UPCOMING Legal Webinars

In California, the difference between a will and a living trust becomes very clear when your estate is handled after your death. A Will outlines your wishes but must go through probate, a public, expensive, and often lengthy court process. A Living Trust, when properly funded and structured by an expert attorney, can help your estate avoid probate, provide privacy, and allow assets to be distributed more quickly.

If you have a blended family or a second marriage, you will likely need a more specialized Estate Plan. Without careful planning, your current spouse and children from prior relationships may have competing claims on your estate. Tools such as marital property agreements, tailored trusts, and updated beneficiary designations can help your wishes get carried out after you are gone.

Probate is the legal process of validating a will and distributing assets through the court system. It can be slow, costly, and public. You can help your heirs avoid probate by getting help from an expert attorney in creating and properly funding a living trust, which transfers your assets outside of the court process which can create a smoother transition for your heirs. If you are the executor or inherit an estate that must go through probate, it is strongly suggested that you work with a qualified probate attorney to help you navigate the system.

A trust can help protect your assets from creditors and lawsuits, particularly if it is an irrevocable trust. These specialized trusts can take many different forms, and can help shield your wealth from certain legal claims while still allowing you to pass assets to your heirs and potentially reduce estate taxes.