Estate Planning for Every Stage of Life

Peace of mind
rooted in care.

Evergreen Oak Law helps California families create thoughtful estate plans — wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and more — so the people you love are protected no matter what comes.

Evergreen Oak Law
Wills & Trusts
Probate & Trust Administration
Healthcare Directives
Incapacity Planning
Guardianship
Why Estate Planning Matters

More than protecting assets — protecting people.

There is a common misconception that estate planning is only for the wealthy. In reality, estate planning is for anyone who has people they love and care about.

An estate plan ensures that if something unexpected happens — whether death or incapacity — the right people are in charge, your wishes are honored, and your family is spared unnecessary stress, conflict, and expense.

Whether you're a young family just starting out or you've been putting it off for years, now is the right time to get your affairs in order.

Start with a Consultation
I love getting to know my clients and their families — their stories, their goals, the people they're trying to protect. Estate planning is one of the most meaningful things you can do to make things a little easier for the ones you love.
— Kathryn E. Young, Attorney
What I Can Help With

Practice Areas

Comprehensive estate planning services for individuals and families at every stage of life.

Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts

A complete estate plan tailored to your goals and family situation. Everyone needs one — not just those with significant assets.

  • Last Will and Testament
  • Revocable Living Trust
  • Pour-over Will
  • Asset distribution planning
  • Minor children provisions

Incapacity Planning

Ensure the people you trust are the ones making decisions if you're ever unable to make them yourself.

  • Durable Power of Attorney (financial decisions)
  • Advanced Healthcare Directive (medical decisions)
  • POLST guidance

Probate & Trust Administration

Guidance through the legal process of settling an estate, whether through probate court or trust administration.

  • Probate petitions and court filings
  • Trust administration and distribution
  • Creditor notification
  • Estate closing procedures

Guardianship of Minors

Designate who will care for your children if the unthinkable happens. One of the most important decisions any parent can make.

  • Nomination of guardian in your will
  • Guidance on choosing the right guardian
  • Provisions for children's financial needs
Understanding Your Options

Will or Trust — What's Right for You?

Both are essential tools in estate planning, but they work very differently. Here's a clear breakdown.

Last Will & Testament
Takes effect at death · Goes through probate
What a Will Does
  • Directs how assets are distributed after death
  • Designates guardians for minor children
  • Helps prevent family conflict
  • Ensures court oversight and supervision
  • Can create a testamentary trust
What a Will Does Not Do
  • Avoid probate court
  • Plan for incapacity during your life
Often Recommended
Revocable Living Trust
Takes effect now · Avoids probate (if funded)
What a Trust Does
  • Plans for both death AND incapacity
  • Avoids probate when properly funded
  • Protects your privacy (no public record)
  • May offer tax benefits depending on the estate
  • Paired with a pour-over will for complete coverage
Important Note
  • A trust must be properly funded — this means retitling your assets into the trust

Estimate Your Probate Costs

California probate fees are set by statute. See what probate might cost your estate.

California Probate Cost Estimator

Estimated combined statutory attorney & executor fees:

Calculated on the gross estate value before liabilities, for both the attorney and executor combined.

Estimate only · Not legal advice · Actual costs may vary · A properly funded trust avoids probate entirely.
Kathryn Young, Estate Planning Attorney

Education & Honors

2021
J.D. — McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
Graduated with Great Distinction · Order of the COIF · Traynor Honor Society · Full Academic Scholarship
2012
B.A. Environmental Studies — Mills College
State Bar of California
Licensed attorney
Your Attorney

Kathryn E. Young

Attorney at Law  ·  Colfax, California

Katie's practice is focused on estate planning and administration. She is passionate about helping people at every stage of life — and is especially dedicated to helping young families ensure they have their affairs in order.

Before attending law school, Katie worked as a field biologist studying California grasslands and vernal pools. That connection to nature — and to what we leave behind — informs her approach to estate planning today.

Katie received a full academic scholarship to law school and graduated with honors. While at McGeorge, she served on the board of the Environmental Law Society and joined the Law Review as both a writer and managing editor. She has had two papers published in peer-reviewed law journals.

Outside the office, Katie loves hiking, skiing, and music. She lives on an off-grid property in the Sierra Nevada foothills with her husband, two sons, and an overly friendly dog.

Publications

Protecting Plants Under the Existing Endangered Species Act

Katie Young & Karrigan Bork · Harvard Environmental Law Review, Vol. 45.1 (2021)

Chapter 638: Uniting to Fight Fire with Fire — Addressing California Forest Health in a Time of Catastrophic Wildfire

Katie Young · University of the Pacific Law Review, Vol. 50 (2018)

Personal Interests

Field Biology Hiking Skiing Music Environmental Law Off-Grid Living
From the Desk of Katie Young

Estate Planning Insights

Practical guidance on estate planning, wills, trusts, and protecting your family in California.

Estate Planning
April 2025

Why Young Families Need an Estate Plan (Even if You Don't Think You Do)

Most parents spend enormous energy childproofing their home, but far fewer take the steps to protect their children legally. Here's why an estate plan is one of the most important things you can do for your family.

Read More →
Trusts
March 2025

The #1 Mistake People Make With Their Living Trust

Creating a revocable living trust is only half the job. Many people go through the process of setting one up and then never fund it — leaving their estate right back in probate. Here's what you need to know.

Read More →
Probate
February 2025

What Happens in California Probate — And How Long Does It Take?

Probate is the court process for distributing a person's estate after death. In California, it can take 12–24 months and cost a significant percentage of the estate. Here's what families need to know.

Read More →
Estate Planning
Estate Planning Basics

Will, Trust, or Nothing? What Happens When You Die in California

Dying without a plan, with a will, or with a trust each leads to a very different outcome for your family. Here's a clear breakdown of what to expect in each scenario.

Read More →
Get in Touch

Ready to take the first step?

I look forward to hearing from you and exploring how I can help with your estate planning needs.

Location
Colfax, California
Serving clients throughout California

Schedule Your Consultation

Use my online scheduling system to find a time that works for you. Consultations are available by phone or video call.

Book a Call Online →

The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing or contacting through this website. Evergreen Oak Law · The Law Office of Kathryn E. Young · Licensed in California.