At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman we help San Marino residents plan for the future with practical, personalized estate planning documents. Whether you are arranging a revocable living trust, drafting a last will and testament, creating powers of attorney, or preparing health care directives, we focus on clear, durable solutions that reflect your family, assets, and long term wishes. Our approach is to listen carefully, explain options in plain language, and prepare documents that make transitions easier for loved ones when they are needed most. This initial planning reduces uncertainty and provides reassurance for you and your family.
Good estate planning organizes property, appoints decision-makers, and sets instructions for health and financial care. In San Marino and throughout California we prepare trust documents such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, certification of trust, and other instruments like irrevocable life insurance trusts, retirement plan trusts, and special needs trusts. We also handle ancillary documents such as HIPAA authorizations and guardianship nominations to ensure a cohesive plan. Early planning protects assets, clarifies intentions, and reduces stress for family members who may otherwise face complex legal and financial decisions during difficult times.
Estate planning creates a reliable roadmap for how your assets and personal affairs will be managed and transferred, avoiding confusion and delays for loved ones. A properly drafted plan can minimize probate involvement, preserve privacy, and appoint trusted people to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to act. For families with minor children, complex assets, blended households, or special needs members, thoughtful planning provides clear direction. Taking these steps ahead of time helps reduce stress, lower potential costs, and protect both family relationships and the legacy you intend to leave.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman focus on estate planning matters tailored to California law and local community needs. We guide clients through creating trusts, wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and related filings, with attention to clarity and long term functionality. Our process emphasizes careful fact gathering, plain language explanation, and durable document drafting to reflect each client’s goals. We also assist with trust funding, trust certification, and petitions such as Heggstad and trust modification when circumstances change. Clients receive responsive communication and practical recommendations to protect their families and assets.
Estate planning encompasses a set of legal documents and decisions that determine how assets will be managed and distributed, who will care for minor children, and who will make financial and medical choices if you cannot. Central documents include a revocable living trust, a last will and testament, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives. Some situations also require planners to consider irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, pet trusts, and retirement plan trusts to address specific goals. Understanding how these pieces interact helps ensure that property transfers proceed smoothly and decisions reflect your wishes in a legally effective manner.
Estate planning is not only for wealthy households; it benefits anyone who wants to control distribution of their assets, minimize disruption for family members, and name trusted decision-makers. A well-crafted plan can simplify the probate process or avoid it through trust transfers, protect privacy, and provide continuity for business and financial affairs. Periodic review and updates are important when family circumstances change, such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant asset changes. Proper coordination of beneficiary designations, retirement accounts, and trust funding is essential to make the plan function as intended.
A revocable living trust is a legal entity that holds title to assets during your lifetime and directs distribution at your death, often avoiding probate. A last will and testament names guardians for minor children and directs distribution of assets not placed into a trust; pour-over wills commonly work with trusts to capture remaining assets. Powers of attorney appoint someone to handle financial matters if you are unable to do so. Advance health care directives and HIPAA authorizations allow medical decision-making and information access. Understanding these basic definitions helps you choose the combination of documents that match your family’s needs and goals.
Creating an effective estate plan typically begins with gathering information about assets, family relationships, and goals, then discussing options for trusts, wills, and decision-maker appointments. Drafting follows, with clear directions for asset management, distributions, and care decisions. Funding a trust—retitling assets into the trust name and updating beneficiary designations—ensures that the plan operates as intended. Additional steps may include preparing certification of trust documents, arranging irrevocable structures for tax or creditor planning, and filing petitions to correct or modify trust matters when needed. Communication with family and periodic reviews keep the plan current.
Below are concise definitions of commonly used estate planning terms to help San Marino clients understand their documents and options. Familiarity with these terms helps when making decisions about trust funding, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and court petitions. Clear definitions reduce confusion and help families communicate intentions effectively. If you encounter unfamiliar legal language in a draft document, ask for plain language clarification so that the final plan reflects your wishes and functions smoothly under California law. Knowledge of these terms supports better planning and smoother administration later on.
A revocable living trust is a flexible estate planning tool that holds assets during your lifetime and provides instructions for management and distribution at incapacity or death. Because the trust is revocable, the creator retains the ability to amend or revoke it while alive and competent. The trust typically names a successor trustee to take over management if the creator becomes unable to act, and it often allows assets to pass to beneficiaries without formal probate proceedings. Effective use requires properly transferring assets into the trust and coordinating beneficiary designations to align with the trust’s terms.
A pour-over will works with a revocable living trust by directing any assets not already titled to the trust at the time of death to be transferred into the trust for distribution. While a pour-over will typically must pass through probate for the assets it controls, it provides a safety net so that assets are ultimately distributed under the trust’s terms. The pour-over will also names guardians for minor children and can handle matters not covered by the trust. Regular review of asset titles reduces reliance on the pour-over mechanism.
A last will and testament sets out who will receive property that is not held in a trust, and it designates guardians for minor children when applicable. Wills become effective only after death and generally must go through probate to transfer property under their terms. Wills are often used in combination with trusts and other documents so that any assets not previously transferred to a trust are captured and moved into the intended plan. Clear, updated wills reduce uncertainty and help ensure that final wishes are honored by the probate court and administrators.
A financial power of attorney appoints an agent to manage financial affairs if you cannot act, while an advance health care directive names a health care decision-maker and sets medical treatment preferences. Both documents are essential to avoid court-appointed conservatorship and to empower trusted individuals to act on your behalf during incapacity. A HIPAA authorization often accompanies health care directives to allow designated persons access to medical records. Together, these documents ensure that your financial and medical interests are managed according to your directions without unnecessary court involvement.
Limited estate planning may involve a basic will and powers of attorney and can suit individuals with straightforward assets who want a minimal plan. Comprehensive planning, by contrast, includes trust documents, funding strategies, beneficiary coordination, and additional instruments to address unique family needs, tax concerns, or disabilities. The right approach depends on asset structure, family dynamics, privacy preferences, and the desire to avoid probate. A thoughtful comparison of these options helps clients choose an efficient plan for their circumstances and reduces the likelihood of unexpected complications later.
A limited estate planning approach can be sufficient for individuals with modest assets, uncomplicated family situations, and no need for complex trust arrangements. If assets are few, beneficiaries are clearly defined, and there is no concern about probate complexity or privacy, a will combined with durable power of attorney and health care directive may accomplish core goals. That said, even simple estates benefit from regular review and clear beneficiary designations to prevent unintended outcomes. A tailored assessment helps confirm whether a limited plan is appropriate and identifies any gaps that should be addressed.
Some clients prefer a straightforward, lower-cost solution focused on immediate needs such as naming guardians and appointing decision-makers. When protecting family members from temporary incapacity and providing basic distribution instructions are the primary concerns, limited planning can be practical. Clients should understand, however, that simplicity may leave assets subject to probate and greater public scrutiny. Evaluating the cost of more comprehensive planning against the potential benefits of reduced probate and clearer asset transfer can guide the decision toward the approach that best balances expense and long-term convenience.
Comprehensive planning becomes important when estates involve multiple properties, business interests, retirement accounts, or blended family dynamics. Trusts can provide structured management, reduce probate exposure, and help ensure assets are distributed according to detailed conditions or timelines. For families with a member who receives government benefits, a special needs trust ensures continued eligibility while providing supplementary support. The complexity of these matters justifies a full plan that coordinates many moving parts to preserve family goals and reduce the administrative burden on heirs.
A comprehensive estate plan can include strategies to address potential tax exposure, creditor risk, and long term care considerations through the use of irrevocable structures or specific trust language. While not every client requires these measures, those with significant retirement assets, life insurance proceeds, or potential long term care expenses may benefit from tailored structures designed to preserve family wealth. Comprehensive plans also focus on seamless successor management, clear beneficiary coordination, and contingency provisions to handle unforeseen events without unnecessary court proceedings.
A comprehensive estate plan promotes orderly asset transfer, reduces the likelihood of probate court involvement, and preserves family privacy by keeping many matters out of public record. It names capable decision-makers for medical and financial issues, ensures children are cared for under your preferences, and provides continuity for business or investment affairs. By coordinating trusts, wills, beneficiary designations, and supporting documents, a complete plan reduces confusion and provides clarity at stressful times. It also allows for specific provisions to address special needs and long term intentions, offering greater assurance that wishes will be carried out.
Comprehensive planning helps prevent disputes among heirs by documenting clear instructions and contingency plans. It enables tax-efficient transfers where applicable, and it establishes procedures for trust administration and successor management. Periodic updates maintain relevance as laws and family circumstances change. For clients who value confidentiality and wish to minimize court delay, a properly funded trust is often the centerpiece of a comprehensive plan. Thoughtful drafting and coordinated implementation are key to ensuring that the plan serves its intended purpose without surprises for those left to administer it.
One major benefit of a comprehensive plan is keeping asset transfers private and minimizing the need for probate proceedings. Trusts allow many assets to pass to beneficiaries outside the public probate process, preserving confidentiality about the nature and amount of distributions. Avoiding probate can also speed the transfer of property to heirs and reduce certain administrative expenses and delays. For families valuing discretion and efficient administration, structuring and funding a trust as part of a complete plan is an effective strategy to achieve those goals under California law.
A comprehensive estate plan ensures that trusted individuals are designated to make health and financial decisions if you become incapacitated, and it prescribes how assets should be managed for your benefit. Durable powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and successor trustee provisions provide continuity and prevent court appointment of conservators. Having these documents in place reduces uncertainty and stress for family members during difficult transitions. Clear instructions also support smoother interactions with financial institutions and medical providers, helping ensure your wishes are followed promptly and consistently.
Maintaining current titles and beneficiary designations is essential to ensure that your estate plan functions as intended. Accounts left in individual names or with outdated beneficiaries can bypass trust provisions or create unintended beneficiaries. Regularly review retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and property deeds after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, or asset purchases. Coordinating these details with your trust and will prevents surprises and helps your plan avoid unnecessary probate or reallocation that contradicts your wishes. A routine review schedule keeps documents aligned with current intentions.
Estate plans should be revisited periodically and whenever significant life events occur to ensure they continue to reflect current wishes and legal requirements. Changes in family structure, relocations, adjustments to asset portfolios, or new laws can affect plan effectiveness. Scheduling a review every few years or after major changes helps identify needed amendments or trust modifications. Timely updates reduce the risk of outdated provisions, unintended beneficiaries, and gaps in incapacity planning. Proactive maintenance keeps your plan aligned with family goals and legal realities.
Estate planning offers peace of mind by organizing how assets will be distributed, who will make decisions, and how medical and financial matters will be handled if incapacity occurs. For San Marino households, where real property values and retirement assets may be substantial, planning helps reduce probate delays and preserves privacy. It also permits families to include specific care instructions for dependents, allocate resources for long term needs, and name guardians for minor children. Thoughtful planning prevents confusion and ensures that your intentions are implemented with minimal disruption to loved ones.
Beyond asset distribution, estate planning supports continuity for family businesses, charitable giving, and special family circumstances such as a relative with disabilities or a beloved pet trust. Legal documents like trusts and powers of attorney provide a framework for managing finances and health care decisions during difficult times. Preparing these documents ahead of need avoids the cost and uncertainty of court intervention and allows family members to focus on caregiving rather than legal administration. A complete plan provides clarity and practical guidance when it matters most.
Situations that commonly prompt estate planning include starting a family, acquiring significant property, planning for retirement, blending families, caring for a relative with special needs, and preparing for potential long term health care. Other triggers include business ownership transitions, changes in marital status, or concerns about creditor protection. If you want to control who receives assets and how they are used, appoint trusted decision-makers, or reduce probate involvement, planning now reduces future burdens. Addressing these circumstances proactively helps ensure that your intentions are protected under California law.
For parents of young children, naming guardians in a will and arranging financial protections through trusts are essential steps. Guardian nominations clarify who will care for minor children if both parents cannot, while trusts can hold assets for minors until they reach ages you select. Combining guardianship plans with powers of attorney and health care directives ensures continuity in decision-making for both health and finance. Early planning gives parents confidence that their children will be cared for according to their preferences and that funds will be managed responsibly for their benefit.
Blended families often require tailored planning to balance the interests of current spouses, children from prior relationships, and other loved ones. Trusts and clear beneficiary designations allow you to direct assets in ways that respect multiple relationships and set defined distributions and conditions. Without specific planning, state intestacy rules or outdated documents can lead to unintended results. A deliberate plan helps avoid family disputes and ensures that each person you intend to benefit is considered within a coherent legal framework.
When a family includes a member who receives public benefits or has ongoing care needs, special planning measures such as a special needs trust can provide supplemental support without jeopardizing eligibility. Other tools, like carefully drafted powers of attorney and guardianship nominations, ensure trusted advocates are in place to make decisions on the individual’s behalf. Planning for special needs requires attention to benefit rules and long term funding strategies to provide appropriate care while preserving necessary government assistance. Thoughtful drafting ensures dignity and continued support.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provide estate planning and related services to San Marino residents with an emphasis on practical, legally effective documents and responsive client communication. We prepare revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and all supporting trust instruments such as certification of trust and general assignment of assets to trust. Whether you need a straightforward will or a comprehensive trust plan, we aim to deliver clear recommendations and carefully drafted documents that reflect your priorities and protect your family’s future.
We offer a client-focused approach that emphasizes clear communication, tailored drafting, and practical implementation of estate plans under California law. Our services cover a wide range of documents including revocable living trusts, last wills and testaments, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and specialized trusts. We prioritize thorough document review and trust funding guidance so that your plan functions as intended and family members are prepared to follow your instructions when needed. Clients value direct answers and dependable follow-through throughout the planning process.
From initial consultation to final document delivery, we work to ensure that each plan aligns with client goals, family dynamics, and asset structures. Our practice includes preparing auxiliary documents such as HIPAA authorizations, guardianship nominations, and certification of trust to streamline administration. When circumstances change, we assist with trust modification petitions, Heggstad petitions, or other filings to maintain the plan’s effectiveness. Our focus is on providing practical solutions that reduce future uncertainty and ease transitions for family members.
We also provide guidance on coordinating beneficiary designations, funding trusts, and assembling estate inventories to facilitate efficient administration. Our approach helps clients anticipate potential issues and choose provisions that reflect their values, whether for family care, charitable giving, or asset protection. Clear documentation and careful implementation minimize confusion and provide family members with actionable instructions, reducing stress during administration and ensuring that your wishes are respected.
Our process begins with an information gathering session to understand family structure, assets, and goals. We discuss which documents best serve those goals, outline steps for trust funding and beneficiary coordination, and answer questions about guardianship and incapacity planning. After drafting, we review documents with you, make any requested revisions, and finalize signatures and notarization where required. We also provide guidance on recording deeds, transferring accounts, and assembling a plan packet to ensure your estate plan operates as intended without unnecessary delays or surprises for your loved ones.
The initial meeting collects details about assets, family members, and planning objectives so that recommendations are tailored to individual needs. We review property ownership, account beneficiaries, business interests, and any special circumstances such as disability or caregiving responsibilities. This conversation clarifies priorities such as probate avoidance, guardianship preferences, and funding strategies for trusts. Gathering accurate information at the outset ensures the drafted documents align with your intentions and reduces the likelihood of later revisions or omissions that can complicate administration.
Collecting a complete picture of assets and family relationships is essential to drafting effective estate planning documents. We request information about real property, bank and investment accounts, retirement plans, life insurance, and business interests, as well as details about family members, prior marriages, and potential beneficiaries. Understanding these elements allows us to design a plan that coordinates titling, beneficiary designations, and trust provisions. A thorough inventory at the start prevents gaps and helps avoid unintended outcomes after documents are signed.
After reviewing personal and financial information, we discuss goals such as probate avoidance, asset protection, providing for minor children, or preserving eligibility for public benefits. We then recommend an appropriate set of documents—trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives—and explain how they work together. This dialogue helps clients weigh trade-offs and choose provisions that align with their wishes. Clear goal setting at this stage streamlines drafting and results in documents that address both immediate needs and long term planning objectives.
During drafting we prepare individualized documents that reflect the client’s decisions about trustees, agents, beneficiaries, distribution terms, and incapacity planning. Drafts are reviewed with the client so that language is clear and intentions are accurately captured. We also prepare accompanying documents such as certification of trust, general assignment of assets to trust, HIPAA authorizations, and guardianship nominations where required. Clear drafting and collaborative review reduce the need for later corrections and create a cohesive plan ready for signature and implementation.
Trust and will preparation focuses on naming successor trustees, defining distribution schedules, and documenting any conditions or protections for beneficiaries. For pour-over wills, language is included to transfer residual assets into the trust. We ensure documents comply with California formalities and address common administrative challenges. Drafts are presented for client review and revisions are incorporated to reflect current wishes. Clear trust language and consistent beneficiary coordination are essential to ensure smooth transition and administration after incapacity or death.
Powers of attorney and advance health care directives are customized to name trusted decision-makers and set preferences for financial management and medical care. These documents include instructions about the scope of authority, successor agents, and any express limitations or guidance for decision-making. A HIPAA authorization is often included to permit access to medical records by designated people. Proper execution and distribution of these documents help avoid court intervention and ensure thatigned agents can act quickly if incapacity occurs.
Implementation includes signing, notarization, and steps to fund trusts by retitling assets and updating beneficiary designations where appropriate. We provide instructions for transferring real estate into the trust, changing account ownership, and preparing certification of trust documents to present to institutions. After implementation, we recommend periodic reviews to confirm the plan still reflects current wishes and to accommodate life changes. If circumstances require, we assist with trust modification petitions or other filings to maintain the plan’s intended effects under California law.
Proper trust funding is essential so that assets titled to the trust avoid probate and follow the trust terms. We provide guidance and documentation for retitling real property, bank accounts, and investment accounts, and for coordinating beneficiary designations on retirement plans and life insurance. Failure to fund the trust can leave assets subject to probate and defeat the plan’s purpose. Clear instructions and assistance reduce the risk of accidental omissions and help ensure the trust functions as designed when the time comes.
Periodic plan reviews are recommended to address changes such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces, or significant changes in asset levels. When updates are needed we prepare amendments, restatements, or trust modification petitions as appropriate to preserve original intentions while adapting to new circumstances. Regular reviews also ensure beneficiary designations and account titles remain aligned with the trust and will. Ongoing attention prevents unintended results and keeps the estate plan ready to serve its purpose for the family.
A revocable living trust is a legal entity that holds assets and directs their management and distribution during your lifetime and after death, often allowing assets to pass outside probate. A last will and testament sets out who will receive assets that are not held in a trust and designates guardians for minor children, but wills generally must pass through probate to effect transfers. Trusts typically provide more privacy and can speed distribution, while wills are necessary to handle assets left out of a trust and to name guardians. Both documents can work together to create a cohesive plan. Choosing between or combining these tools depends on asset ownership and goals. Many people use a trust as the primary vehicle for property management and a pour-over will to catch any assets not transferred into the trust. Proper coordination of account titles and beneficiary designations ensures that the trust functions as intended and reduces the need for probate court proceedings, simplifying administration for family members.
To appoint a guardian for minor children you name your preferred guardian in your last will and testament. The will provides the court with your nomination, which the court considers if guardianship becomes necessary. It is important to discuss the responsibility with the proposed guardian so they are willing and prepared to accept the role. In addition, planning financial arrangements through a trust can ensure funds are available to support the child under terms you select, protecting their care and education even if minor children cannot inherit outright. Guardianship nominations should be reviewed and updated after major life events such as remarriage or separation, the birth of more children, or changes in the proposed guardian’s circumstances. Including successor guardian nominations provides continuity if your first choice is unable to serve. Clear instructions combined with funding strategies provide both caretaking authority and financial support to help the guardian carry out your intentions for your children.
You should review your estate plan whenever significant life events occur, including marriage, divorce, births, deaths, a change in health, relocation, or substantial changes in assets. Periodic reviews every few years are also wise because laws, family circumstances, and financial situations can change over time. An up-to-date plan ensures beneficiary designations, account titles, and trust provisions continue to reflect your current wishes and avoids unintended outcomes that can arise from outdated documents. During a review we check whether trusts need amendments or restatements, beneficiary designations require updates, and powers of attorney and health care directives name appropriate agents. If assets have been added or transferred, funding status is confirmed to make sure the plan functions as intended. Proactive maintenance prevents complications and keeps your plan aligned with family goals.
Yes, funding a trust is essential for it to operate as intended. Funding involves retitling assets such as real estate, bank accounts, and investment accounts into the name of the trust and coordinating beneficiary designations for retirement accounts and life insurance. Without funding, assets may remain subject to probate and not pass under the trust’s terms. We provide clear instructions and assistance to help clients transfer ownership and complete the necessary paperwork to properly fund their trusts. Funding steps vary by asset type and institution. For real property, a deed transferring ownership to the trust is typically recorded. Financial institutions often require a certification of trust and account transfer forms. We help prepare the required documents and coordinate with institutions to minimize paperwork issues and ensure the trust is effective in distributing assets as you intended.
To plan for incapacity you should have a durable power of attorney for financial matters and an advance health care directive naming a medical decision-maker and stating your treatment preferences. A HIPAA authorization is also important so designated individuals can access medical records and communicate with providers. These documents allow trusted agents to manage finances and health care without court proceedings, providing continuity of decision-making if you cannot act for yourself. In addition, a revocable living trust with successor trustee provisions provides management of assets during incapacity without court appointment. Together, these documents create a comprehensive framework so that financial affairs and medical care are handled according to your wishes, reducing the likelihood of family disputes and public court involvement during difficult times.
Generally, revocable trusts can be amended or revoked during the creator’s lifetime, allowing changes as circumstances evolve. Amendments or restatements document updated instructions without the need to create an entirely new trust in many cases. Irrevocable trusts, by contrast, are more difficult to change and typically require specific legal procedures or court action to modify. When circumstances require a formal change, we can assist with drafting amendments, restatements, or petitions to the court when appropriate. When trust modifications involve corrections to funding issues or unexpected consequences such as improperly titled assets, a petition such as a Heggstad petition or a trust modification petition may be used to achieve intended outcomes. Reviewing the trust language and funding status helps determine the best approach to effect changes while preserving prior intentions wherever feasible.
A special needs trust can provide supplemental support for a person with disabilities without interfering with eligibility for public benefits such as Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security Income. The trust holds funds for the individual’s benefit to cover additional expenses, therapies, or quality of life improvements that government programs do not cover. Properly drafted special needs trusts include language and administration provisions that avoid direct distributions that would count as income for benefit eligibility purposes, preserving assistance while providing meaningful support. Establishing a special needs trust requires careful coordination with legal and financial planning to ensure distributions are made for permissible purposes. Naming a trustee who understands both the beneficiary’s needs and the restrictions of public benefit programs is important. A comprehensive plan combines the trust with appropriate guardianship and decision-maker appointments to create a supportive structure tailored to the beneficiary’s long term well-being.
A pour-over will is designed to transfer any assets not already placed into a trust at the time of death into the trust so they are distributed under its terms. It acts as a safety net for assets that were unintentionally left out of the trust or newly acquired without retitling. While assets passing through a pour-over will may still be subject to probate, the will ensures they ultimately flow into the trust’s distribution framework, providing consistency with the overall estate plan. Many estate plans combine a revocable living trust with a pour-over will to capture any residual assets and to name guardians for minor children. Regular trust funding and beneficiary coordination reduce reliance on the pour-over will, but including it helps prevent unintended asset distribution and provides a fallback to effect your broader intentions.
A Heggstad petition can be necessary when property was intended to be transferred into a trust but was not properly retitled before death. The petition asks the court to recognize that the decedent had a present intent to transfer the property to the trust, allowing that property to be treated as trust property for distribution purposes. This remedy can prevent an asset from being distributed through probate contrary to the decedent’s expressed wishes and maintain the overall integrity of the estate plan in appropriate circumstances. Filing a Heggstad petition requires demonstrating intent through evidence such as draft documents, communications, or actions showing the decedent’s effort to fund the trust. When gaps in trust funding occur, we evaluate whether a petition or other corrective steps are appropriate and assist families in pursuing the necessary filings to align asset distribution with the decedent’s documented intentions.
Coordinating retirement accounts and beneficiary designations is essential because these accounts often pass outside of wills and trusts according to their designated beneficiaries. We review account beneficiary forms and advise whether naming the trust, an individual, or a payable-on-death beneficiary best aligns with your planning goals. In some cases, naming the trust as beneficiary is appropriate, while in others direct beneficiary designations better preserve tax or retirement distribution strategies. Careful coordination keeps the estate plan cohesive and prevents unintended results. We also help clients understand tax implications and distribution options for retirement accounts and recommend steps to ensure beneficiary designations match the overall estate plan. Where a trust is intended to receive retirement assets, appropriate trust language and trustee powers are included to handle required minimum distributions and tax considerations. Clear coordination prevents conflict between account designations and the trust or will.
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