A Revocable Living Trust is a flexible estate planning tool that helps you control how assets are managed during life and distributed at death. In Century City and across California, many people choose a trust to avoid probate, provide continuity for beneficiaries, and simplify asset transfers. This guide explains when a revocable trust may be appropriate, what documents typically accompany it, and how our law office supports clients in designing plans that reflect personal, family, and financial goals. The information below is aimed at helping you make informed choices about your estate plan.
This page outlines the core components of a Revocable Living Trust and related estate planning documents such as a Last Will and Testament, a Financial Power of Attorney, and an Advance Health Care Directive. We also cover ancillary items commonly used in California plans, like Pour-Over Wills, Certification of Trust, and General Assignment of Assets to Trust. Whether you are updating an existing plan or starting from scratch, this overview provides practical considerations, comparisons of limited versus comprehensive approaches, and steps our firm follows to help protect your assets and intentions for the future.
A Revocable Living Trust can offer several advantages compared to relying solely on a will. It can streamline the transfer of assets to beneficiaries, reduce the need for court involvement after death, and provide clearer instructions for managing property if you become incapacitated. For families with real estate, investment accounts, or blended family dynamics, a trust can help preserve privacy and minimize delays. The trust can be amended during the grantor’s lifetime, offering flexibility as circumstances change. Alongside powers of attorney and health directives, a trust creates a coordinated plan that addresses asset control, incapacity planning, and legacy goals.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman assists clients across California with comprehensive estate planning services, including Revocable Living Trusts, Wills, and related documents. Our office focuses on practical, client-centered planning that reflects each family’s needs and priorities. We guide clients through the decision process, identify assets that should be included in a trust, and prepare the legal instruments necessary to implement a durable plan. Communication, careful document drafting, and clear procedural steps are emphasized so clients understand their options and feel confident about the long-term management of their estate.
A Revocable Living Trust is a private legal arrangement in which the person creating the trust transfers ownership of assets into a trust and names a trustee to manage those assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. The grantor typically serves as the initial trustee, retaining the power to manage, change, or revoke the trust during life. Trusts are commonly paired with a pour-over will to catch any assets not transferred at the time of death. Understanding how titling, beneficiary designations, and community property rules interact in California is essential to an effective trust plan.
Creating a trust involves cataloging assets, updating ownership records, and preparing complementary documents such as a Certification of Trust and a General Assignment of Assets to Trust. It is important to review retirement accounts and life insurance beneficiary designations, as these often pass outside the trust and may require coordination. For those with minor children or individuals with special needs, trusts can include provisions that manage distributions over time. The trust should be reviewed periodically to account for changes in family, assets, or California law.
A Revocable Living Trust is a legal document that holds title to assets for the benefit of specified persons and can be altered or revoked by the grantor during life. It provides instructions for asset management while the grantor is alive and for how assets should be distributed upon death. Because the trust can be administered without court supervision, it often reduces delays associated with probate. The trust also includes successor trustee provisions so that someone can immediately manage trust assets if the grantor becomes unable to do so, ensuring continuity of financial affairs and protection of family needs.
Establishing a Revocable Living Trust involves several steps: identifying and titling assets to the trust, drafting trust provisions that reflect distribution and management preferences, naming successor trustees, and preparing supporting documents like a pour-over will and powers of attorney. A Certificate of Trust summarizes key information without disclosing detailed terms, which can ease dealings with banks and title companies. Properly funding the trust by transferring deeds, account registrations, and personal property is essential. The process also requires ongoing maintenance and periodic reviews to ensure beneficiaries, trustees, and asset lists remain current.
Knowing common terms can make estate planning less confusing. Below are concise definitions and explanations of terms you will encounter when creating a Revocable Living Trust and related documents in California. These entries explain how documents function together, who the main participants are, and what practical steps are involved in forming and funding a trust. Understanding the glossary helps you ask focused questions and make decisions that align with family goals, tax considerations, and long-term asset management preferences.
The grantor, sometimes called the settlor, is the person who creates the trust and transfers assets into it. The grantor defines the trust’s terms, names the initial trustee, and specifies beneficiaries. In a revocable trust, the grantor often retains the power to manage the trust, receive income from trust assets, and revoke or amend the trust. The role carries responsibility for setting clear instructions about how assets should be handled during incapacity and distributed at death. The grantor should keep an updated inventory of assets to ensure proper funding of the trust.
A successor trustee is the person or institution designated to manage and distribute trust assets when the initial trustee can no longer serve due to incapacity or death. Naming reliable successor trustees and back-up options is important to avoid delays and disputes. The successor trustee follows the trust terms, handles day-to-day management tasks, pays debts and taxes, and distributes assets to beneficiaries. Clear guidance in the trust document about trustee powers and duties helps reduce ambiguity and ensures smoother transitions during difficult times for family members.
A Pour-Over Will is a will designed to transfer any assets that were not moved into the trust during the grantor’s lifetime into the trust at death. It serves as a safety net to ensure that intended assets ultimately fall under the trust’s distribution plan, though the portion covered by the will may still be subject to probate. The pour-over will complements the trust by capturing items that were overlooked or acquired late in life, and it typically names guardians for minor children when appropriate, providing an added layer to a comprehensive estate plan.
A Financial Power of Attorney and an Advance Health Care Directive are documents that designate who will make financial and medical decisions if you are unable to do so. The financial power of attorney allows an appointed agent to manage banking, investments, and bills, while the health care directive names a decision-maker for medical care preferences and end-of-life choices. Together with a trust, these instruments create a coordinated incapacity plan that directs both asset management and personal care, ensuring your wishes guide decisions during periods of incapacity.
When considering estate planning, you can choose between limited or narrowly tailored services and a more comprehensive trust-based plan. Limited services may address a single need, such as drafting a basic will or a one-time deed transfer, and can be appropriate for simple estates with few assets. In contrast, a comprehensive plan involves preparing a revocable trust, coordinating beneficiary designations, preparing powers of attorney, and funding the trust. Evaluating family complexity, asset types, and long-term goals will help determine which approach aligns with your needs and how involved the planning process should be.
A limited approach can be appropriate when assets are minimal, beneficiaries are obvious, and there are no concerns about incapacity or complex tax considerations. For example, a modest estate with clear surviving spouse or children and few real estate holdings may be adequately managed through a will and basic powers of attorney. Clients in this situation may prefer a straightforward plan that covers immediate needs without the additional steps required to fund a trust. Even with a limited approach, thoughtful documentation helps ensure wishes are carried out with minimal administrative burden at the time of death.
Some individuals choose a limited plan because they need urgent documents quickly or because budget constraints make an initial, simpler arrangement more practical. A will, power of attorney, and health directive can be prepared relatively quickly and later integrated into a trust-based plan as circumstances change. This staged approach allows clients to obtain essential protections immediately while reserving the option to expand their plan in the future. Periodic review ensures the initial documents remain consistent with evolving goals and asset growth over time.
A comprehensive trust-based plan is often appropriate for families with multiple marriages, blended households, significant real estate holdings, or business interests. When beneficiaries include minors or individuals with disabilities, carefully drafted trust provisions can manage distributions over time and provide protections that a simple will cannot. Comprehensive planning can also address creditor concerns, reduce the administrative burdens on heirs, and preserve privacy by minimizing probate. For those seeking long-term continuity in asset management, a full trust plan provides more tailored mechanisms to achieve those outcomes.
When the priority is to avoid delays and public probate administration, a trust can provide immediate continuity of asset management and clearer distribution instructions. Probate proceedings can be time-consuming and publicly accessible, potentially creating stress for family members. A funded Revocable Living Trust allows a successor trustee to step in and manage assets without waiting for court appointment. For people with significant holdings across multiple accounts or properties in different locations, coordinated trust planning reduces friction and supports a smoother transition of financial responsibilities to named successors.
A comprehensive estate plan integrates a Revocable Living Trust with complementary documents to address asset management, incapacity planning, and distribution goals. This integrated approach helps ensure beneficiary designations, retirement accounts, and insurance proceeds work in harmony with the trust terms. It can reduce the likelihood of assets becoming subject to probate and provides a clear plan for trustees to follow. Additionally, proactive planning can simplify tax reporting, minimize administrative hurdles, and reduce family disputes by setting expectations and instructions in writing before a crisis occurs.
Comprehensive plans also support long-term flexibility, allowing the grantor to amend the trust as family circumstances or financial needs evolve. They often include provisions for incapacity, guardianship nominations for minor children, and tailored distribution schedules that respond to beneficiary needs. By coordinating legal documents, account registrations, and real property deeds, a unified plan reduces the chances that assets will be overlooked or pass through unintended channels. The result is a clearer roadmap that helps families preserve assets and honor the grantor’s intentions with greater predictability.
One benefit of a trust-based plan is the privacy it provides compared to probate, which is a public court process. Trust administration does not usually require public filings that disclose asset values and beneficiary information, helping keep family affairs confidential. The trust structure also streamlines transfers by enabling successors to manage and distribute assets according to the trust terms without Court supervision. For families that value discretion or want to avoid public scrutiny, this confidentiality combined with practical transfer benefits can be a significant consideration when selecting a planning approach.
A comprehensive plan clearly sets out who will act and how assets should be managed if the grantor becomes unable to make decisions. Successor trustee provisions, powers of attorney, and health care directives work together to avoid uncertainty during difficult times. This coordination reduces the administrative and emotional burden on family members by providing defined roles and procedures. Clear instructions also help prevent disagreements among relatives by documenting the grantor’s intentions in advance, which supports efficient administration and preserves family relationships during challenging transitions.
Begin the trust process by preparing an inventory of assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement plans, business interests, and personal property. Accurate records make it easier to determine which assets should be retitled or assigned to the trust and which should remain with existing beneficiary designations. Inventorying assets also highlights items that require immediate attention, such as deeds that must be transferred or accounts that need updated registrations. Taking this step early reduces the chance of assets being overlooked and ensures your trust reflects your full financial picture.
Choose successor trustees and agents for powers of attorney who are willing and able to take on fiduciary responsibilities and who understand your goals. It can be helpful to name alternate choices and to provide written guidance for decision-making priorities, distribution timing, and practical tasks. Consider geographic location, availability, and comfort with financial matters when making these selections. Having clear instructions and successors in place reduces uncertainty and helps ensure a smoother transition for asset management and caretaker decisions if the need arises.
A Revocable Living Trust may be appropriate if you want to avoid probate, maintain privacy, prepare for potential incapacity, or create structured distributions for beneficiaries over time. Individuals with real estate, investments, or family situations that could complicate an estate benefit from a coordinated plan that addresses titling, beneficiary designations, and management continuity. Trusts also provide a framework for protecting heirs from administrative delays and giving trustees clear authority to act for the benefit of named recipients. For many clients, a trust offers both practical and emotional peace of mind.
You might also consider a trust if you expect to acquire more assets, want to plan for minor children or beneficiaries with unique needs, or prefer to limit public court involvement in the transfer of wealth. A trust can be modified during the grantor’s lifetime to accommodate new circumstances, which makes it adaptable to changing family dynamics or asset growth. Discussing long-term goals and potential scenarios ensures a trust is drafted to meet present needs while providing the flexibility to adjust as life evolves and priorities change.
Situations that often point toward a trust-based plan include ownership of real estate in multiple counties, blended family arrangements, beneficiaries who may need staged distributions, business ownership, and the desire to reduce probate complexity. Families with privacy concerns or those who want the continuity of asset management without court oversight also commonly use trusts. Additionally, trust planning is frequently recommended when incapacity planning is a priority, because a trust can provide a seamless mechanism for managing finances if the grantor becomes unable to handle their own affairs.
If you own real estate in more than one jurisdiction or county, a trust can simplify administration by avoiding separate probate proceedings in each location. Properly funding the trust and transferring deeds can centralize management and reduce administrative burdens for successors. Addressing title transfers early prevents complications for family members who may otherwise need to handle probate in multiple courts. This consolidation can save time and expense while ensuring the grantor’s real property transfers follow the intended plan with less court involvement.
In blended family situations, a trust allows the grantor to precisely specify how assets are divided among current spouse and children from prior relationships. Trust provisions can protect the inheritance of children while also providing for a surviving spouse’s needs. Using a trust, distributions can be staged or conditional to ensure that family members receive support while preserving intended long-term benefits. Clear drafting and compatible beneficiary designations reduce the risk of disputes and help make transitions smoother for all family members.
For families with minor children or individuals who require ongoing care, a trust can manage distributions over time and provide safeguards for long-term needs. Trust language can appoint fiduciaries to make financial decisions and set parameters for how funds are used for education, health, and living expenses. Careful drafting helps avoid inadvertently disqualifying beneficiaries from public benefits when that is a concern. A trust structure tailored to beneficiary needs provides trustees with authority to act in a prudent and compassionate manner on behalf of those who depend on the grantor’s planning.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman represents clients in Century City, Los Angeles County, and throughout California on Revocable Living Trusts, wills, and incapacity planning. We assist with document preparation, asset transfers, trustee selection, and petitions such as trust modification or Heggstad petitions when appropriate. Our goal is to translate personal goals into clear legal documents and to guide clients through the administrative steps needed to fund a trust and coordinate related instruments. We provide responsive service and practical advice tailored to individual circumstances.
Clients choose our firm for thoughtful, locally grounded estate planning that addresses the particular legal and administrative requirements of California. We provide guidance on trust formation, review deeds and account registrations, and prepare the complementary documents that make a comprehensive plan function effectively. Communication and clarity are priorities, so clients understand the implications of each decision and how documents work together. Our approach emphasizes practical solutions that reflect family goals and provide reliable pathways for managing assets during incapacity and after death.
We assist with the full lifecycle of a trust: initial planning, document drafting, funding guidance, and subsequent amendments or petitions such as trust modifications when circumstances change. For clients with complex holdings or evolving family dynamics, our services include careful coordination of beneficiary designations, retirement account planning, and property retitling. This integrated approach helps reduce administrative friction and align asset transfers with the grantor’s intentions while keeping the process as straightforward and transparent as possible for family members.
Our office also supports trustee transitions, preparation of Certification of Trust documents for financial institutions, and guidance for successor trustees who may need to manage accounts and property. We help prepare clear instructions, provide resources for handling routine trust administration tasks, and advise on options such as irrevocable life insurance trusts or special needs trusts when those tools fit a client’s goals. The emphasis is on durable planning that adapts to life changes while protecting the grantor’s wishes and promoting efficient administration for heirs.
Our process begins with a focused consultation to understand family makeup, asset types, and long-term goals. We review asset titles, beneficiary designations, and any existing estate planning documents, then recommend an appropriate structure whether that involves a revocable trust, pour-over will, or targeted trust provisions. Once terms are finalized, we prepare the trust documents, supporting powers of attorney and health directives, and provide step-by-step guidance for funding the trust. Post-signing, we remain available for questions and future updates to keep the plan current with life changes.
The initial stage involves gathering information about assets, family relationships, beneficiary goals, and any existing documents. During this consultation we clarify priorities for incapacity planning, beneficiary distributions, and protection of certain assets. We identify items that require attention for trust funding, such as real property deeds, bank accounts, and investment accounts. A thorough review ensures that the recommended plan addresses current assets and anticipated changes, and it provides a foundation for drafting documents that reflect the client’s wishes with accuracy.
Collecting complete and organized asset information helps create a trust that functions as intended. We ask clients to provide deeds, account statements, beneficiary designations, and documents related to business interests or retirement plans. Information about family relationships, dependents, and prior marriages informs distribution decisions and guardian nominations for minor children. This step can reveal issues like accounts still titled in an individual’s name that should be transferred to the trust, and it allows us to prepare a targeted plan for funding and document drafting.
We discuss timing preferences for implementing the plan, whether immediate funding is feasible, and how flexible the trust should be to accommodate future changes. Topics include choices about successor trustees, staged distributions for beneficiaries, and whether additional vehicles like special needs trusts or irrevocable arrangements are appropriate. These conversations help tailor the trust to your goals while identifying potential pitfalls. Clear decisions at this stage reduce later conflicts and ensure the documents reflect the grantor’s intentions in a practical, implementable way.
After collecting all necessary information, we draft the trust and supporting documents tailored to your instructions. Drafting includes trust language that addresses management during incapacity, distribution terms, successor trustee powers, and any special provisions for beneficiaries. We also prepare a pour-over will, powers of attorney, health care directive, and Certification of Trust as needed. Clients review drafts, suggest revisions, and receive explanations of key clauses before execution. This collaborative review ensures the documents accurately reflect the client’s objectives and legal needs.
Supporting instruments such as pour-over wills, financial agents, and health care directives are prepared in tandem with the trust so the entire plan functions cohesively. We also prepare deeds and assignments necessary to transfer real property and other assets into the trust. Ensuring correct deed language and proper recording is essential to successful funding. We provide clients with detailed instructions about which accounts must be retitled, what forms banks may require, and how to handle assets that cannot be transferred but must be coordinated through beneficiary designations.
Clients are given time to review draft documents and ask questions about the intended operation of the trust. We explain trustee powers, distribution triggers, and any tax or administrative considerations relevant to the plan. Revisions are made as requested until the client approves the final version. Execution is coordinated to meet California formalities and witness requirements. After signing, we provide copies and a checklist for funding and follow-up steps, and we remain available for assistance as assets are transferred and the plan is implemented.
Funding the trust and maintaining documents after execution are ongoing responsibilities. We provide guidance for transferring deeds, changing account registrations, and coordinating beneficiary designations so the trust receives the intended assets. Periodic reviews are recommended when significant life events or changes in assets occur, including marriages, divorces, births, or changes in financial circumstances. If revisions become necessary, we help prepare trust modifications or petitions such as a Trust Modification Petition to adapt the document to new needs while preserving the original plan’s integrity.
Proper funding requires retitling real property deeds, updating bank and investment account registrations, and executing assignment forms for personal property. We provide detailed instructions and sample forms where possible to make the process manageable. Some assets, like retirement accounts, may be better left with beneficiary designations rather than transferring to the trust, requiring coordination between account holders and trustees. Clear, documented steps during funding help ensure the trust operates as designed when access to assets or distribution is needed.
After a trust is in place, periodic reviews help ensure it continues to reflect current goals and asset structures. Life events, tax law changes, and shifts in family dynamics can necessitate updates. We assist in drafting amendments or preparing petitions where court approval is required for material changes. Maintaining an up-to-date plan helps minimize surprises and reduces the likelihood of disputes. Regular communication and record keeping make it easier for successors to administer the trust when their responsibilities begin.
A Revocable Living Trust and a will both serve to distribute assets according to your wishes, but they operate differently. A will is a public document that typically must go through probate court to transfer assets to beneficiaries, whereas a properly funded revocable trust can allow assets to transfer without court-supervised probate. The trust often provides continuity for asset management during incapacity because a named successor trustee can act immediately. For many families, the trust complements a will by avoiding probate for trust-owned assets, while the will can address any assets not placed in the trust. Deciding which tool is appropriate depends on asset types, family dynamics, and goals for privacy and continuity. A will is still commonly used even when there is a trust, usually as a pour-over will to capture assets not moved into the trust during life. The choice between relying mainly on a will or implementing a trust-based plan should reflect your desired level of administrative simplicity, privacy, and the need for posthumous control over distributions.
A Revocable Living Trust generally does not provide tax immunity by itself because, for most purposes, the grantor is treated as the owner of trust assets during life. Income tax reporting typically remains unchanged while the trust is revocable. At death, the trust assets are included in the grantor’s estate for estate tax purposes if applicable, and tax consequences depend on overall estate size and current federal and state law. For clients with significant taxable estates, additional estate planning tools may be needed to address tax exposure. If tax planning is a priority, complementary strategies such as irrevocable trusts, insurance planning, or other arrangements may be considered. Each of these options has different legal and administrative implications, and selecting an appropriate combination requires careful analysis of financial circumstances and goals. Regular review is advisable because tax laws and exemptions can change over time.
Funding a trust involves transferring ownership of assets into the trust’s name. For real property, this commonly means executing and recording a new deed transferring title from the grantor to the trust. For bank and investment accounts, institutions typically require an account re-registration or a transfer form to reflect the trust as the owner. Personal property can be assigned through a General Assignment of Assets to Trust, and some institutions accept a Certification of Trust in lieu of full trust documents for routine transactions. Some assets, such as retirement accounts and certain annuities, may remain outside the trust and instead be managed through beneficiary designations that are coordinated with the trust. Funding can be done gradually, and we provide detailed steps and checklists to make the process manageable. Proper funding is essential because assets not transferred to the trust may still be subject to probate despite the existence of the trust.
Yes, a Revocable Living Trust can generally be changed or revoked by the grantor at any time while they have capacity. Amendments can adjust distribution terms, change trustees, or modify other provisions to reflect new family circumstances or goals. California recognizes the grantor’s broad powers to alter a revocable trust, which makes it a flexible planning tool. It is important to update the document formally so that the trust’s terms are clearly reflected and enforceable. When substantial changes are needed, drafting a trust amendment or restatement may be appropriate. Restatements replace the original trust document with a consolidated version reflecting all changes, which can reduce confusion. For certain material alterations or to address issues involving third parties or creditors, additional filings or legal steps may be recommended. Periodic review ensures that amendments accurately reflect your current intentions.
Choosing a successor trustee should be based on trustworthiness, availability, and the ability to manage financial and administrative tasks. Many people choose a trusted family member or friend who understands the grantor’s values and wishes. Alternatively, a corporate trustee or bank may provide professional continuity and administrative support, which can be helpful for complex estates or when impartial administration is preferred. Naming alternate successors provides backup in case the primary choice is unwilling or unable to serve. When selecting a successor, consider geographic proximity, willingness to serve, and familiarity with financial matters. Communicating your expectations to the person you name can help prevent surprises and ease the transition. It is also helpful to provide written guidelines and access to relevant documents so a successor trustee can act effectively when responsibilities begin.
Yes, even with a trust, a will remains an important document because it can serve as a catch-all for assets not transferred into the trust and it can name guardians for minor children. A pour-over will is commonly used in conjunction with a revocable trust to ensure any assets inadvertently left outside the trust are transferred into it at death, although such assets may still pass through probate. Retaining a will provides an extra layer of protection for items that were overlooked during the funding process. A coordinated approach ensures that both the trust and the will reflect consistent intentions. Reviewing both documents together during estate planning prevents conflicts between beneficiary designations and trust provisions, and it helps maintain a clear overall plan for asset distribution, guardianship decisions, and other end-of-life concerns.
If someone becomes incapacitated without a financial power of attorney, family members may need to seek court appointment of a conservator to manage finances, which can be time-consuming and public. A conservatorship involves court supervision and may limit the decision-making flexibility that a designated agent would have under a power of attorney. Preparing powers of attorney and a revocable trust before incapacity allows named agents and successor trustees to act promptly on the grantor’s behalf, avoiding court involvement and facilitating ongoing financial care and medical decision coordination. Planning ahead with both a Financial Power of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directive reduces the risk that court procedures will be necessary. These documents provide clear authority to trusted individuals to act according to the grantor’s wishes. Without them, family members may face delays and added expense as they seek legal authority to make urgent decisions on behalf of an incapacitated loved one.
It is recommended to review your trust documents periodically and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant changes in assets, or relocation. Reviews help confirm that trustees, beneficiaries, and asset listings remain accurate and that the plan continues to reflect your intentions. Laws and administrative practices can evolve, so periodic review allows for updates that maintain the plan’s effectiveness and clarity for successors who will be called upon to administer the trust. A formal review every few years or whenever significant life changes occur is a prudent practice. During reviews, beneficiary designations, account registrations, and property titles should be checked to ensure funding remains complete. If adjustments are needed, we can assist with amendments, restatements, or petitions to keep your plan aligned with current goals and legal requirements.
A trust can be drafted to help protect a beneficiary’s eligibility for public benefits when necessary, but the approach depends on the beneficiary’s situation and the types of benefits involved. Certain trust structures, such as a properly drafted supplemental needs trust or special needs trust, can provide for a beneficiary’s supplemental care without disqualifying them from means-tested programs. Careful language and funding strategies are required to avoid unintended consequences that could jeopardize eligibility. When beneficiary benefits are a concern, coordination with benefit rules and consideration of alternative planning vehicles is important. Tailored trust provisions can direct how funds are used for housing, medical supplements, or quality-of-life improvements while preserving access to government programs. It is advisable to review the beneficiary’s benefit rules before funding and to consider ongoing management strategies that protect both immediate needs and long-term support.
A Certification of Trust is a shortened document that provides key facts about a trust—such as the trustee’s authority and the trust date—without revealing the full trust terms. Financial institutions and title companies often accept a Certification of Trust when processing transactions because it confirms who can act for the trust while preserving confidentiality of detailed provisions. This makes it a practical tool for trustees who need to manage accounts or complete property transfers without disclosing sensitive distribution instructions. Having a Certification of Trust can simplify interactions with third parties while maintaining privacy for beneficiaries and specific trust provisions. It is typically prepared at the time of trust execution and kept with trust records so trustees can readily present it when handling routine administrative matters. A Certification facilitates efficient trust administration and reduces the need to share the complete trust document in many situations.
Criminal Defense
Homicide Defense
Manslaughter
Assault and Battery
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Battery Causing Great Bodily Injury
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Arson Defense
Weapons Charges
Illegal Firearm Possessions
Civil Harassment
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
School Violence Restraining Orders
Violent Crimes Defense
Estate Planning Practice Areas