Our Process
Full Attorney Service. Your Schedule.
You get the same level of legal oversight as a traditional law firm — with the flexibility to work from anywhere, anytime. Most of our clients start their plan at 9pm after the kids are in bed.
Start Online, Anytime
Click "Start Your Plan" and begin our guided questionnaire. There's no appointment to schedule, no office to visit. You can start at midnight if that's when you have a quiet moment.
The questionnaire is designed to feel like a conversation, not a legal form. We ask about your family, your assets, your wishes — in plain English. Built-in support guides you through every step, and you can schedule a meeting with Tonya directly within the platform whenever you have questions.
Time estimate: 5 minutes to get started
Answer Questions at Your Pace
Work through the questionnaire whenever it fits your schedule. Started on Tuesday but got interrupted? Pick up right where you left off on Thursday. Your progress is saved automatically.
We'll ask about your assets, who you want to inherit them, who should care for your children, your healthcare wishes, and more. Each section includes helpful explanations so you understand what you're deciding and why it matters. If you get stuck or have questions at any point, Tonya is available to help — just schedule a call through the platform.
Time estimate: 1-2 hours total (can be spread across multiple sessions)
Attorney Review Meeting
This is what separates us from DIY websites. Once you complete your questionnaire, you'll meet with Tonya to review your information and the generated documents together. She checks for California legal compliance, identifies any issues or gaps, and ensures your plan actually accomplishes your goals.
Before your review meeting, Tonya is available to answer any questions you have. Reach out anytime through the platform — you don't have to wait. During the review, she'll walk you through everything and make sure you're confident in your plan.
Time estimate: 2-3 business days for review, plus your scheduled meeting
Sign and Finalize
Once your documents are ready, we coordinate the signing and notarization process. Depending on your location and the documents involved, this might be done remotely or in person.
After signing, your estate plan is legally binding. We'll provide you with copies and guidance on any next steps, like funding your trust or updating beneficiary designations.
Time estimate: 30-60 minutes for signing
Lifetime Access
Your relationship with Bordeaux Legacy Law doesn't end when you sign. You'll have lifetime access to your documents and your account within the platform.
Life changes — marriages, births, moves, new assets. When it's time to update your plan, everything is right where you left it. You can also reach out with questions anytime. We're here for the long haul.
Time estimate: Ongoing support whenever you need it
How We're Different
Common Questions
Is DIY estate planning a good option?
For a single person with no children and straightforward assets, an online form service might work. But most families have more complexity — children who need guardians, property to manage, benefits to coordinate. Cookie-cutter templates don't adapt to your situation, and they can miss important provisions you wouldn't know to ask about. Most importantly, if something goes wrong later, there's no attorney behind the work. With our service, Tonya reviews your plan, catches issues before they become problems, and stands behind the documents she prepares.
What if I have questions while filling out the questionnaire?
The platform has built-in support and guidance throughout. If you need to talk to Tonya directly, you can schedule a meeting with her at any point — right from within the platform. You don't have to wait until the review.
My spouse and I want to do our estate plan together. How does that work?
Most married couples create their estate plans together. You'll work through the questionnaire as a couple, and we'll create coordinated documents for both of you.
We're stationed outside California. Can you still help us?
If you maintain California as your state of legal residence, yes. Many military families keep California residency while stationed elsewhere. Your California estate plan remains valid.
What if our situation is complicated?
The questionnaire is designed to handle common complexities like blended families, special needs children, and significant assets. If your situation requires additional customization, Tonya will identify that during her review and discuss options with you.