A will is a fundamental estate planning document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after your passing. It also allows you to name a guardian for minor children, ensuring they are cared for by someone you trust. However, assets that pass through a will must go through probate, a court-supervised process that can be time-consuming and costly. Because of this, trusts are often the preferred tool for estate planning in California. Even so, every comprehensive estate plan should include a will as a safety net to account for any assets not placed in a trust.

A trust is a legal arrangement that allows a trustee to manage and distribute assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Trusts provide significant advantages over wills, including avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, and offering more control over asset distribution. In California, most estate plans rely on a revocable living trust as the primary tool for transferring assets. Additionally, there are specialized trusts—such as irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, charitable trusts, and pet trusts—that can help achieve specific financial or personal goals. I work closely with clients to determine the best trust structure to protect their legacy and provide for their loved ones.

When the trustor (the person who created the trust) passes away, the trustee must take on the responsibility of managing and distributing assets according to the trust’s terms. This process, known as trust administration, requires handling financial and legal matters such as notifying beneficiaries, managing trust assets, and fulfilling tax obligations. Trustees have a legal duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, and failure to comply with trust laws can lead to legal disputes. I provide guidance to trustees, ensuring they fulfill their responsibilities efficiently and in accordance with California law.