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Free Estate Planning Guides — Written by the Attorney Who Handles These Plans

No jargon. No conflicting advice. Just clear answers to the questions most people have before they ever call an attorney.

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Every guide on this page is written by a licensed estate planning attorney practicing in California, Kansas, Utah, and Washington. The goal is straightforward: help you understand your options well enough to make informed decisions — whether that means booking a consultation or simply knowing where you stand.



Start with the topic most relevant to your situation. Each guide links to a full page with the complete explanation.

Browse the Guides

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Will vs. Trust — Which Do You Actually Need?

The most common question in estate planning, and also the most commonly misunderstood. This guide explains how wills and trusts work, when each makes sense, and why the answer isn't the same for every family.

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How to Avoid Probate

Probate is the court-supervised process that handles a person's estate after death. This guide explains what it involves, why many families work to avoid it, and what planning tools accomplish that goal.

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Estate Planning Checklist

A practical walkthrough of the documents, decisions, and conversations most families need to complete a solid estate plan — organized as a checklist so nothing gets missed.

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Estate Planning for Blended Families

Blended families face beneficiary conflicts that standard documents often miss. This guide covers how to structure a plan that reflects your current family without inadvertently disinheriting anyone you intend to provide for.

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Estate Planning for Business Owners

Business owners need personal and business succession planning to work together. This guide explains the intersection — what a standard estate plan misses and how to close the gaps.

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Online Estate Planning — What You Need to Know

Online platforms make estate planning feel simple. This guide explains what those tools do well, where they fall short, and what to consider before deciding whether a self-service platform meets your needs.

Common Questions About Estate Planning

  • Who writes these guides?

    Every guide is written by a licensed estate planning attorney who practices in California, Kansas, Utah, and Washington. The content reflects how these documents actually function — not generic overviews pulled from national legal directories.

  • Are these guides specific to my state?

    The guides address estate planning concepts as they apply across the states Peterson Estate Planning serves — California, Kansas, Utah, and Washington — and note where state-specific rules differ in meaningful ways.

  • Is the information on this page a substitute for legal advice?

    No. The guides explain how estate planning works in general terms and help you arrive at a consultation better informed. They are not legal advice and are not a substitute for a conversation with your attorney about your specific situation.

  • How do I know which guide to start with?

    If you're starting from scratch, the Estate Planning Checklist and Will vs. Trust guide are the most useful first reads. If you have a more specific situation — a blended family, a business, or questions about probate — go directly to the guide that matches your circumstances.

Once You Understand What You Need, the Next Step Is a Free Conversation

The guides give you the foundation. The 20-minute consultation is where you apply it to your specific situation — your family, your assets, your state. No commitment required, and no forms to fill out before you talk to anyone.