Estate planning isn’t just about documents — it’s about protecting the people and life you’ve worked hard to build. Estate planning attorney Seth Bier helps families move forward with a clear, compassionate approach. Here’s what everyone should know now to safeguard their future.
REDONDO BEACH CITY LIFESTYLE: Many people delay estate planning. How do you help clients move past that and feel empowered?
SETH BIER: Most people don’t avoid estate planning because they don’t care, they avoid it because it’s a heavy conversation. Our process is intentionally step-by-step, with multiple meetings, so it feels like an ongoing conversation rather than a one-time intimidating event. My role is to guide clients, translate the legal stuff into plain English, and help them feel confident making informed decisions.
RBCL: Why are both a will and a trust important, and what’s the biggest misconception?
SETH: A trust and a will aren’t interchangeable, they each serve an important role. A trust helps your family stay in control, avoid court, and maintain privacy, while a will acts as a backup to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. The biggest misconception is that you only need one or the other, when in reality they work best as a team. Having both ensures your plan actually works when your family needs it most.
RBCL: What important decisions can estate planning help parents with young children make?
SETH: Estate planning allows parents to choose who would raise their children and who would manage money for them if the unthinkable happened. We also prepare emergency guardian documents so that if something unexpected occurs, like an accident where both parents were temporarily hospitalized, someone trusted can immediately step in with legal authority to care for the kids. Planning protects children not just in the long term, but in the critical first hours.
RBCL: What happens if parents don’t have a trust or will?
SETH: Without a plan, families are often forced into expensive and stressful court proceedings at the worst possible time. We regularly see assets tied up for months and loved ones left guessing about what the parent would have wanted. That heartache is usually avoidable with proper planning.
RBCL: How often should estate plans be reviewed, and what life changes should trigger it?
SETH: Estate plans should be reviewed every few years, or anytime there’s a major life change. Marriage, divorce, a new child, a move, or significant changes in finances are all good reasons to revisit your plan. A strong estate plan isn’t “set it and forget it,” it should grow and adapt as your life evolves.
RBCL: What legal documents should adult children encourage their aging parents to have in place?
SETH: Adult children should encourage their parents to have a trust, durable powers of attorney, and healthcare directives in place. These documents allow someone to step in smoothly if help is ever needed. Putting them in place ahead of time can prevent confusion, conflict, and crisis decisions later.
RBCL: How should families start these conversations with aging parents?
SETH: We recommend starting with concern, not control—focusing on peace of mind rather than “what could go wrong.” Framing the conversation around honoring their wishes and protecting their independence often lowers resistance. Sometimes the hardest part is simply starting, but those difficult conversations can become some of the most meaningful and unifying moments for a family.
RBCL: Once a child turns 18, what documents should parents have in place for their newly adult children?
SETH: It’s true, once a child turns 18, parents legally lose automatic access to medical and financial information, even in an emergency. Having thoughtfully drafted documents like a healthcare directive and durable power of attorney in place ensures you can step in if something unexpected happens. It’s simple planning that provides enormous peace of mind.
RBCL: You’ve been called “The Attorney with a Heart.” What does that mean to you and your work?
SETH: I’m always a little humbled when I hear that. To me, it simply means remembering that behind every document is a family navigating real emotions and real responsibilities, and that’s something my wife Leann and I care deeply about. If people leave our office feeling heard, understood, and more at peace, that’s what matters most.