Transferring, or connecting, ALL assets to a trust is a crucial part of the California estate planning process and this includes CREDIT UNION ACCOUNTS.  Just like bank accounts, stock accounts, bonds, mutual funds, and all other such monetary assets… credit union accounts need to be in your California revocable living trust. Listing the assets on […]

For the overwhelming majority of Californians who set up a revocable living trust there is simply no need to put your car into that trust.  The DMV has simple processes in place to transfer the car after death and without going through the probate process.  Here is a link to that California DMV web page.  Other people […]

California Probate Form DE-221 Spousal or Domestic Partner Property Petition is a great tool to keep in mind when one spouse dies. It allows the surviving spouse to transfer property to them as well confirm their community property interest. This helps to guarantee the step-up in basis for tax purposes as well as clearing title […]

The topic of attorney fees comes up a lot…. ok, well every day. I like to be open and honest with my clients; transparent if you will. Thus I thought a post about legal fees would be welcome by many people. This is my JOB. This is how I pay my mortgage, feed my family, […]

There often are taxes due and owing in a California probate. Make sure you work with a tax professional to get them done right. Here are the biggies to keep in mind: Estate Taxes: It’s the biggest tax, potentially, but few people have to worry about it. The current exemption level is $5,120,000. However, the […]

“Avoid probate, avoid probate, avoid probate!”  That’s what people say. “All the money goes to the state” is another popular cry.   “A living trust avoids probate” is a generally true statement as well.  However, some people end up in probate and should know what it’s going to cost BEFORE you file. At our firm […]

A key component of the California estate planning process is to FUND YOUR TRUST.  What does that mean exactly? That means taking an active role in transferring your assets to your trust.  At our office we assist with transferring each asset; bank accounts, stock brokerage accounts, life insurance, bonds, stocks, and the list goes on… […]

We will take care of the deed Transfers to NON-California Trusts if you or your client own real property in California.  We will take care of the proper deed format as well as the preliminary change in ownership (a required state form).  We will charge $500 per California property and that includes obtaining the current […]

Trusts serve many purposes in estate planning for California residents. There are also many different types of trusts (inter-vivos and testamentary to name two main categories).  Inter-vivos trusts are created during life and often called “living trusts” or “grantor trusts.”  These trusts are most commonly set up as revocable trusts but sometimes are done as […]

Who do you TRUST to be your trustee? Trust is in all caps for a reason… the person, or company, you select as trustee of your trust better be REALLY TRUSTWORTHY.  They will control your assets when you die of course… but also, generally, when you are incapacitated.  Yes, they will have your bank accounts, […]