Living Trusts | Estate Planning Attorneys in Roseville, CA

What Is a Revocable Living Trust?

A revocable living trust is a legal document you create during your lifetime that holds title to your assets and directs how they will be managed and distributed. As the grantor, you typically serve as your own trustee while alive and competent, maintaining complete control over all assets in the trust. You can amend, modify, or revoke the trust at any time.

Upon your death or incapacity, a successor trustee you have designated steps in to manage or distribute the trust assets according to your instructions — without court involvement.

Why Living Trusts Are Especially Valuable in California

California's probate process is notoriously costly and time-consuming. Estates that go through probate are subject to statutory attorney and executor fees calculated as a percentage of the gross estate value, and the process can take a year or more. A fully funded living trust bypasses probate entirely, which saves your family significant time, money, and stress.

Additionally, probate proceedings are public record in California. A living trust keeps your financial affairs private.

What a Living Trust Can Do for You

A properly drafted and funded living trust can:

• Transfer your assets to your chosen beneficiaries without probate

• Designate a successor trustee to manage your finances seamlessly if you become incapacitated

• Provide detailed instructions for asset distribution, including staggered distributions to younger beneficiaries

• Coordinate with your will, powers of attorney, and health care directives as part of a complete estate plan

• Hold real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, business interests, and other assets

Funding Your Trust Is Critical

A living trust only controls the assets that have been properly transferred into it. "Funding" the trust means retitling assets — real property, financial accounts, business interests — into the name of the trust. An unfunded or partially funded trust may leave assets subject to probate. Our attorneys guide clients through the funding process to ensure the trust works as intended.

Living Trusts for Married Couples

Married couples may use a joint living trust or separate trusts depending on their circumstances. For blended families, significant separate property, or estate tax planning purposes, separate trusts may offer advantages. We help couples evaluate the right structure for their situation.