Services / Estate Planning & Trusts
Living Trusts & Estate Planning
Professional estate planning document preparation for California residents. Living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and estate planning documents prepared at your direction — saving you thousands in attorney fees.
What We Prepare
Revocable Living Trusts
The primary estate planning vehicle. A revocable trust holds your assets during your lifetime, provides for management if you become incapacitated, and distributes assets to your beneficiaries after death — all without probate.
Irrevocable Trusts
Asset protection and tax planning trusts that generally cannot be modified once created. Used for Medicaid planning, special needs beneficiaries, and certain tax strategies. We prepare these at your specific direction.
Pour-Over Wills
A companion will for trust-based estate plans. It catches any assets that weren't transferred into the trust during your lifetime and directs them into the trust.
Certification of Trust
A summary document that provides financial institutions with the essential terms of your trust without disclosing private details like beneficiary identities or asset distributions.
Trust Amendments & Restatements
Modify existing trusts to reflect changed circumstances — new beneficiaries, changed trustees, updated distribution terms. An amendment changes specific provisions; a restatement replaces the entire trust.
Trust Transfer Deeds
Deeds to transfer real property into your trust — a critical step in trust funding. Property not transferred to the trust may require probate.
How It Works
Free Consultation
We discuss your estate planning goals and identify the documents you need. We help you understand what information we'll need — who your beneficiaries are, who you want as trustee, and how assets should be distributed.
Document Preparation
We prepare your trust and related documents based on your instructions. Every provision — beneficiaries, successor trustees, distribution terms — is set exactly as you direct.
Execution & Funding
We provide instructions for signing, notarizing, and funding your trust — transferring assets into it. Proper funding is essential; an unfunded trust won't avoid probate.
Important: We cannot advise which type of trust is best for your situation or provide tax advice. We prepare documents based on your specific direction. Consult an attorney or tax professional for advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use a living trust instead of just a will?+
A living trust allows your estate to avoid probate, which can save your beneficiaries time and money. Assets in a properly funded trust pass directly to beneficiaries without court involvement. We prepare trust documents at your direction.
What's the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts?+
A revocable trust can be changed or revoked during your lifetime. An irrevocable trust generally cannot be modified once created. The choice depends on your specific goals. We prepare either type based on your instructions.
Do I still need a will if I have a living trust?+
Yes, a pour-over will is typically prepared alongside a living trust. It catches any assets that weren't transferred into the trust during your lifetime and directs them into the trust. We prepare both documents as a complete package.
Related Services
Ready to Create Your Estate Plan?
Schedule a free consultation to start your living trust or estate planning documents.