What Happens When Your Trust is Not Properly Funded?

What is a Living Trust? A Living Trust is a vehicle created to hold and protect your stuff for your kids without court involvement. Trusts allow you greater control over what happens both during your lifetime and after your death. They protect your assets, which helps your loved ones avoid probate. Trusts also allow you […]

I Just Bought a House. How Do I Put it in My Trust?

If you’ve had any experience dealing with the housing market, you know how daunting the process can be. If you’ve recently bought a home, you’re probably still trying to get settled, on top of handling new payments and filling out all kinds of paperwork.    Amidst all the chaos and excitement of moving, there’s another […]

Protecting Your Cryptocurrency

Whether you own cryptocurrency or you’re still struggling to grasp the concept, it is still an asset that requires proper handling and knowledge. Crypto can be tricky, but with the right tools, you can take steps to protect yours in a Living Trust by designating beneficiaries, leaving instructions, and documenting your access keys securely.   […]

You Wouldn’t Trust Your Pet to Just Anyone, Would You?

When thinking about leaving things to your loved ones after you’re gone, the first things that typically come to mind are your home, vehicle, and other personal belongings. But for the pet owners out there, it’s important to ask the question: “who would I trust to take care of my pets?”   Video: Dave explains […]

How does probate law work in California?

What is the purpose of probate? The purpose of probate is to get someone’s affairs in order after they’ve passed away if there’s a need for court supervision. Generally, this means that they passed without a Will, or that they did have a Will but didn’t have a Living Trust, or they left assets (like […]

10 Steps to Writing a Will

What is a Will? A Will is a document that puts your intentions in writing so your family knows exactly what you want to happen when you’re no longer around. Wills are useful in documenting your wishes but generally don’t help to avoid probate.   Wills typically include: What you want to happen to your […]

8 Benefits of Consulting an Estate Planning Attorney

Having an estate plan ensures that your affairs are in order and that your wishes are followed when you’re no longer around. There are many benefits to consulting an attorney when you begin your estate planning journey.    Importance of Estate Planning Preparing for the future – you and your loved ones will be taken […]

Asset Protection Planning

What is Asset Protection? Different methods used to protect someone’s assets from creditors in the event of a divorce, lawsuit, bankruptcy, or other debt-incurring events. These methods include: Insurance – policies can provide coverage for damage Business entities – corporations, LLCs can help protect business assets Transferring property titles – someone else legally owns the […]

What happens to property if someone dies with no Will?

Property with no Will If someone dies without a Will, there are a few possible outcomes for their property.  If the property was held in a Living Trust, it would go to the listed beneficiaries, typically without probate court involvement. If the property was held with another person or people under right of survivorship (joint […]

The Living Trust as a Sleigh

Living Trust jargon can be confusing, but Santa Claus and his sleigh are here to help! Think of The Living Trust as a Sleigh:   Santa & Mrs. Claus: Settlor/Grantor/Trustor Santa and Mrs. Claus created, maintain, and update Santa’s sleigh. Like the manufacturer of a vehicle, you design, build, and name your Trust. During your lifetime(s), you’ll continue […]