Estate planning is one of those topics that many families, especially in the Latino community, tend to postpone until it’s too late. But failing to plan can result in long, expensive legal processes like probate — a burden that can easily be avoided with the right guidance.

As a real estate professional in Los Angeles, I often work with multigenerational Latino families who own homes, income properties, and businesses. Despite their hard-earned success, many don’t have a clear plan for what happens to these assets if something unexpected occurs. Let’s break down the unique challenges Latino families face with estate planning and probate — and how they can protect their legacy for generations to come.
Cultural and Language Barriers in Estate Planning
One of the most significant obstacles Latino families face is simply starting the conversation. Culturally, talking about death can feel taboo. There’s often a deep-rooted belief that discussing a will or estate plan might somehow “invite” bad luck — or worse, signal distrust among family members.
Another hurdle is language. Many Spanish-speaking families hesitate to reach out to professionals who only speak English, fearing they won’t fully understand the process or be able to ask the right questions. This communication gap can lead to serious misunderstandings and missed opportunities for protection.
But estate planning doesn’t require fluency in legal jargon or perfect English. Bilingual attorneys who understand the cultural nuances and speak the language can bridge that gap, making the entire process more approachable and transparent.
Immigration Status Shouldn’t Be a Roadblock
Some families worry that speaking to an attorney might jeopardize their immigration status. But the truth is, undocumented status doesn’t stop people from owning property, starting businesses, or paying taxes — and it shouldn’t stop them from protecting those achievements.
California law offers legal protections to residents regardless of immigration status. The key is knowing what plan already exists under state law — and how to create a better one that aligns with your personal wishes. That’s why it’s so important to consult a professional, whether you’re a citizen or not.
Understanding the Estate Planning Process
Many people think estate planning is just for the wealthy or elderly. That couldn’t be further from the truth. If you own a home, a car, a bank account, or a business — you have an estate. And that estate needs a plan.
The first step is simply getting organized. Gather a list of your assets, think about your family dynamics, and consider who you trust to make decisions if you can’t. A good estate planning attorney will guide you through:
- Creating a living trust (to avoid probate)
- Writing a will
- Assigning powers of attorney
- Establishing healthcare directives
While the official documents may be in English due to legal and financial requirements, a bilingual attorney can walk you through every detail in Spanish, ensuring you understand your rights, your responsibilities, and the options available.
Overcoming Misinformation and Cultural Misconceptions
Some families still believe that putting property in someone else’s name — sometimes even a friend — is a good strategy. Others avoid talking about assets entirely, keeping secrets from spouses or children out of fear, pride, or cultural tradition.
The problem is, when no one knows what’s owned or who it belongs to, it creates chaos when someone passes away. Probate can take years, cost tens of thousands of dollars, and sometimes even result in the sale of a home just to pay legal fees.
Planning ahead — and involving the whole family in open, honest conversations — is the only way to avoid this. Estate planning is about honoring your hard work and making sure the next generation doesn’t lose what you built.
Protecting Your Family’s Legacy Starts Now
Latino families in Los Angeles are building wealth, investing in real estate, and creating a legacy. But all of that is at risk without a solid estate plan. Waiting until it’s too late can cost far more than money — it can cost peace of mind and family unity.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right support, estate planning becomes a powerful way to protect what matters most, no matter your language, culture, or immigration status.

Key Takeaways
- Start early: Estate planning is not just for the elderly or wealthy.
- Language matters: Work with professionals who speak your language and understand your culture.
- Immigration status is not a barrier: California law provides protection regardless of documentation.
- Avoid probate: A living trust can help bypass a costly and public legal process.
- Get organized: Knowing what you own is the first step to protecting it.
- Break cultural silence: Talk openly with family members about your wishes and your estate.
Notable Quotes:
“There’s already a plan for you, whether you know it or not—whether you’re documented or undocumented.”
Watch The Full Interview Now:
📇Connecting with Joshua Reyes:
Facebook: / archalaw
Instagram: / joshuareyesesq
LinkedIn: / joshuareyesesq
Website: https://archalaw.com/
DISCLAIMER: The Probate Realtor® Matias Baker Masucci is a licensed real estate broker in California DRE # 02054763. Any legal information provided is for informational purposes only and NOT for the purpose of providing legal advice. Contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal issue or problem. We make no guarantees as to the accuracy of any information.