Estate Planning Basics

In California, most estate plans revolve around:

(1) a living trust to hold your assets and control their distribution if you become incapacitated or after you pass,
(2) a will to control the distribution of any assets accidentally left out of your trust,
(3) guardianship documents to protect minor children, and
(4) powers of attorney and health care directives to allow trusted individuals to help if you become incapacitated.

Together we identify the best people to help in emergencies based on their skills. Our planning process is designed to meet your family’s specific needs and goals.

Benefits of a Living Trust

Most families and individuals benefit from creating a simple revocable trust to hold their real property, investment and bank accounts, personal property, and various other assets. The advantages of creating a trust include:
(1) Avoid California’s cumbersome probate process - stay out of court!
(2) Maintain privacy,
(3) Protect you in the event you lose capacity, and
(4) Direct your trustee how to distribute assets to your beneficiaries.

My Family Situation is Unique

Every family faces unique challenges and goals. We also help our clients plan for loved ones with special needs, protect assets from creditors or predators, accomplish multi-generation tax planning objectives, and seek judicial approval to modify irrevocable trusts to achieve significant tax advantages.