(714) 432-6494
William R. Cumming, Estate Planning Attorney
William R. Cumming
Estate Planning Attorney · Orange County

Orange County Estate Planning Attorney

Protect Your Family.
Secure Your Legacy.

A personalized estate plan gives you peace of mind — and protects the people you love from costly probate court, family disputes, and uncertainty. Serving Orange County families since 2008.

Free 15-Minute Consultation Serving All of Orange County Wills · Living Trusts · Powers of Attorney Super Lawyers Rising Star

Schedule Your Consultation

No obligation. Speak directly with an estate planning lawyer.

By submitting, you consent to be contacted by our firm. Confidential. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a written agreement is signed.

⚖️ Loyola Law School, J.D. 1998
🏆 OC Metro Top Attorney
⭐ Super Lawyers Rising Star
👥 Hundreds of Clients Served
🔒 Free & Confidential Consultation

Why It Matters

Most Orange County Families Are Unprepared.

Without a proper estate plan, your assets go through probate court — a costly, public, and time-consuming process that puts your family through unnecessary stress.

01
Avoid Costly Probate Court

California probate can cost 4–8% of your estate's gross value and take 12–24 months. A properly structured living trust bypasses probate entirely — keeping your estate private and your family out of court.

02
Protect Your Loved Ones

Without a will or trust, California's intestacy laws decide who gets your assets — which may not reflect your wishes. A clear estate plan ensures your spouse, children, or chosen beneficiaries are provided for.

03
Plan for the Unexpected

Estate planning isn't just about death — it's about what happens if you become incapacitated. A Durable Power of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directive ensure someone you trust makes decisions on your behalf.

Complete Estate Plan Package

Everything You Need, Done Right.

At Cumming & Associates, we don't offer one-size-fits-all documents. Every estate plan is customized to your family's specific needs and goals.

📜
Revocable Living Trust

The cornerstone of most estate plans. Avoids probate, keeps your estate private, and provides flexibility throughout your lifetime.

✍️
Last Will & Testament

Specifies how your assets are distributed, names an executor, and — critically — designates a guardian for minor children.

💼
Durable Power of Attorney

Authorizes a trusted person to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated.

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Advance Health Care Directive

Documents your medical preferences and designates a healthcare agent — including burial or cremation wishes.

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Property Transfer to Trust

We prepare and record the deed to transfer one property into your trust, including all required county reporting.

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Organized Trust Portfolio

You receive an indexed, organized binder with all your documents — plus a plain-English trust synopsis so you understand exactly what you have.

William R. Cumming, Estate Planning Attorney

Meet Your Estate Planning Attorney

William R. Cumming

Founding Attorney · Cumming & Associates, APLC

Bill Cumming has spent his career helping Orange County families protect what matters most. A UCLA and Loyola Law School graduate, Bill founded Cumming & Associates in 2008 after serving as a partner at a national law firm where he built a reputation as a skilled litigator and savvy transactional attorney.

When it comes to estate planning, Bill's approach is personal. He takes time with each client to understand their specific goals — then builds a customized plan designed to meet them, both now and in the future. His goal is simple: make sure your estate plan is done right, so your family never has to wonder.

Bill has been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as a Rising Star and named one of OC Metro's Top Attorneys. He has served as an adjunct law professor at Trinity Law School and regularly lectures in the legal community.

UCLA, B.A. Economics & Political Science Loyola Law School, J.D. 1998 Super Lawyers Rising Star OC Metro Top Attorney Orange County Bar Association American Bar Association Admitted: All CA Federal Districts Practicing Since 1998

How It Works

Getting Started Is Simple.

We've helped hundreds of Orange County families get their estate plans done. Here's how it works:

1

Free Consultation

Call or submit the form. You'll speak directly with Bill to discuss your situation and goals — at no cost and no obligation.

2

Customized Plan

We review your family's specific needs and design a complete estate plan tailored to your goals — not a template.

3

Documents Drafted

Straightforward estates can be drafted quickly. Most plans are completed within a week.

4

Sign & Protect

We handle all witnessing and notary fees. You leave with an organized binder and complete peace of mind.

Don't Wait

The Risks of Not Having a Plan

People often assume estate planning can wait. Here's what's at stake if it does.

Your family faces probate court

Without a trust, all of your property must pass through California probate — a public, expensive process that can drag on for 12–24 months and consume thousands of dollars in fees.

The state decides who inherits

California's intestacy laws determine distribution — which may exclude unmarried partners, close friends, or charities, while distributing assets to estranged relatives.

No one can manage your finances

If you become incapacitated without a Durable Power of Attorney, your family may need to pursue a costly court conservatorship just to pay your bills.

No guardian for your children

If you have minor children and pass without a will, a court will appoint a guardian — without any input from you. A will lets you choose who raises your kids.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy. Even modest estates can get stuck in probate, and without a will, California law — not you — decides who receives your belongings. Items with sentimental value are at just as much risk as financial assets.

A will takes effect at death and still requires probate court. A revocable living trust takes effect immediately, allows assets to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate, and also provides instructions during your lifetime if you become incapacitated. Most clients benefit from both.

We believe in providing high-quality services at affordable prices. Cost depends on your situation — estate size, number of assets, and the complexity of your goals. We offer a free initial consultation so you know exactly what to expect before making any commitment.

Straightforward plans can be drafted within 24–48 hours. Most complete estate plans are finished within a week. We work at the pace that fits your timeline and circumstances.

Yes. While our office is located in Costa Mesa, we serve families throughout Orange County, including Irvine, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, and surrounding communities.

Don't Leave Your Family Unprotected.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with an Orange County estate planning attorney today.

Call (714) 432-6494 Now

Or scroll down to submit the contact form below.

Free Consultation

Ready to Protect Your Family?

Take the first step in securing your family's future. Our consultations are free, confidential, and conducted directly with attorney William R. Cumming — not a salesperson or a paralegal.

  • Customized plan for your family's goals
  • Wills, living trusts, powers of attorney & more
  • Transparent, affordable flat-fee pricing
  • Plans completed in as little as 24–48 hours
  • Serving all of Orange County since 2008

📍 3080 Bristol Street, Suite 630
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

☎ (714) 432-6494

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By submitting, you consent to be contacted by our firm. Confidential. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a written agreement is signed.