Milpitas, CA estates & probate attorney Elijah Keyes talks about estate planning and why it’s important. He points out that estate planning is essentially the process of using legal tools to avoid probate. Probate is a court action that governs a person’s property and decision-making authority, either during their lifetime or after their death. Estate planning seeks to anticipate and prevent these potentially disruptive court interventions.

He clarifies that an “estate” does not necessarily mean a grand mansion or vast wealth, as many people assume. Instead, an estate simply consists of a person’s rights, obligations, and property—everything they own and control during life and after death. Estate planning, therefore, is the strategic use of contracts and legal mechanisms to ensure continuity, protect assets, and minimize interference from private individuals, companies, or the court system.

According to him, the value of a skilled estate planner lies in their experience. A knowledgeable planner has encountered these issues countless times, understands the potential pitfalls, and can provide clear direction to help individuals safeguard their assets and intentions for the future.