomes
A caring and thoughtful approach to estate planning — giving you peace of mind and lasting protection for the people you love most.
Approachable Guidance – Customized Plans – Meaningful Outcomes
Your First Step
Everyone Has a Plan
But Not Everyone Gets a Say
Without the right documents in place, California law decides what happens to you, your children, and your assets — without your input. The courts may appoint guardians for your children, freeze access to your finances, and distribute your estate in ways you never intended.
If that doesn’t sit right with you, we’re here to help.
Your journey begins with a Peace of Mind Planning & Design Session — a one-on-one conversation where we take the time to understand what matters most to you and design a personalized estate plan around your life, your family, and your goals. No pressure. No legal jargon. Just a thoughtful conversation that sets your family up for the future.
About
A Lawyer Who Listens. A Plan Built Around You.
I’m Yvette Ervin, Founder and CEO of Bluebird Estate Planning PC — and estate planning is personal to me.
I’ve seen firsthand the grief and overwhelm that can follow when no plan is in place. When the people we love are left to navigate loss without clear guidance, the burden falls heaviest at the hardest possible moment. That experience is what drives everything I do.
I started Bluebird because I believe every family deserves a plan that actually fits their life — not a one-size-fits-all document, but something thoughtfully designed around who they are, who they love, and what they want to protect.
That starts with getting to know you. Before we talk documents, we talk about your family, your goals, and the dynamics that make your situation unique. I serve clients throughout California in both English and Spanish — because the most important conversations about your family’s future should happen in the language you’re most comfortable in.
The right estate plan isn’t just legally sound — it reflects your values, honors your wishes, and gives the people you care about most the clarity and protection they deserve.
I’m here to be your guide through every step of that process — with patience, care, and the kind of personal attention that makes a real difference.
When you’re ready to take that first step, I’d love to meet you.
Our Process
Your Journey to Peace of Mind
We guide you through a simple, personalized process to ensure your family’s future is protected and your wishes are honored.
01
Peace of Mind Planning & Design Session
Our Peace of Mind Planning Session will provide you with valuable information and guidance to help you decide on the plan that is right for you. We will then collaborate to design your personalized estate plan.
02
Estate Plan Review
It is our goal to ensure you understand your plan and documents. We will meet to review your documents, ensure we got it right, answer your questions, and discuss any desired changes.
03
Love & Legacy Signing
Sign your estate planning documents from the comfort of your own home or at our Glendale meeting space. We will provide education as to next steps and periodically check in with you to ensure your documents address your evolving needs.
Not sure what you need?
We’re here to help! Reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to assist you in any way we can. Whether you’re ready to start planning or just need more information, we’re just a message away.
Client Love
What Our Clients Say
We appreciate our clients and the trust they place in us- take a look at what they have to say.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’ve got answers!
Here are some common questions about our estate planning services.
What is an estate plan?
An estate plan involves preparing legal documents to arrange for the management and distribution of your assets after your death or incapacitation. A well-crafted estate plan can help minimize tax burdens, avoid probate, and ensure your wishes are carried out.
What is a will, and do I need one?
A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death. Your will names an executor to manage your estate and can designate guardians for minor children. Even if you establish a trust, a will is important to address any assets not included or left out of the trust.
Does a will avoid probate?
A common misconception is that a will helps to avoid probate. While there are some exceptions allowing an estate to transfer without full probate, a will acts as instructions to the court- but it does NOT bypass the court.
What is probate?
Formal probate in California is the legal process of settling and distributing a deceased person’s (“decedent’s”) estate. The process is intended to ensure that the decedent’s debts are paid, assets appraised, and that the remaining assets/property are distributed to the decedent’s heirs and/or beneficiaries as outlined in their will. In California, the probate process can be expensive (~6% of your estate’s total value). An estate worth $1.5million in California will cost the estate about $56,000.
How can I avoid probate?
One way to avoid probate is through establishing a revocable living trust. A revocable living trust is a preferred planning tool for many reasons, one of which is that it avoids the expensive and lengthy probate process.
What is a revocable living trust?
A revocable living trust is a legal entity that you create to hold your assets during your lifetime. You serve as the creator/grantor of the trust, the trustee that manages the assets, and the beneficiary of those assets. With a well-funded and properly constructed revocable living trust, there is no Judge involved nor probate court required. Your assets can be managed exactly as you had outlined in your trust.
What if I die without a will or trust in California?
If you die without any planning in place, California has a default plan for you and your estate will be distributed according to California’s succession laws. Usually, this means that your closest relatives will receive the assets- whether you intended for this to happen or not. Your loved ones will have to go through the probate process and wait up to two years to access the assets. The Court will appoint guardians for your minor children, without knowing your preferences or values.
Do I need an estate plan even if I don’t have significant assets?
Estate planning is for everyone! A customized estate plan addresses your particular concerns, needs, and goals pertaining to your assets, your wishes regarding your minor children, and your own requests and preferences for your own care in medical emergencies if the unexpected occurs.
Do you offer flexible payment options?
We understand that investing in an estate plan is a meaningful decision, and we want to make it as accessible as possible. We offer flexible payment options to help you get the plan your family needs without added financial stress. Reach out to us to discuss what works best for your situation.
Resources
Your Estate Planning Toolkit
Access our curated collection of guides, forms, and tools designed to help you navigate your estate planning journey with confidence.
Estate Planning Starter Checklist
Not sure where to begin? This step-by-step checklist walks you through the key information to think about before meeting with an estate planning attorney — so you feel prepared, not overwhelmed.
Who Speaks for You? A Guide to the Key People in Your Estate Plan
Your estate plan is only as strong as the people behind it. This guide walks you through the key roles — from trustees and executors to healthcare agents and financial powers of attorney — so you can choose the right people with confidence.
Your Peace of Mind Planning Session: What to Expect
Wondering what happens when we meet? This info sheet walks you through our Peace of Mind Planning Session — what we cover, how we work, and what you’ll walk away with. A great first read if you’re just getting started.
What Happens Without a Plan?
In California, dying without an estate plan means the state decides what happens to your assets, your finances, and even your children — without knowing your wishes. This guide breaks down what that process looks like, and what’s at stake for your family.
GET IN TOUCH
Let's Build a Plan That's Right for Your Family
Whether you’re ready to get started or just have a few questions, we’d love to connect. Reach out and we’ll help you find the clarity and peace of mind your family deserves.
Flexible payment options are available — because every family deserves a plan.
Contacting us through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship.