A revocable living trust helps Palmdale families manage assets during life and plan for a smooth transition at death while avoiding the delays and public nature of probate. Our firm explains how a revocable trust can hold real estate, financial accounts, retirement benefits, and personal property, and how it can be amended or revoked while you remain capable. This introduction outlines the basic benefits, common uses, and considerations for selecting a revocable living trust as part of a broader estate plan tailored to California law and the needs of residents in Los Angeles County.
This guide clarifies the differences between a revocable living trust and other estate planning tools like wills, powers of attorney, and health directives. It addresses common questions about control during life, successor trustees, incapacity planning, and the handling of assets after death. The information is intended to help Palmdale residents understand practical steps, typical timelines, and the documents commonly included in a comprehensive estate plan so they can make informed decisions about protecting their assets and providing for family, loved ones, and beneficiaries.
A revocable living trust provides privacy, continuity, and flexibility that can be especially valuable for homeowners and those with blended families or complex asset holdings. It allows you to manage and control assets during your lifetime and design clear instructions for distribution after death without the public process of probate. The trust can include provisions for incapacity, immediate successor management, and specific distribution terms. For Palmdale residents concerned about timely access to funds, protecting minor beneficiaries, or preserving family property, a living trust is a practical tool that helps streamline estate administration and reduce delays for loved ones.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman assists California clients with estate planning services focused on practical, compliant solutions for trust and will preparation. Our attorneys guide clients through document drafting, trust funding, and coordinating powers of attorney and health care directives to match each client’s priorities. We serve clients across Los Angeles County, including Palmdale, offering personalized attention to ensure plans reflect family structure, asset types, and long-term intentions. The firm prioritizes clear communication, careful document preparation, and responsive support to help clients complete plans that align with California law and individual goals.
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement in which a grantor transfers assets into a trust during life, retaining the ability to amend or revoke the trust while competent. The trust names a successor trustee to manage trust assets upon the grantor’s incapacity or death. Funding the trust by retitling property and accounts is a critical step to ensure the trust accomplishes its intended goals. Trusts are commonly paired with a pour-over will to capture any assets not transferred before death. Understanding these mechanics helps Palmdale residents make informed choices about beneficiary designations, trustee selection, and ongoing management.
In California, a revocable living trust does not eliminate estate tax considerations but can simplify administration and avoid probate for assets properly placed into the trust. The grantor typically acts as initial trustee, maintaining day-to-day control, and names successors to step in later. Provisions can address incapacity, distributions to children or other beneficiaries, charitable gifts, and care for beneficiaries with special needs. It is important to ensure retirement accounts and life insurance beneficiary designations coordinate with the trust plan so assets transfer as intended and to consider how community property and separate property rules affect the trust.
A revocable living trust is a revocable legal instrument created to hold title to assets for the benefit of named beneficiaries and to provide instructions for management and distribution. Unlike an irrevocable trust, it can be changed or revoked by the grantor during life. The trust typically names the grantor as trustee initially, and identifies successor trustees who take over in case of incapacity or at death. A properly funded trust can bypass probate for the assets it contains, offering privacy and potentially faster distribution. Many people pair the trust with a pour-over will and powers of attorney to provide a complete framework for incapacity planning and estate transfer.
Core elements of a revocable living trust include the trust document itself, the funding process, beneficiary designations, and named successor trustees. Process steps include discussing goals, drafting the trust terms, executing the documents, and retitling property and accounts into the trust’s name. Additional tasks include preparing a pour-over will, financial and health care powers of attorney, and a certification of trust that will be used to interact with financial institutions. Ongoing reviews are recommended to update the trust after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, or changes in asset ownership.
This glossary defines common terms used with revocable living trusts to help Palmdale clients understand documents and conversations. Definitions cover grantor, trustee, successor trustee, beneficiary, funding, pour-over will, certification of trust, and incapacity planning. Familiarity with these terms allows clients to make informed choices about trustee powers, distribution conditions, and the relationship between the trust and other estate planning documents. Clear definitions also reduce confusion when coordinating trusts with retirement accounts, life insurance, and property ownership issues governed by California law.
The grantor is the individual who creates and funds the revocable living trust, transferring assets into the trust while retaining the right to modify or revoke the trust during life. In many cases the grantor initially serves as trustee, maintaining control over trust assets and income. The grantor’s instructions within the trust document govern management, distributions, and successor designation. Understanding the grantor’s role clarifies who makes decisions during life, how incapacity transitions are handled, and who retains the authority to change trust provisions as circumstances evolve.
The successor trustee is the person or entity named to take over management of the trust when the grantor becomes incapacitated or dies. This role carries responsibilities such as managing and safeguarding trust assets, paying debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries according to the trust’s terms. Selecting an appropriate successor trustee involves considering availability, trustworthiness, financial acumen, and the ability to communicate with beneficiaries. A corporate trustee or co-trustee arrangement can also be used to provide continuity and professional administration if desired.
Funding a trust means transferring title or beneficiary designations so that assets are owned by or payable to the trust. Common funding steps include retitling real estate into the trust’s name, changing bank and investment account registrations, and naming the trust as beneficiary of certain accounts where appropriate. Proper funding is essential because a trust that is not funded will not control assets at death, and those assets may still have to go through probate. A pour-over will can serve as a backstop, but active funding reduces administrative burdens for survivors.
A pour-over will is a document that operates alongside a revocable living trust to direct any assets not transferred into the trust during life to be moved into the trust at death. While it provides a safety net, assets passing through a pour-over will typically still require probate, making initial funding of the trust preferable. The pour-over will ensures that overlooked or newly acquired assets become part of the trust plan and receive the distribution terms specified in the trust document, preserving the grantor’s intended estate plan.
Choosing between a revocable living trust and other estate planning tools depends on goals such as avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, managing incapacity, and simplifying distribution. A will provides testamentary directions but does not avoid probate. Powers of attorney and health care directives address incapacity but do not transfer property. A revocable living trust combines control during life with streamlined post-death distribution for funded assets. Cost, complexity, and the need to retitle assets are considerations, and some individuals benefit from a combination of documents to create a comprehensive plan that suits their circumstances in Palmdale and California.
For individuals whose estate consists primarily of a primary residence and modest bank accounts without complex ownership arrangements, a straightforward will paired with powers of attorney may be sufficient. This approach can be more cost-effective for people with few assets, clear beneficiary relationships, and no need for elaborate distribution terms or incapacity planning beyond basic powers. In such cases, the administrative simplicity may outweigh the probate avoidance benefits of a trust, though local probate timelines and costs should be considered when deciding whether a limited plan meets family needs.
If retirement accounts, life insurance, and investment accounts already have current beneficiary designations that pass directly to intended recipients and there is no real property or complex ownership, a limited approach may suffice. Keeping beneficiary designations updated ensures assets transfer outside probate, and a will can address any remaining property. However, property held jointly or accounts owned in ways that complicate transfer may still benefit from trust planning. Regular review is important to ensure designations reflect current priorities and to avoid unintended outcomes.
A comprehensive revocable living trust plan is useful for those who wish to avoid probate’s public process and delays, maintain family privacy, and provide a clear roadmap for asset distribution. Funding a trust and coordinating beneficiary designations can reduce court involvement, potentially accelerate the transfer of assets to beneficiaries, and preserve confidentiality. For clients with significant assets, multiple properties, or heirs in different locations, a trust-centered plan offers practical benefits in streamlining administration and minimizing public visibility of estate details.
When there is concern about future incapacity, a revocable living trust allows seamless management by a successor trustee without the need for a court-appointed conservatorship. Trusts also permit tailored distribution schedules, protection for beneficiaries who may not be ready for a large inheritance, and provisions for special needs or spendthrift protections. These capabilities make a comprehensive approach preferable for families seeking continuity of asset management, flexible distribution mechanisms, and planning that addresses the realities of long-term care and support.
A comprehensive trust-based estate plan streamlines administration, provides tools for incapacity management, and can reduce stress for surviving family members. Properly funded trusts can reduce the time and paperwork necessary to transfer assets, limit court involvement, and preserve confidentiality. Such plans also coordinate health care directives and financial powers of attorney with the trust’s management provisions to ensure decisions are made consistently with the grantor’s wishes. Overall, comprehensive planning offers continuity, clarity, and practical mechanisms to address family needs throughout life and after death.
Comprehensive planning also helps families anticipate contingencies, such as changes in family structure, new property acquisitions, or the need to protect beneficiaries from creditor claims. By combining a revocable living trust with a pour-over will, HIPAA authorization, and guardianship nominations where appropriate, the plan provides a single framework for both daily management and eventual distribution. Regular updates keep the plan aligned with life changes and California law, ensuring that documents remain effective and reflect the client’s current intentions and priorities.
One of the primary advantages of a revocable living trust is privacy, because assets held in the trust generally transfer without the public court process of probate. This reduces the visibility of heirs and asset values while often shortening the time before beneficiaries receive property. For families who value confidentiality or who wish to reduce administrative burdens on survivors, the trust provides a controlled and private method for distribution. Proper funding is essential to realize these benefits, and coordination with other estate documents ensures a comprehensive outcome.
A revocable living trust provides a mechanism for continuity of financial management if the grantor becomes incapacitated, allowing a successor trustee to step in without court appointment. This avoids the delay and expense of conservatorship proceedings and helps ensure bills are paid, investments are managed, and property is protected. The trust can include instructions on how funds are to be used for care or support, which reduces uncertainty for family members and aids in preserving assets for beneficiaries while honoring the grantor’s intentions.
Begin trust planning by compiling a clear inventory of assets, including real estate, bank and investment accounts, retirement plans, life insurance policies, and personal property. Note current ownership structures and beneficiary designations so you can see what must be retitled or updated. This step clarifies the scope of work needed to fund the trust and reduces the likelihood that assets will be overlooked. A comprehensive list also helps in discussions about goals for distributions, possible tax implications, and the selection of successor trustees who will manage specific asset types.
Estate planning documents should be reviewed after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, major changes in assets, or relocation. Regular reviews help ensure trustee and beneficiary selections remain appropriate and that the trust reflects current intentions. Changes in California law or tax rules can also affect planning choices. Periodic updates preserve the integrity of the plan and help reduce uncertainty and disputes among family members when trust administration becomes necessary, providing peace of mind that affairs are in order.
Residents in Palmdale often choose a revocable living trust to avoid probate delays, maintain privacy, and provide a clear plan for managing assets in the event of incapacity. Trusts can be structured to meet family priorities such as protecting a family home, providing for minor children through structured distributions, or setting terms for beneficiaries with special needs. They also help ensure continuity in financial management and simplify the transfer of property located in California. For many families, these benefits outweigh the initial effort of funding the trust.
Other common reasons to adopt a trust-focused plan include the desire to reduce stress on loved ones, coordinate multi-jurisdictional assets, and plan for long-term care funding or asset protection strategies. Trusts can be designed to accommodate changing circumstances and provide specific instructions for the use of trust funds. When combined with powers of attorney and health care directives, the trust becomes part of a robust plan that addresses both daily decision-making and the orderly transfer of assets according to the grantor’s wishes.
Circumstances that commonly prompt trust planning include owning real estate, having children from prior relationships, anticipating incapacity, and owning assets expected to appreciate significantly. People with minor children often use trusts to provide staged distributions, while families with members who have special needs use trust provisions to preserve benefit eligibility. Business owners and those with assets across state lines also benefit from trust structures that reduce probate complexity. Identifying these circumstances helps tailor a plan that aligns with personal and family priorities.
Owners of residential or investment property often prefer a revocable living trust because transferring real estate into the trust simplifies management and transfer at death. Holding title in the trust can avoid probate proceedings that would otherwise be required to pass property to heirs, saving time and reducing public court filings. For Palmdale homeowners, ensuring that deeds and mortgage arrangements are compatible with trust ownership is an important part of the funding process and helps avoid unintended complications when the successor trustee steps in.
Blended families benefit from trust planning that specifies how assets will be allocated between current spouses, children from prior relationships, and other intended beneficiaries. A revocable living trust can provide tailored distribution schedules and conditions to reduce conflict and ensure that particular property remains with designated family members. Clear provisions for successor trustees and distribution instructions help minimize disputes and provide a durable plan that reflects the grantor’s priorities for family fairness and long-term care arrangements.
When there is concern about future incapacity or the need for long-term care funding, a revocable living trust provides a mechanism for continued management of assets without court supervision. Successor trustees can pay bills, manage investments, and use trust funds for care consistent with the trust terms. Including powers of attorney and health care directives alongside the trust creates a seamless set of documents to address both financial and medical decision-making, offering clearer guidance and reduced administrative delay when circumstances change.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides personalized revocable living trust services to Palmdale residents, assisting with trust drafting, funding guidance, and coordination of supporting documents such as pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and HIPAA authorizations. Our team helps clients inventory assets, retitle property, and update beneficiary designations so the trust functions as intended. We emphasize practical planning to meet family goals, protect privacy, and provide continuity of management if incapacity or death occurs, ensuring clients have a complete and workable estate plan.
Clients choose our firm for clear guidance on California trust law and practical assistance with drafting and funding revocable living trusts. We focus on aligning documents with client goals, making sure trust terms address distribution timing, incapacity management, and coordination with beneficiary designations. Our approach emphasizes transparent communication, careful document preparation, and attention to details like deed transfers and account retitling so that trusts function effectively and reduce administrative burdens for successors and beneficiaries.
We assist with a full suite of estate planning documents that complement a revocable living trust, including pour-over wills, financial powers of attorney, advance health care directives, HIPAA authorizations, and guardianship nominations. This integrated approach helps ensure that financial and medical decision-making is coordinated and that assets transfer according to the plan. We also help clients understand practical considerations such as funding timelines and how different types of property should be handled to accomplish the intended results.
Our firm works with families to address common concerns such as protecting the family home, providing for minor children, and maintaining privacy during estate administration. We provide guidance on successor trustee roles, beneficiary designations, and provisions for contingencies. By proactively addressing these issues, clients gain a durable plan that reduces uncertainty and is easier for loved ones to administer during difficult times. We are available to answer questions and assist with updates as circumstances change.
Our process begins with an initial consultation to understand goals, family dynamics, and asset types. We then draft a trust tailored to those priorities, prepare supporting documents, and provide clear instructions for funding the trust. We review deeds and account registrations, assist with beneficiary updates, and deliver final documents with explanations to ensure clients understand how to use and amend the trust. Follow-up reviews are recommended to keep the plan aligned with life changes and legal developments in California.
During the first stage we gather information about assets, family structure, and planning objectives. This includes reviewing real estate ownership, bank and investment accounts, retirement plans, life insurance policies, and business interests. Understanding existing documents and beneficiary designations is important to form a complete plan. We use this information to recommend trust provisions, identify necessary retitling tasks, and determine whether additional documents such as guardianship nominations or special needs trusts are needed to achieve the client’s goals.
We discuss short-term and long-term objectives, including distribution timing, care for dependents, and any concerns about privacy or probate. This conversation clarifies whether a revocable living trust is the best vehicle and informs the drafting of specific trust provisions such as successor trustee powers, distribution conditions, and asset allocation plans. Accurate information about family relationships and beneficiary needs helps create a trust that reflects the client’s intentions and avoids common pitfalls that can lead to disputes or unintended outcomes.
We review existing wills, beneficiary designations, deeds, and account registrations to identify what must be retitled or updated. This review ensures the trust will operate as intended and highlights any assets that require additional steps to fund. Identifying mismatched beneficiary designations or jointly held property early allows us to plan appropriate corrections. A coordinated approach reduces administrative complications and helps ensure that the trust’s instructions govern asset distribution consistent with the client’s goals.
After gathering information, we prepare the trust document and ancillary instruments, including pour-over wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and certifications of trust when needed. We explain each document and review options for trustee selection and distribution terms with the client. Execution occurs under appropriate formalities for California to ensure enforceability. Clear instructions are provided for initial funding steps and for maintaining the trust over time so the plan functions as intended and avoids unnecessary court involvement at incapacity or death.
We draft a trust tailored to the client’s objectives, drafting clear distribution instructions, naming successor trustees, and specifying powers needed for asset management. Supporting documents such as pour-over wills and powers of attorney are prepared to create a complete plan that addresses both financial and medical decision-making. Each document is reviewed in detail so the client understands its purpose and how it interacts with the trust, reducing confusion and easing administration for successors when the time comes.
Execution of trust documents follows California formalities to ensure validity and acceptance by financial institutions. We oversee signing and notarization where required, and provide a certification of trust that facilitates interactions with banks and title companies. Proper execution reduces the risk of disputes and ensures successor trustees can carry out their duties efficiently. We also provide guidance on storing originals and sharing necessary information with trusted family members to prepare for an orderly transition if incapacity or death occurs.
The final step focuses on funding the trust by retitling assets and updating beneficiary designations where appropriate. We assist with deed transfers for real estate, account retitling instructions for financial institutions, and documentation for insurance and retirement accounts. A final review confirms that the trust, pour-over will, powers of attorney, and health directives are consistent and that all practical steps to implement the plan have been completed. Ongoing review recommendations are provided to maintain the plan’s effectiveness over time.
Retitling real estate and financial accounts into the trust avoids gaps that could subject assets to probate. We prepare deed forms and provide guidance for account transfers, working with institutions as needed to complete changes. Careful documentation of funding steps and follow-up ensures that assets are properly accounted for. This step is essential to realize the trust’s probate-avoidance benefits and to enable successor trustees to manage assets without court involvement when that time comes.
After funding, we perform a final review to confirm consistency across documents and completeness of transfer steps. We provide written instructions for successor trustees and recommend periodic plan reviews to address life changes or legal updates. This ongoing attention preserves the plan’s effectiveness and helps clients maintain control over important decisions. We remain available to assist with future amendments, trust modifications, or updates to beneficiary designations as circumstances evolve.
A revocable living trust is a private instrument that holds title to assets during the grantor’s lifetime and provides instructions for distribution after death, often avoiding probate for assets properly funded to the trust. A will is a public document that directs how assets pass at death but generally must go through probate before distributions occur. The trust can include provisions for incapacity and successor management, which a will does not address. Combining a pour-over will with a living trust helps capture any assets not transferred during life, but such assets may still require probate to move into the trust after death. Choosing between a trust and a will depends on goals like privacy, probate avoidance, and continuity of management. For those with real estate, multiple accounts, or complex family situations, a trust often provides practical advantages. For smaller estates with straightforward transfers, a will and updated beneficiary designations might suffice. Reviewing the family’s assets and objectives helps determine the most efficient and effective approach under California law and local considerations for Palmdale residents.
Yes, to avoid probate for a home, it is generally necessary to transfer title of the property into the name of the revocable living trust. This typically involves preparing a deed that transfers ownership from the individual to the trust and recording it with the county where the property is located. Failure to retitle real estate leaves the property outside the trust and may require probate to transfer ownership at death, negating one of the trust’s primary benefits. It is important to coordinate this step with mortgage obligations and to confirm there are no lender restrictions that require consent. Careful handling of deed transfers is important to avoid unintended tax or legal consequences, and the process should ensure the trust’s terms match the owner’s intentions. After the transfer is recorded, successor trustees can manage the property under the trust’s terms if incapacity arises or upon the owner’s death, simplifying administration for heirs and preserving privacy compared with probate proceedings.
If the grantor becomes incapacitated, the successor trustee named in the revocable living trust steps in to manage trust assets according to the trust’s instructions, without needing court intervention. The successor trustee can pay bills, manage investments, and make decisions necessary to preserve the estate and provide for the grantor’s care, in accordance with any limitations or guidelines set by the trust document. This arrangement reduces delays and administrative expense compared with court-supervised conservatorship and allows trusted individuals to act promptly on behalf of the incapacitated person. The process typically requires documentation demonstrating incapacity, such as a physician’s declaration, and a certification of trust may be used to show financial institutions that the successor trustee has the authority to manage accounts. Clear written trustee instructions and communication with financial institutions streamline access to funds for care and ongoing expenses and help align actions with the grantor’s predetermined wishes.
A revocable living trust can generally be changed or revoked by the grantor at any time while the grantor retains legal capacity, allowing adjustments to beneficiaries, trustee appointments, or distribution provisions. Formal amendment or restatement procedures should be followed to ensure that changes are effective and documented. It is common to modify trusts after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, or significant changes in assets. Documenting each change clearly helps prevent confusion and disputes later on by providing a consistent record of the grantor’s current intentions. When considering changes, it is important to review how amendments affect funding and related documents such as beneficiary designations and powers of attorney. Some changes may require coordination with third parties or retitling of assets to reflect new instructions. Regular reviews and careful drafting reduce the likelihood of unintended consequences and help maintain a plan aligned with the grantor’s evolving goals.
Retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s typically pass according to beneficiary designations on the account, and naming the trust as beneficiary can have advantages and disadvantages depending on the circumstances. Naming the trust may provide control over distributions to beneficiaries, but it can also complicate required minimum distribution rules and tax treatment. In many cases, it is appropriate to coordinate beneficiary designations with the overall trust plan or to name individual beneficiaries directly while using other trust features to manage inherited assets. Consultation about retirement account designations helps determine whether naming the trust, a payable-on-death designation, or a combination of options best serves the client’s goals. Considerations include tax consequences for beneficiaries, the desired timing of distributions, and whether the trust provisions will appropriately align with federal and California rules governing retirement assets and required distributions.
Common mistakes when funding a trust include failing to retitle real property, neglecting to change account registrations, overlooking beneficiary designations, and not preparing deeds or transfer documents properly. These oversights can leave significant assets outside the trust, subjecting them to probate despite the existence of a trust document. In addition, failing to coordinate the trust with supporting documents such as powers of attorney and health care directives can create gaps in incapacity planning, leaving family members uncertain about how to manage financial and medical decisions. To avoid these errors, create a comprehensive asset inventory and follow a clear funding plan that addresses deeds, account registrations, and beneficiary forms. Work with legal counsel or a trusted advisor to prepare and record necessary documents and to confirm that institutions recognize transfers. Periodic reviews help catch changes in ownership or new assets that require updating to preserve the trust’s intended benefits.
A revocable living trust by itself generally does not reduce estate taxes because the grantor retains control over the assets during life, and trust assets remain part of the grantor’s taxable estate for federal estate tax purposes. California does not impose a separate state estate tax, but federal estate tax considerations may apply for larger estates. Trusts can be designed with additional features or combined with other planning tools to address tax concerns, but such strategies often involve more complex arrangements and careful attention to tax rules and exemptions in effect at the relevant time. Clients concerned about estate tax should evaluate their total estate value, current tax exemptions, and potential planning options with knowledgeable advisors. Advanced planning might include different trust structures or lifetime gifting strategies to address tax exposure, but the appropriate choice depends on the client’s objectives and the changing landscape of federal tax law.
Choosing a successor trustee involves balancing trust, availability, and administrative ability. A family member may provide familiarity and cost savings, while a professional or corporate trustee can offer continuity and experience in managing investments, recordkeeping, and complex distributions. Many clients select a combination, naming a trusted individual as primary and a corporate trustee as co-trustee or successor to provide institutional support if needed. Considerations include the trustee’s willingness to serve, potential conflicts among heirs, and the administrative demands of the trust’s assets and distribution provisions. Communicating with the chosen trustee in advance and providing clear written instructions reduces the likelihood of disputes and ensures an orderly transition if the trustee must act. It is also prudent to name successor trustees in sequence and provide guidance on compensation and decision-making authority to avoid gaps in management and to preserve family harmony during what can be an emotionally difficult time.
Review your trust documents periodically and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of children, significant changes in assets, or relocation to another state. These events can affect beneficiary designations, trustee choices, and distribution provisions. Regular reviews every few years help ensure that the plan remains aligned with personal goals and that documents reflect current circumstances and the latest legal developments. Updating the plan reduces the risk of unintended outcomes and helps maintain clarity for successors and beneficiaries. Proactive reviews also address financial changes like the acquisition or sale of real estate, changes in retirement accounts, or business transactions. Revisiting the plan allows for adjustments that preserve the trust’s effectiveness, and implementing updates promptly prevents old documents from creating confusion during administration or estate settlement.
If a beneficiary contests a trust after the grantor’s death, California law provides a framework for challenging trust validity based on grounds such as lack of capacity, undue influence, or improper execution. Timely legal representation is important for both beneficiaries and fiduciaries to protect rights and ensure the court receives necessary evidence. Trustees should maintain thorough records reflecting proper administration and decisions made according to the trust terms, which can support the trust’s validity in the event of a dispute. Preventive measures reduce the risk of contest, including clear communication about the plan, consistent documentation, and periodic updates. Working with legal counsel when drafting and executing trust documents and ensuring witnesses and notaries are properly engaged helps minimize procedural vulnerabilities that could be grounds for contest, providing greater certainty for beneficiaries and fiduciaries alike.
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