CA CLS Estate Planning case studies
CA CLS Estate Planning · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The California Certified Legal Specialist designation in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law is a voluntary credential administered under the State Bar of California's legal specialization program. It signals to clients, courts, and referring attorneys that an attorney has demonstrated a heightened level of experience and knowledge in this field beyond general licensure. Candidates are typically California-licensed attorneys who already practice in the area and want formal recognition, or who are building a referral-focused estate planning practice. The examination tests the full arc of the discipline: client counseling and planning fundamentals, intestate succession and probate administration, wills, trusts, and will substitutes, fiduciary administration and duties, federal and California transfer taxes, income taxation of estates and trusts, and cross-cutting issues such as community property, creditor claims, and professional responsibility. The CA CLS Estate Planning case studies are 5 cases and about 3,759 words.
1The Blended Family Cabin and the Pour-Over Will
Harlan, age 74, owns a Lake Tahoe cabin titled in his sole name (fair market value 1,100,000, mortgage 200,000) and a brokerage account worth $900,000. He created a revocable trust in 2019 and funded only the brokerage account.
737 words, about 4 min2Intestacy, the Surviving Spouse, and the Half-Blood Cousin
Priya dies intestate in California, unmarried and without children. Her parents predeceased her.
658 words, about 3 min3Trustee Self-Dealing, the Prudent Investor, and the Beneficiary's Demand
A family trust holds 2,000,000 for the benefit of Elena (income beneficiary, age 60) and her two children (remainder beneficiaries). The trustee is Elena's brother, Marcus, who also owns a 40% interest in a local real estate partnership.
764 words, about 4 min4The Step-Up Basis, the QTIP Election, and the Portability Decision
Walter dies in 2026. His estate includes a residence (FMV 1,400,000, basis 300,000), a brokerage account (FMV 2,200,000, basis 500,000), and an IRA ( 1,000,000) naming his wife Helen as beneficiary.
788 words, about 4 min5The Dying Client, the Disinherited Son, and the Notary
Ruth, age 88, is hospitalized with terminal cancer and is receiving morphine. She tells her attorney, Ms.
812 words, about 4 min