Trust and Wills

A living trust is one of the most effective tools for avoiding probate and providing clear direction for your loved ones. However, a trust only works if it actually owns the assets it is meant to control. One of the most common and costly estate planning mistakes is creating a trust but failing to transfer assets into it. This oversight is more common than many people realize and can undermine the very purpose of having a trust in the first place. Your Trust Only Controls [...]

A living trust is a powerful estate planning tool in California, primarily because it helps avoid probate and maintain privacy. However, not every asset belongs in a trust. Knowing what to place in your living trust—and what to leave out—can prevent unnecessary complications and ensure your plan works as intended.   Assets That Should Go Into a Living Trust 1. Real Estate Located in California Your primary residence, vacation home, or rental properties in California are among the most important assets to place in your [...]

A living trust is one of the most effective tools for avoiding probate and ensuring your wishes are carried out smoothly. However, many people make critical mistakes when creating a trust (often without realizing it). These errors can undermine the very benefits a trust is supposed to provide. Below are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them. 1. Creating the Trust but Not Funding It This is by far the most common and costly mistake. A living trust only controls assets [...]

A trust is designed to provide clarity, protection, and efficiency for you and your loved ones. However, if a trust is outdated, it may not function as intended when it is needed most. Life changes over time, and a trust that no longer reflects your circumstances can create avoidable complications. One common issue with an outdated trust is confusion over who is in charge. If a named trustee or successor trustee is no longer available or appropriate, family members may disagree about who should step [...]

As the year comes to a close, it is an ideal time to review your trust and ensure that it still reflects your goals, your family circumstances, and your current assets. Small updates made now can prevent confusion later and help your plan work exactly as intended. A year-end review does not need to be complicated. It simply helps you confirm that your documents remain accurate, complete, and aligned with your wishes. Start by checking your successor trustees. Make sure the individuals you named are [...]

For California residents, a living trust is one of the most effective tools for protecting assets, avoiding court involvement, and ensuring your loved ones are protected and provided for without unnecessary delays. While many people rely on a simple will, a properly drafted living trust offers significant advantages that make it the preferred estate-planning strategy. 1. Avoiding Probate in California California’s probate process is notoriously slow, costly, and public. Court fees, attorney fees, and administrative expenses can quickly add up—reducing the estate by thousands of [...]