A Last Will and Testament is a foundational estate planning document that states how you want your assets distributed after you die and names the person who will probate your estate. For residents of Diablo and the surrounding Contra Costa County, creating a clear, legally sound will can prevent confusion, family disputes, and costly delays. Our firm helps clients identify assets that should be included, choose suitable personal representatives and guardians, and draft language that reflects personal wishes without ambiguity. Preparing a will is also an opportunity to coordinate other estate planning tools like trusts and healthcare directives to achieve a cohesive plan.
Many people assume a will is only for the wealthy, but wills benefit individuals and families of all financial means by ensuring that end-of-life wishes are honored and that close relatives are cared for. In Diablo, changes in family structure, property ownership, or financial accounts make periodic review of a will advisable to avoid unintended outcomes. Our office focuses on creating documents that are straightforward to understand and enforceable under California law. We take time to explain the probate process, options to avoid probate where appropriate, and how a will interacts with beneficiary designations and community property rules in the state.
A properly drafted will clarifies distribution of property, appoints a trusted personal representative, and can name guardians for minor children, all of which reduce uncertainty and emotional strain for survivors. For property owners in Diablo, a will can address real estate, personal property, and accounts that are not covered by beneficiary designations. Having a clear document also helps minimize the time and expense of probate administration and can prevent disputes among heirs by providing explicit instructions. Wills also provide a mechanism to leave specific bequests, establish testamentary trusts, and express final wishes in a way that carries legal weight in California courts.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman assists families throughout San Jose, Diablo, and Contra Costa County in preparing wills and related estate planning documents. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, careful review of client circumstances, and practical drafting tailored to each household. We have handled a wide variety of estate matters, from straightforward wills to coordinated plans involving living trusts and guardianship nominations. Clients can expect personalized attention, thoughtful explanation of legal options, and focused efforts to create documents that will be effective when they are needed most, while complying with California legal requirements and formalities.
A Last Will and Testament is a legal instrument that communicates how you wish your property to be handled and who will oversee the administration of your estate. In California, a will must meet formal signing and witnessing rules to be valid, and it becomes effective only upon death. Wills can name beneficiaries, make specific distributions, create testamentary trusts for minor or incapacitated beneficiaries, and appoint a personal representative to handle probate tasks. It is also an opportunity to nominate guardians for minor children and to express other final wishes, such as cremation or burial preferences.
Although a will provides important directions, not all assets are controlled by a will. Accounts with designated beneficiaries, jointly owned property, and assets held in living trusts may transfer outside of probate according to those arrangements. Because of these interactions, it is important to review beneficiary designations and property titles when preparing a will to avoid conflicts and unintended results. Our process includes a comprehensive asset review and coordination with other estate planning tools, ensuring the will complements retirement accounts, living trusts, and health care directives to create a cohesive plan for your family.
A Last Will and Testament formally records a person’s final wishes regarding property distribution and personal appointments. It names a personal representative who will file the will with the probate court, pay debts and taxes from the estate, and distribute remaining assets according to the will’s instructions. Wills can include specific bequests of items, directions to establish testamentary trusts, and nominations for guardianship of minor children. Under California law, the will must be properly signed and witnessed to be probated without additional complications. Wills provide a predictable legal framework for settling affairs and securing the intentions of the deceased.
A well-drafted will typically identifies the testator, names beneficiaries, appoints a personal representative, and specifies distributions and contingencies. For families in Diablo, it’s also common to include language about real property located in California, charitable gifts, and instructions for digital assets. When probate is required, the nominated personal representative files the will and manages the estate administration under court supervision. That process can include creditor notices, asset valuation, tax filings, and eventual asset distribution. Thoughtful drafting anticipates common probate steps and seeks to make the administration more efficient and aligned with the decedent’s intentions.
Understanding common estate planning terms helps you make informed decisions about wills and related documents. Terms such as testator, personal representative, beneficiary, probate, intestacy, and testamentary trust are frequently used in discussions about last wills. Knowing what these words mean clarifies the roles and responsibilities involved in settling an estate and how assets are handled when someone dies. We provide explanations of these terms and how they apply under California law, so clients can confidently choose provisions that reflect personal wishes and family needs while minimizing the potential for misunderstanding after death.
Testator refers to the person who makes a will and whose wishes are contained in that document. In California, the testator must have testamentary capacity at the time of signing, meaning they understand the nature of the document, the extent of their property, and the identities of those who might claim a share. Age and mental condition can affect capacity, and the law provides procedures to challenge a will if there are valid concerns about undue influence or incapacity. Clear documentation and proper signing formalities help preserve the testator’s intended distributions and reduce the risk of later disputes.
A personal representative, sometimes called an executor, is the individual named in a will to manage estate administration after a person’s death. This role includes filing the will with probate court, notifying creditors and beneficiaries, preparing inventory and accounting, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets in accordance with the will. Choosing a reliable and organized personal representative is important because they will carry out the decedent’s final wishes and interact with the court and third parties. Successor representatives can be named to step in if the primary appointee is unable or unwilling to serve.
A beneficiary is a person or organization designated to receive property, assets, or benefits from a will, trust, or account. Beneficiaries may be named for specific items, percentages of the estate, or remainder after debts and expenses are paid. In California, beneficiaries can include family members, friends, charities, and institutions. It is important to use clear identifying information to avoid confusion and to name contingent beneficiaries in case a primary beneficiary predeceases the testator. Regular review of beneficiary designations ensures they remain consistent with the overall estate plan.
A testamentary trust is a trust created within a will that takes effect only after the testator’s death. It is commonly used to manage assets for minor children, disabled beneficiaries, or others who may need oversight. Unlike living trusts, testamentary trusts must be funded through the probate process and are subject to court supervision until funded and administered. These trusts can set terms for distributions, name a trustee to manage assets, and provide protections that ensure funds are used for intended purposes. Proper drafting ensures the trust aligns with state law and the family’s long-term goals.
Wills, living trusts, beneficiary designations, and joint ownership each play distinct roles in estate planning. A will directs probate-distributed assets and appoints guardians but generally does not avoid probate. Living trusts can often transfer property outside of probate, providing continuity and privacy for beneficiaries. Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and payable-on-death accounts bypass probate but must be coordinated with a will and trust to avoid conflicts. Evaluating which tools fit a family’s situation depends on asset types, privacy concerns, and preferences for court oversight, and careful coordination among documents prevents unintended results.
A simple will is often appropriate for individuals with modest estates and straightforward beneficiary designations where family relationships are clear and asset ownership does not involve complex trusts or business interests. When the primary goal is to name a personal representative, distribute belongings, and appoint a guardian for minors, a well-crafted will can accomplish these objectives efficiently. The document should be reviewed periodically to account for life changes, but for many households in Diablo this level of planning provides adequate direction and peace of mind without the added administrative steps associated with trust funding and ongoing trust management.
A limited approach can work well when assets are small, jointly owned, or have designated beneficiaries that will pass outside of probate, reducing the likelihood of an extensive probate proceeding. If the family dynamic is uncomplicated and there is little risk of contested distributions, a straightforward will can handle end-of-life wishes with clarity. Clients who prefer a simpler, lower-cost option to set out their intentions may find that a will combined with up-to-date account beneficiaries and joint ownership accomplishes their goals without the need for additional trust arrangements or ongoing administration requirements.
A comprehensive estate planning approach is often necessary when an individual owns real estate, business interests, multiple accounts, or has blended family dynamics that require careful allocation of assets. Situations involving special needs beneficiaries, large retirement accounts, or out-of-state property can increase the complexity of administration and tax considerations. In such cases, integrating wills with living trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives creates a coordinated plan that addresses asset management during life, simplifies post-death transfers, and helps minimize administrative burdens and delays for surviving family members.
Clients concerned about privacy, probate costs, or the time required for court-supervised administration may prefer trust-based planning that transfers assets outside of probate and preserves confidentiality. Living trusts can provide a mechanism for managing property during incapacity and enable a smoother transfer to beneficiaries upon death. For families with significant assets or a desire to maintain privacy about distributions, a comprehensive plan including trusts, beneficiary updates, and coordinated documents can reduce the chance of public probate proceedings and offer more direct control over how and when beneficiaries receive assets.
A comprehensive approach ensures that wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives work together to protect your wishes and provide continuity in the event of incapacity or death. This coordination helps avoid conflicting instructions, reduces the likelihood of probate disputes, and can streamline the transfer of property to beneficiaries. By addressing lifetime asset management, beneficiary designations, and end-of-life directives in a single plan, families benefit from clearer guidance, decreased administrative friction, and an organized framework for handling affairs during difficult times.
Comprehensive planning also allows for thoughtful handling of special situations such as minor children, beneficiaries with disabilities, charitable giving, and family businesses. Testamentary trusts, pour-over wills, and tailored trustee provisions can ensure that funds are managed appropriately and used for intended purposes. Regular reviews keep the plan current with life changes and legal developments, providing long-term stability and preventing unintended outcomes. Ultimately, a coordinated plan gives families in Diablo confidence that their wishes are documented and that asset transitions will proceed according to their intentions.
A coordinated estate plan provides precise control over how assets are distributed, including timing and conditions for distributions to beneficiaries. This level of control can protect inheritances from creditors, mismanagement, or imprudent early spending, particularly when providing for younger beneficiaries or those who may need oversight. By setting clear terms and naming responsible fiduciaries, individuals ensure their wishes are followed and that assets are preserved for intended uses, whether for education, care, or ongoing support. Thoughtful drafting also reduces ambiguity that could lead to disputes among heirs.
When documents are coordinated and up to date, the process of administering an estate is generally more straightforward and less contentious, which saves time and expense for grieving families. Clear beneficiary designations, funded trusts, and comprehensive instructions reduce the likelihood of litigation and minimize court involvement. Having named fiduciaries and trustees who understand their roles, along with explicit distribution language and contingency plans, helps ensure a smoother transition. This practical approach helps protect family relationships and preserves estate value for intended beneficiaries.
Collecting detailed information about bank accounts, retirement plans, real estate titles, life insurance policies, and personal property helps ensure a will accurately reflects your estate. Include account numbers, ownership details, and beneficiary designations, as those items often determine how property passes at death. Organizing this information before meeting about your will speeds the drafting process and reduces the chance of omissions that can complicate administration. Provide documentation of digital accounts and passwords when appropriate, and list any outstanding debts, mortgages, or business interests to create a comprehensive portrait of your assets and obligations.
Life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, significant asset purchases, or changes to beneficiary designations warrant a review and possible update of your will. Periodic review ensures that the document reflects current wishes and legal circumstances. Even minor changes in family dynamics can produce unintended results if a will is not updated. Keeping a current will and coordinating it with other documents like trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives ensures your estate plan remains effective and aligned with your goals over time.
Creating a last will provides clarity about how your property should be divided and allows you to appoint trusted individuals to manage your estate and care for minor children. Without a will, California’s intestacy laws dictate distribution, which may not reflect your preferences. A will can also be used to make specific gifts, name charitable beneficiaries, and outline funeral or burial preferences. Establishing a will is a meaningful step in protecting your family, reducing uncertainty, and expressing final wishes in a legally recognized form under state law.
In addition to distribution instructions, a will allows you to designate a personal representative who will navigate probate proceedings, pay debts, and distribute assets. This appointment helps ensure someone you trust will oversee the process and communicate with beneficiaries and the court. Wills can also be coordinated with other estate planning tools to address incapacity, provide for minor children through trusts, and support long-term goals. Preparing a will now reduces the administrative burden on loved ones during a difficult period and helps preserve your intentions for the future.
Typical circumstances prompting will preparation include having minor children, owning real estate or business interests, wishing to leave specific bequests to friends or charities, and wanting to control how assets are distributed over time. Other reasons include changes in marital status, the desire to appoint a particular personal representative or guardian, and the need to direct disposition of heirlooms or sentimental property. Preparing a will provides legal certainty and allows individuals to address family dynamics, special needs of beneficiaries, and personal wishes for their estate’s administration.
Parents with minor children commonly create wills to nominate guardians and direct how assets should be used to support their children’s upbringing and education. A will can create a testamentary trust to manage funds for minors until they reach an age or milestone specified by the parent. This planning ensures that children are cared for by chosen individuals and that financial resources are preserved for their needs. Discussing guardianship and trust terms ahead of time and naming alternates provides clarity and helps prevent disputes in an already emotional situation.
Owners of real estate should consider how property titles and community property rules affect inheritance and whether a will or trust is the best tool for transferring ownership. Including clear instructions for each parcel of real estate and coordinating property titles with beneficiary designations helps avoid ambiguity. For properties in different states or with complex ownership arrangements, tailored documents can streamline transitions and reduce the risk of protracted court involvement. Clear planning protects family interests and helps ensure real property passes according to the owner’s intentions.
Blended families often require careful estate planning to balance the needs of surviving spouses, children from prior relationships, and other loved ones. A will can specify how assets are divided to achieve those goals and avoid unintended exclusions. Using trusts in conjunction with wills can provide for a surviving spouse while preserving principal for children from a prior marriage. Clear drafting and regular review help address changing family circumstances and ensure that distributions reflect current intentions and family agreements, reducing the chance of conflict after death.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides practical assistance with wills and estate planning for residents of Diablo and nearby areas. We help clients assemble relevant documents, review asset ownership and beneficiary designations, and draft wills that reflect individual wishes and family needs. Our team guides clients through California formalities for execution and explains how a will fits into a broader estate plan with trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. We prioritize clear communication, timely responses, and documents designed to minimize confusion for surviving family members.
Clients value working with a firm that listens carefully to family priorities, reviews financial and personal circumstances, and drafts wills that address both immediate and future needs. We focus on preparing clear, legally compliant documents and explaining how each component of the estate plan functions under California law. Our process is client-centered and aims to make the planning experience straightforward, with attention to practical details like beneficiary coordination, guardianship nominations, and how the will interacts with other documents to produce the desired outcomes for heirs.
When drafting a will, we emphasize predictable language, contingencies for unforeseen events, and instructions that minimize the likelihood of court disputes. We assist with execution procedures to ensure the will meets witness and signature requirements and offer guidance on preserving and storing the original document. Additionally, we help clients develop complementary documents such as powers of attorney and advance health care directives to manage incapacity and future decision-making. This comprehensive support helps families feel prepared and confident about their end-of-life arrangements.
Our office also assists with periodic reviews and amendments to wills as life circumstances change, including major events like marriage, divorce, births, property purchases, or significant financial changes. We provide practical recommendations for updates, coordinate changes with beneficiary designations, and ensure that any modifications are properly executed to be effective. By staying engaged throughout the lifecycle of a plan, we help clients maintain documents that accurately reflect their wishes and adapt to evolving family situations and legal developments.
Our process begins with a thorough intake to gather information about assets, family relationships, and personal wishes, followed by document drafting tailored to those needs. We explain the legal requirements for execution under California law, review the completed draft with the client, and arrange for proper signing and witnessing to create an enforceable will. If coordination with trusts, beneficiary changes, or additional documents is needed, we assist with those steps to develop a cohesive plan. We also provide guidance on safekeeping the original will and how to update it when circumstances change.
The first step is an intake meeting to review family situation, assets, and goals for how property should pass at death, including any care preferences for minor children and desired charitable gifts. We collect information about bank accounts, retirement plans, real estate, life insurance, and business interests so that the will can reference and coordinate with these assets. During this meeting, we discuss potential probate implications and whether complementary documents such as trusts or powers of attorney would better serve the client’s needs for privacy and efficiency.
Reviewing existing estate documents and beneficiary designations helps identify conflicts and omissions that could undermine the will’s intent. We examine current wills, trusts, account beneficiaries, and titles to determine how assets will transfer and whether retitling or beneficiary updates are needed. This step prevents unintended results where account designations or joint ownership might supersede provisions in a will. Clients receive a clear summary of actionable items to align all documents and accounts with the goals established during the consultation.
After gathering information, we draft will provisions that reflect how the client wants assets distributed, name fiduciaries, and include any testamentary trusts or special instructions. Drafting aims for clarity and practical implementation, addressing contingencies and alternate beneficiaries to reduce ambiguity. We provide a draft for review and explain the meaning and consequences of key clauses so clients can make informed decisions. Revisions are incorporated until the client is satisfied with the language and structure of the document.
Ensuring a will is properly executed under California law is essential for its enforceability. We coordinate the signing ceremony with appropriate witnesses and notarization where applicable, explain the formalities required, and advise on safe storage of the original document. Proper execution reduces the risk that a will will be challenged or deemed invalid. Clients are instructed on how to keep the will accessible to the personal representative while preventing unauthorized alteration or loss of the original signed document.
California requires that a will be signed in the presence of at least two competent witnesses who observe the testator’s signature. We advise on selecting appropriate witnesses who do not have an interest in the estate to avoid potential conflicts. During the signing, witnesses confirm the testator’s understanding and willingness to sign. Properly executed witness statements and acknowledgments help ensure the will will be accepted by probate courts and reduce the risk of contests based on procedural defects.
Once executed, we recommend storing the original will in a secure but accessible location and providing copies to the personal representative or trusted family members as appropriate. Informing the named personal representative about the will’s location prevents delays in probate administration. Some clients elect to keep the original in a safe deposit box or with their attorney for safekeeping. We discuss the pros and cons of various storage options and coordinate how the personal representative will obtain the original when necessary for estate administration.
After the will is executed, periodic review is important to ensure it continues to reflect your wishes and to coordinate with changes in assets, family relationships, or applicable laws. We offer follow-up consultations to review life events that may warrant amendments or restatements of the will. If circumstances change, we can prepare codicils or a new will to address updated intentions. Regular maintenance of estate planning documents helps avoid unintended results and keeps the overall plan aligned with your goals for the future.
When minor changes are needed, a codicil can amend specific provisions of an existing will while leaving the remainder intact. For more substantial changes, preparing a new will is often the clearest approach. We explain the appropriate method for altering a will and handle the drafting and execution of codicils or new wills to avoid conflicts between multiple documents. Properly executed amendments prevent ambiguity and ensure the most recent document reflects current intentions under California law.
Periodic reviews are recommended whenever major life events occur, including marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant purchases, or changes in beneficiaries. During reviews, we verify that beneficiary designations, property titles, and other documents are consistent with the will and broader estate plan. These reviews help identify necessary updates, reduce the risk of conflicts, and ensure that the estate plan remains practical and effective. Staying proactive minimizes surprises for loved ones and supports a smoother administration process when the time comes.
A will is a document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after your death and allows you to name a personal representative to administer your estate through probate. A living trust is a separate legal entity created during your lifetime that can hold title to property and may provide for management of assets if you become incapacitated, as well as distribution at death without court-supervised probate. Living trusts can offer privacy and potentially faster asset transfer, while wills are public records once probated and are mainly used to appoint guardians and direct probate distributions. Choosing between a will and a living trust depends on your circumstances, such as the type and location of assets, privacy concerns, and whether you prefer to avoid probate. For some families, a combination of both documents is the most effective approach. We review a client’s assets and family dynamics to recommend the most appropriate structure, explaining how each document functions and how they should be coordinated to achieve the client’s goals while complying with California rules.
Even if you have a living trust, a will remains useful because it can serve as a safety net for assets not transferred into the trust and can nominate guardians for minor children. A pour-over will is frequently used alongside a living trust to direct any assets inadvertently left out of the trust into the trust through probate. This ensures those assets are eventually governed by the trust’s terms, even though the pour-over will itself must be probated for the transfer to occur. Maintaining both documents requires coordination to avoid conflicts between beneficiary designations and trust provisions. Regular reviews help ensure accounts are properly titled and beneficiary forms are up to date so that the trust functions as intended. We assist clients with the funding process and advise on how to keep the living trust and will aligned, minimizing the need for probate and preserving the plan’s effectiveness.
To name a guardian for minor children in a will, you designate a primary guardian and one or more alternates to care for the children’s personal needs if both parents are unable to do so. The will can also direct how financial resources should be managed for the children, often by establishing a testamentary trust with a named trustee to handle distributions. Discussing guardian choices with potential nominees ahead of time is advisable to confirm their willingness and suitability to serve in this sensitive role. Choosing a guardian involves considering factors such as living situation, values, parenting philosophy, and financial stability. The court reviews the nominated guardian in light of the child’s best interests, but a clearly stated nomination in a valid will carries considerable weight. We help clients draft guardian nominations and funding mechanisms to ensure a smooth transition and proper management of assets intended for the children’s benefit.
Yes, you can change your will after it is signed by executing a new will or by adding a codicil to modify specific provisions. Proper execution procedures must be followed for any amendment to be valid under California law. When preparing a new will, it is best practice to expressly revoke prior wills to avoid confusion or inconsistency between multiple documents. Codicils should be used sparingly and with clear drafting to prevent unintended conflicts. Significant life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or major changes in assets are common triggers for revising a will. We recommend periodic reviews and timely updates to reflect current intentions and legal developments. When updating a will, we handle the drafting and proper execution to ensure the revised document will be effective and enforceable in the future.
If you die without a will in California, your estate will be distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws, which allocate property to relatives based on a fixed hierarchy rather than your personal wishes. This can result in outcomes that differ from what you might have intended, and it can leave decisions such as guardianship of minor children up to the court. Intestacy can also prolong the process of asset distribution and create uncertainty for loved ones during an already difficult time. Creating a will allows you to specify beneficiaries, appoint a personal representative, and name guardians for minor children, ensuring that your preferences guide the administration of your estate. Even a simple will can prevent the application of intestacy rules and provide clearer, more predictable outcomes for your family. We help clients draft wills that reflect their priorities and reduce the risk of unintended consequences from dying intestate.
Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts generally transfer directly to the named beneficiaries and supersede instructions in a will for those specific assets. It is important to coordinate these designations with a will and any trusts to ensure that the overall estate plan achieves the intended distribution. Inconsistent beneficiary forms can lead to outcomes that differ from the plan reflected in the will, so periodic review and alignment are essential. We help clients review beneficiary designations alongside wills and trusts to avoid conflicts and unintended results. Updating beneficiary forms after major life events and ensuring titles and designations reflect current intentions prevents surprises during estate administration. Coordination also addresses tax and probate implications to optimize how assets pass to heirs under California law.
A will itself does not avoid probate; it directs how assets that pass through probate should be distributed and appoints a personal representative to manage the process. Probate is the court-supervised procedure for settling an estate, paying debts, and distributing assets according to the will. In California, smaller estates may qualify for simplified procedures, but many estates still undergo some probate steps. If avoiding probate is a priority, tools like living trusts and proper beneficiary designations can help transfer assets outside of probate proceedings. We advise clients on when probate may be necessary and how to structure documents to reduce its scope, duration, and expense. In some situations, a combined approach using wills, trusts, and beneficiary updates produces the most efficient and private result for transferring assets to heirs while complying with legal requirements.
It is wise to review your will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, significant changes in assets, or the death of a beneficiary or fiduciary named in the document. Even without major events, a periodic review every few years helps confirm that the document still reflects your intentions and that beneficiary designations and titles are aligned. Laws change over time as well, and an updated review helps ensure continued effectiveness under current legal standards. During reviews, we check for inconsistencies between the will and other documents, suggest appropriate amendments, and assist with executing any changes. Regular maintenance helps prevent disputes, keeps the plan practical, and ensures that the wills and related documents continue to serve the client’s goals in the long term.
Yes, you can leave property to a charity in your will by naming the charitable organization and specifying the gift, whether a percentage of the estate, a fixed sum, or specific property. Including clear identifying details for the charity reduces the risk of confusion and ensures the gift is directed correctly. Charitable bequests can also be combined with other planning tools to provide tax benefits or to fulfill philanthropic goals while supporting family needs. When planning charitable gifts, it is helpful to coordinate bequests with other estate components to ensure overall fairness among beneficiaries and to confirm that the charity remains eligible to receive the gift at the time of your death. We can help structure charitable bequests in a will or trust to align with your philanthropic objectives and to address any tax considerations under state and federal law.
A testamentary trust is a trust created within a will that becomes effective after death and is commonly used to manage assets for minor children, beneficiaries with disabilities, or others who may need ongoing oversight. Because it is established by the will, the trust is funded through probate and is subject to court supervision until assets are transferred. Testamentary trusts allow the testator to set terms for how and when funds are distributed, naming a trustee to manage the assets for the beneficiaries’ benefit. Consider a testamentary trust when you want to control distributions for young beneficiaries, provide protections for beneficiaries who may need assistance, or ensure funds are used for specific purposes such as education or health care. We help clients draft trust terms and coordinate the will and probate funding to ensure the testamentary trust functions as intended in accordance with California legal requirements.
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