About Sandra McCarthy

Sandra M. McCarthy, founder of A People’s Choice, has worked exclusively in the legal field since 1976. She served as the 2004-2005 President of CALDA (California Association of Legal Document Assistants). She obtained a Paralegal Certificate from the University of California, Santa Barbara. During her career in the legal field, she has worked as a freelance paralegal, law office manager and paralegal studies teacher. She has co-authored numerous legal publications and written hundreds of self-help legal articles and is dedicated to the expansion of affordable, low-cost, self-help document preparation.

How to Write a Will Without a Lawyer: Complete DIY Guide

A will is more than just a legal document; it's a declaration of your intentions, a testament to your wishes, and a safeguard for your loved ones. With a will, you not only ensure financial stability for those left behind but also guarantee that your assets are distributed as you desire. According to the [...]

By Sandra McCarthy|November 29th, 2023|Wills, Estate Planning|0 Comments

How to Probate a Will Without a Lawyer: Complete DIY Guide

Navigating the intricacies of the legal world can often feel daunting, especially when dealing with matters as sensitive as a loved one's last wishes. The question of how to probate a will without a lawyer is increasingly prevalent as individuals seek ways to streamline the process and retain more control. Probate is the formal process [...]

By Sandra McCarthy|October 10th, 2023|Probate|0 Comments

Different Types of Conservatorship in California

The probate process in California starts after someone dies. Depending on the size of the estate, the process of probating an estate can be surprisingly quick and simple to complete. For larger estates, probate may be lengthy and more complex. Here's what you need to know to start the probate process in California.

By Sandra McCarthy|September 26th, 2023|Conservatorship|0 Comments

What’s Conservatorship of the Estate vs. Conservatorship of the Person?

When setting up a conservatorship, one of the top questions people have is often, "What is conservatorship of the estate vs. conservatorship of the person?"

By Sandra McCarthy|September 14th, 2022|Conservatorship, California Courts|0 Comments

How to File for Divorce in Ventura County, CA

We have created this article to give you the best, easiest, and most reliable way you can file for divorce in Ventura county, California.

By Sandra McCarthy|September 12th, 2022|California Courts, Divorce, Family Law|2 Comments

Understanding Federal Estate and Gift Tax Rates in California

The federal gift tax is a tax by the government that applies to either assets left by a decedent at their death or assets given by an individual during their lifetime. In essence, whether you give your assets away while you are still living, or give them away when you die, they are subject to a tax. Gift tax applies to lifetime gifts; estate tax applies to assets left at death. Read on to learn about the federal estate and gift tax and how it may affect your estate.

By Sandra McCarthy|September 12th, 2022|Estate Planning, Probate|0 Comments

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About Sandra McCarthy

Will Documents

Trust Documents

Individual Estate Documents

Will Documents

Trust Documents

Individual Estate Documents

Description of Will Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Will (individual)	$200
Codicil to Will	$125
Will package (individual) includes Will, Healthcare Directive and Financial Power of Attorney	$250
Will package (couple) includes 2 Wills, 2 Healthcare Directives and 2 Financial Powers of Attorney	$399
Other Services	Call for Quote

Description of Trust Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust (Individual) Trust or Trust Restatement only (you must have an existing revocable trust)	$300
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust (Couple) Trust or Trust Restatement only (you must have an existing trust)	$400
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust Package (Individual) Includes Trust, Pour-over Will, Certificate of Trust, Healthcare Directive, Financial Power of Attorney and estate folder	$499
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust Package (Couple) Includes joint trust, 2 Pour-over Wills, Certificate of Trust, 2 Healthcare Directives, 2 Financial Powers of Attorney and estate folder	$650
Special Needs Trust Designed for beneficiaries with physical or mental disabilities.	$700
Irrevocable Medi-Cal and/or VA Planning Trust	$700
Trust Transfer Deed and Preliminary Change of Ownership (California property)	$200 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)
Trust Transfer Deed (Out-of-State property)	$275 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)
Trust Transfer Deed (Timeshare)	$275 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)

Description of Individual Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Will	$200
Healthcare Directive	$125
Financial Power of Attorney	$125
Codicil to Will	$125
Trust Amendment	$200 and up
Trust Transfer Deed and Preliminary Change of Ownership (California property)	$200
Trust Transfer Deed (Out-of-State property)	$275
Trust Transfer Deed (Timeshare)	$275
Other Services	Call for Quote

Conservatorships Services We Offer	Price
Standard Conservatorship of Person AND/OR Estate (1 Petitioner) with or without Dementia Orders (Documents Only)	$1500
Limited Conservatorship for Developmentally Disabled (Documents Only)	$1200
Add-on Fees for Emergency Ex Parte Conservatorship (limited or standard)	+$300
Additional co-petitioner fee to any Conservatorship Petition	+$200
Add-on Fees for application for notice waivers and order	+$300
Add-on Fees for case management through Petition phase. Services include scheduling of any associated hearings, facilitating filing of documents with the court and other management services typically required to complete your Petition request	+$250
Standard preparation time is 10-14 business days. Rush preparation of all documentation is available for additional fee	$350+