A revocable living trust is a flexible estate planning tool many families in Aliso Viejo use to manage how assets are handled during life and distributed after death. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, we help clients evaluate whether a revocable living trust fits their goals, including privacy, ease of transfer, and planning for incapacity. This page explains the basic structure of a trust, how it differs from a will, and practical steps to create and maintain a trust tailored to California law and local needs. If you own property, retirement assets, or have children to provide for, a trust may offer significant planning advantages.
Choosing a revocable living trust involves more than signing documents. It requires an inventory of property, thoughtful selection of trustees and beneficiaries, and clear instructions about incapacity and distribution. The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman assists clients in Aliso Viejo with document preparation such as pour-over wills, financial powers of attorney, and advance health care directives that work with a trust. We also provide guidance on trust funding so assets are properly transferred into the trust. Our approach aims to reduce avoidable delays and make transitions smoother for family members when the time comes.
A revocable living trust offers several practical benefits including avoiding the public probate process for assets placed in the trust, maintaining family privacy, and providing a straightforward path for asset management if you become unable to manage affairs. Unlike a simple will, assets titled in the trust pass according to trust terms without court involvement, which can save time and fees for heirs. A trust also allows tailored instructions for distributions, care for minor children, and provisions for ongoing management of financial affairs. For many families, these features create continuity and reduce the administrative burden on loved ones at stressful times.
Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman has been assisting California residents with estate planning matters, including revocable living trusts, wills, and related documents. Our practice focuses on clear communication, practical solutions, and attention to detail when preparing trust documents and coordinating related instruments such as powers of attorney and healthcare directives. We aim to explain legal options in plain language, help clients make informed decisions, and produce documents that reflect their wishes while complying with California requirements. Our office in San Jose serves clients throughout Orange County, including Aliso Viejo, and is available by phone at 408-528-2827 for inquiries and appointments.
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement in which a person transfers ownership of assets into a trust during their lifetime while retaining the right to modify or revoke the trust. The trust document names a trustee to manage the trust assets and beneficiaries who will receive assets according to the trust’s terms. Because the trust can be changed while the grantor is alive, it provides flexibility as circumstances evolve. Creating a trust typically involves drafting the trust instrument, funding the trust by retitling assets, and preparing complementary documents like a pour-over will and powers of attorney to ensure comprehensive planning.
The practical effect of a properly funded revocable living trust is that assets held in the trust pass to beneficiaries under the trust’s terms without the delays of probate court. The trust can also specify who will manage assets and make distributions if the grantor becomes incapacitated, which avoids the need for a court-appointed conservatorship. Trusts can incorporate provisions for minor children, pets, and ongoing care arrangements. However, to achieve these benefits, assets must be transferred into the trust and beneficiary designations coordinated, which is a key step many people overlook without guidance.
A revocable living trust is a legal document that creates a separate ownership entity to hold assets for the grantor’s benefit during life and to distribute assets after death. The grantor typically serves as initial trustee and retains control, allowing them to continue managing assets just as before. The trust names successor trustees to step in if the grantor is unable to act. The revocable nature means the document can be amended or revoked at any time while the grantor has capacity. This flexible structure supports continuity of management, avoids probate for trust assets, and provides a private method for transferring wealth to beneficiaries under clearly defined terms.
Creating a revocable living trust involves several coordinated steps. First, identify assets to include, such as real estate, bank accounts, and investment accounts. Next, draft the trust document to name the grantor, successor trustee, and beneficiaries while specifying distribution terms and incapacity provisions. After signing the trust, fund it by retitling assets into the trust’s name and updating ownership records. Complementary documents like a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and advance health care directive round out the plan. Periodic reviews ensure the trust stays current with life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, or property purchases.
Understanding common estate planning terms makes it easier to choose the right approach. Below are concise definitions and explanations of terms you will encounter when creating a revocable living trust and related documents. These entries clarify roles such as trustee and beneficiary, and explain documents like a pour-over will, power of attorney, and trust certification. Familiarity with these terms helps ensure your decisions reflect your intentions and that the final documents function as intended under California rules and local practice.
A revocable living trust is an arrangement allowing the grantor to hold assets in a trust during life with the ability to change or revoke the trust as circumstances change. The trust names a trustee to manage assets and beneficiaries to receive distributions. While the grantor is living and capable, they commonly retain control as trustee and can transfer assets in and out of the trust. The primary practical benefits include the potential to avoid probate for trust-held assets and to provide seamless management if the grantor becomes temporarily or permanently unable to manage financial matters.
A pour-over will acts as a safety net for assets not transferred into a trust during the grantor’s lifetime. It directs any remaining probate assets to the trust so they will be distributed under its terms. Although a pour-over will still goes through probate for the assets it controls, it ensures that the trust remains the primary document governing distributions. Clients often use a pour-over will together with a revocable living trust to capture any assets inadvertently left out, minimizing the chance that property will be distributed outside the intended plan.
A last will and testament is a legal document that specifies how a person’s assets should be distributed after death and names an executor to manage the estate through probate. Unlike a trust, a will generally requires probate administration in California for assets titled in the decedent’s name. Wills are commonly used to nominate guardians for minor children and to handle assets not placed in a trust. Many people combine a will with a revocable living trust so that the will covers residual matters while the trust provides primary control over assets that have been transferred into it.
A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes another person to act on your behalf for financial or legal matters if you cannot act. A durable financial power of attorney remains effective if you become incapacitated and allows a designated agent to manage bank accounts, investments, bill payments, and other financial tasks. It complements a trust by providing immediate authority for financial management before trust successor trustees step in, and it can be tailored to limit or expand the agent’s authority based on your preferences and the level of oversight you desire.
Each estate planning tool serves different needs. A revocable living trust promotes privacy and may avoid probate for assets placed in the trust, while a will addresses assets that remain titled in the individual’s name and often names guardians for minor children. Powers of attorney and advance health care directives address decision-making during incapacity. Irrevocable trusts and specialized arrangements can offer tax or asset protection benefits for certain situations, but they limit flexibility. Selecting the right mix of documents depends on asset types, family circumstances, privacy preferences, and the importance of managing incapacity without court involvement.
For individuals with modest, straightforward assets such as a single bank account, a retirement plan with designated beneficiaries, and minimal real property, a simple will and basic powers of attorney can sometimes provide adequate protection. In these cases the time and expense of funding a trust may not be warranted if beneficiary designations already transfer most assets outside probate. However, even small estates benefit from clear instructions about incapacity, and reviewing beneficiary designations periodically is important to ensure they align with overall goals and family circumstances.
When assets such as retirement accounts and payable-on-death bank accounts already have current beneficiary designations that reflect your wishes, and when there is no real estate or complex family situation to address, a more limited plan may be sufficient. Direct transfer mechanisms can reduce or eliminate the need to involve probate for those assets. Still, it is important to coordinate all accounts and to maintain powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that someone trusted can manage affairs effectively if you are unable to do so.
Clients who own real estate, multiple accounts, business interests, or who wish to keep distribution details private often benefit from a revocable living trust because assets held in trust generally avoid probate and the associated public record. A comprehensive plan can address title issues, coordinate beneficiary designations, and provide specific distribution timing and conditions to reflect your intentions. This planning reduces administrative burdens and preserves discretion for family matters that might otherwise become public through probate proceedings.
When the potential for incapacity is a concern or when families have blended relationships, special needs children, or complicated financial arrangements, a trust-centered plan can manage assets smoothly and according to instructions. A trust can name successor trustees to step in without court involvement and include provisions for ongoing distributions, educational funding, or care for dependents with disabilities. For these reasons, a well-constructed trust plan can provide continuity and peace of mind for families facing complex or evolving circumstances.
A comprehensive trust approach integrates a revocable living trust with complementary documents to produce a cohesive plan. This includes pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives to cover decision-making and asset transfer both during life and after death. By coordinating these elements, the plan minimizes unintended gaps, clarifies authority for agents and trustees, and reduces the likelihood of delays or disputes. Regular review and updating keep the plan aligned with life changes such as new property acquisitions, family events, or updates to account beneficiaries.
Beyond avoiding probate for trust-held assets, a complete approach supports effective incapacity planning and a clear transition for successors. It helps preserve dignity and privacy for the family, reduces administrative hurdles, and provides practical instructions for managing ongoing financial responsibilities. When properly funded and maintained, a trust-based plan can simplify the distribution process, protect minor children through tailored provisions, and ensure that your intentions are followed without unnecessary court involvement or public disclosure.
One of the primary advantages of a revocable living trust is the ability to transfer assets to beneficiaries under the terms of the trust without undergoing probate for those trust assets. This streamlines the administrative process, reduces potential delays for beneficiaries, and keeps distribution details out of public court records. Properly funding the trust and coordinating beneficiary designations and account titles are key steps to achieve this result. When done correctly, trust administration can be organized, efficient, and more private than estate administration through probate court.
A revocable living trust provides a mechanism for continuity in the event of illness or incapacity by naming successor trustees who can manage assets immediately without court oversight. This reduces interruptions in bill paying, property management, and financial decision-making during challenging times. The trust can include detailed instructions for how assets should be used for the grantor’s care or for beneficiary needs. When combined with powers of attorney and health care directives, a trust-based plan provides a coordinated approach to preserve daily financial stability and long-term intentions.
A common oversight is signing a trust document and then failing to transfer assets into the trust. Funding the trust promptly by retitling real property, updating account ownership, and assigning appropriate beneficiary designations is essential to achieve the intended benefits. Each asset type has its own process and paperwork, so creating an asset inventory and following through on transfers helps ensure nothing is left out. Careful attention to these steps reduces the chance that assets will have to pass through probate or be subject to unexpected complications for heirs.
Retirement accounts and life insurance policies commonly bypass trusts when they have beneficiary designations. To create a cohesive plan, review and coordinate these designations with the terms of your trust. In some cases, naming the trust as beneficiary may be appropriate, while in others keeping a direct designation is preferable. Careful coordination prevents conflicts between account beneficiaries and trust terms and ensures assets pass in the intended manner. Professional guidance can help you weigh tax considerations and distribution goals when making these choices.
People often choose revocable living trusts to preserve privacy, streamline the transfer of assets, and establish clear instructions for who will manage property if they are unable to do so. Trusts can be tailored to provide for minor children, handle staggered distributions, protect assets for beneficiaries who may need oversight, and minimize public involvement through probate. For Californians with real estate or multiple accounts, a properly funded trust can reduce administrative burdens for loved ones and create a smoother transition during emotionally difficult times.
A trust-centered plan also supports continuity for household finances and can include provisions to address long-term care, special care needs for dependents, and instructions for managing family businesses or investments. By integrating a trust with powers of attorney and health care directives, the plan covers both life management and post-death distribution. Regular reviews and updates ensure the plan remains effective as laws, assets, and family circumstances change, providing a living document that adapts over time to meet evolving needs.
Certain life situations make a revocable living trust especially beneficial. Homeowners with real property in California, families with minor or disabled children, individuals with blended families, and owners of multiple investment accounts often need coordinated planning to avoid unintended outcomes. A trust can simplify the transfer of real estate, provide management instructions during incapacity, and set terms for distributions that reflect complex family dynamics. Evaluating these circumstances early helps determine whether a trust or a more limited plan will best achieve your goals.
Parents frequently use a revocable living trust to provide for minor children by naming trustees to manage assets for the children’s benefit and by specifying guardianship preferences through complementary documents. A trust can set distribution schedules, fund education, and provide for living expenses without immediate lump-sum transfers that may not be appropriate for young beneficiaries. Combining a trust with a pour-over will and nominations for guardianship creates a coordinated plan that clarifies responsibilities and reduces the administrative burden on caregivers during difficult times.
California real estate owners often find a revocable living trust valuable because transferring property into a trust can avoid probate and simplify title transfer at death. This is especially helpful for those with out-of-state heirs or multiple properties. Properly recording deeds and updating title documents is an important part of trust funding. A trust also allows continued management of real property during incapacity and can include instructions for renting, selling, or passing on real estate to beneficiaries under specific terms.
When someone holds diversified accounts, investment assets, business interests, or retirement plans, coordinating those assets into a coherent estate plan helps reduce confusion and potential disputes. A trust can centralize management and distribution instructions, while powers of attorney handle ongoing financial tasks during incapacity. Careful planning for account beneficiary designations, business succession, and asset titling ensures that transfers occur according to your wishes with minimal interruption, and that heirs receive clear guidance on how to manage and access assets when the time comes.
Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman is available to assist residents of Aliso Viejo with revocable living trust preparation and comprehensive estate planning. We prepare documents such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, financial powers of attorney, advance health care directives, certifications of trust, and other related instruments like pet trusts and special needs trusts. Our office provides guidance on guardianship nominations and how documents work together to protect your wishes. To schedule a consultation or to ask questions about your estate planning needs, contact us at 408-528-2827 and we will help you explore the best options for your circumstances.
Clients choose the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman for clear, practical estate planning guidance and careful document preparation tailored to California requirements. We focus on listening to your goals, explaining the implications of different planning choices, and preparing documents that reflect your intentions. Our services include drafting revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and related trust certifications. We aim to create plans that reduce administrative burden for loved ones and provide straightforward instructions for asset management and distribution.
Our practice helps clients through each step of the process, from initial information gathering and asset inventory to trust funding and finalization. We guide clients on practical matters such as title transfers, beneficiary designations, and coordination with retirement and insurance accounts. We also address special planning needs like trusts for minor children, pet trusts, and provisions for individuals with disabilities. By focusing on clear documentation and practical follow-through, we strive to make estate planning both effective and accessible for families in Aliso Viejo and across Orange County.
We are available to answer questions, provide personalized plan options, and assist with periodic reviews to keep your trust current as circumstances change. Contacting our office early helps prevent last-minute decisions and ensures your estate plan is organized. If you are considering a revocable living trust, we will explain the steps to create and fund the trust, how it interacts with other estate planning documents, and what to expect during administration. Reach out by phone at 408-528-2827 to discuss your needs and schedule a consultation.
Our trust preparation process is designed to be practical and thorough. We begin by discussing your goals, family situation, and the types of assets you own, then create documents that align with those objectives and California requirements. The process includes drafting the trust instrument, preparing complementary documents, and providing a clear checklist for funding the trust. We explain each document’s role and assist with title changes and beneficiary coordination so your plan functions as intended. Regular review schedules help keep the plan current as life changes occur.
The initial phase involves gathering information about your family, assets, and planning goals. During a consultation we discuss property ownership, account types, beneficiaries you want to name, and any specific distribution timing or conditions you prefer. We also address incapacity planning needs and guardianship preferences for minor children. This information allows us to prepare draft documents that reflect your wishes and identify any funding steps required. Clear communication at this stage sets the foundation for a trust plan that meets your objectives and aligns with California legal formalities.
Preparing a trust begins with a careful review of current documents and an inventory of assets. This includes reviewing deeds, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, insurance policies, and any business interests. We identify assets that should be retitled into the trust and flag accounts needing beneficiary updates. By creating an accurate asset inventory, we can tailor the trust provisions and provide a clear roadmap for funding the trust so that assets transfer according to your plan and avoid unintended probate exposure.
An essential part of planning is discussing who will serve as trustee and successor trustees, and how beneficiaries should receive distributions. We explore options for managing funds for minors, protecting assets for beneficiaries with special needs, and structuring distributions to meet particular family goals. These conversations help determine whether additional documents like irrevocable life insurance trusts, special needs trusts, or retirement plan trusts are appropriate. Documenting clear instructions reduces ambiguity and supports a smooth transition when the trust becomes operative.
Once information is gathered and objectives clarified, we draft the trust instrument and related documents tailored to your plan. Drafts are prepared for your review and include provisions addressing incapacity management, successor trustee authority, distribution terms, and any special conditions. We also prepare complementary documents such as a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives to ensure a coordinated plan. The drafting stage focuses on clarity, compliance with California law, and alignment with your chosen distribution and management preferences.
After the initial drafts are prepared, we review the documents with you and make any requested revisions to ensure they reflect your intentions. This review provides an opportunity to clarify language, adjust distribution schedules, and confirm trustee powers and limitations. We discuss practical implications and help you understand how different provisions operate in real-world scenarios. Making thoughtful revisions during this stage reduces the likelihood of future disputes and results in documents that fit your circumstances and provide clear guidance for successors and beneficiaries.
As part of finalizing the plan, we provide detailed instructions for funding the trust and transferring assets. Funding often requires preparing and recording deeds for real estate, updating account titles for bank and investment accounts, and coordinating beneficiary designations for retirement and insurance policies. We offer checklists and step-by-step guidance to help ensure each asset is properly retitled or designated. Proper funding is essential so the trust functions as intended and assets pass according to the trust’s terms without unintended probate exposure.
The final steps include executing the trust and related documents, obtaining notarization when required, and providing storage and copies for your records. We explain how to maintain the trust over time, including when to update documents after significant life changes. Periodic review is recommended to confirm that beneficiaries, trustees, and asset lists remain current. We can help schedule follow-up reviews and assist with amendments or restatements as your needs evolve so that the trust continues to reflect your intentions and complies with applicable law.
Execution requires signing the trust and related documents in the presence of witnesses or a notary as required by California law. For real property transfers, recording deeds in the county recorder’s office finalizes funding of real estate into the trust. We provide guidance on signing formalities, witness requirements, and recording procedures to ensure legal validity. Following proper execution and recording steps minimizes the risk of future challenges and affirms that the trust will operate smoothly when successor trustees assume responsibility.
Estate plans are living documents that should be reviewed periodically and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth, death, or substantial changes in assets. Regular reviews allow updates to beneficiaries, trustees, and distribution provisions and ensure beneficiary designations on accounts remain coordinated. We recommend scheduled check-ins to confirm the trust remains aligned with your goals and with changes in law. Proactive maintenance helps avoid unintended outcomes and keeps the plan effective over time.
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement in which the grantor transfers assets into a trust entity while retaining the ability to alter or revoke the trust during life. The trust names a trustee to manage assets and beneficiaries who will receive distributions under the trust’s terms. While the grantor is alive and capable, they often serve as trustee and control trust assets. The trust document specifies successor trustees and distribution instructions to operate in the event of incapacity or death, creating a practical framework for managing and transferring assets without relying solely on a will. Because the trust is revocable, the grantor can update its terms as life circumstances change, including changes in family composition or financial status. Complementary documents such as a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives are typically included in a complete estate plan to address matters not held in the trust and to name decision makers. Together, these tools provide practical mechanisms for both daily management and orderly distribution of assets according to your wishes.
A revocable living trust can help avoid probate for assets that are properly titled in the trust’s name because such assets pass under the trust’s terms without going through the probate court process. Probate is the court-supervised administration of an estate for assets titled in the decedent’s name; assets in a trust are not part of probate estate administration. To achieve this benefit, assets must be transferred into the trust during the grantor’s lifetime, and deeds, account titles, and beneficiary designations should be updated to reflect trust ownership where appropriate. It is important to note that not all assets automatically avoid probate simply because a trust exists. Retirement accounts and insurance policies with named beneficiaries pass according to their designations unless changed to name the trust. A pour-over will often serves as a backup to move any remaining assets into the trust through probate if assets were not retitled. Careful coordination of titles and designations is essential to minimize probate exposure for an estate.
Yes, many grantors initially serve as both trustee and primary beneficiary of their revocable living trust, which allows them to retain full control and use of the assets during life. This arrangement provides flexibility and continuity— the grantor manages assets as before while the trust document sets out successor arrangements. Naming yourself as trustee simplifies day-to-day management while the trust is in effect, and it permits you to amend or revoke the trust as circumstances dictate. Because you control the trust while able, it is important to also name reliable successor trustees who can step in if you become unable to manage affairs. The trust should include clear instructions for successor trustees, and complementary documents such as financial powers of attorney provide additional tools for handling finances during temporary incapacity. Thoughtful selection of successors and clear instructions reduce potential disputes and ensure continuity of management when needed.
If you become incapacitated, a properly drafted revocable living trust will typically name a successor trustee who can manage trust assets on your behalf without court involvement. The successor trustee is authorized to handle bill payments, manage investments, and address property matters according to the trust instructions. This arrangement avoids the need for a court-appointed conservatorship, which can be time-consuming and public. Including detailed incapacity provisions and selecting a trusted successor helps ensure financial affairs continue to be managed promptly and according to your preferences. In addition to naming a successor trustee, it is advisable to have complementary documents such as a durable financial power of attorney and an advance health care directive. These documents provide authority for someone to act on non-trust matters and make health care decisions when you cannot. Together, these instruments create a coordinated approach to incapacity planning and protect daily financial and medical decision-making without court oversight.
Funding a revocable living trust means transferring ownership of assets into the trust so they will be governed by its terms. For real estate, this typically involves preparing and recording a new deed listing the trust as the property owner. For bank and investment accounts, funding usually requires changing the account title or beneficiary designation to the trust’s name or following the institution’s procedures for trust accounts. Retirement accounts and life insurance policies often require coordination of beneficiary designations rather than retitling, depending on the owner’s goals. Because each institution has its own requirements, we provide specific instructions and checklists to help clients complete funding tasks. Failing to fund the trust properly is a common oversight that can leave assets subject to probate despite having a trust document. Careful follow-through, proper recording of deeds, and verification with account custodians are important steps to ensure the trust functions as intended.
Yes. A defining feature of a revocable living trust is that the grantor retains the ability to amend or revoke the trust during lifetime while they have capacity. This flexibility allows the grantor to update beneficiaries, change distribution provisions, add or remove assets, or make other adjustments as personal or financial circumstances evolve. Amendments can be made through formal amendment documents or by restating the trust with new language, each method following the formal signing and witnessing procedures required by law. While revoking or amending a trust is generally straightforward when the grantor is capable, it is important to document changes properly to avoid confusion or unintended consequences later. After major life events or changes in goals, a review of the trust and related documents ensures the plan remains aligned with current intentions. Keeping clear records of amendments and providing updated copies to successors can help prevent disputes and facilitate administration when required.
A revocable living trust itself generally does not provide estate tax reduction because assets in a revocable trust are still part of the grantor’s taxable estate for federal and state estate tax purposes while the grantor is living. For most individuals, estate tax implications depend on the overall size of the estate and current tax law thresholds. If tax minimization is a concern, other planning tools such as irrevocable trusts, life insurance planning, or retirement plan strategies may be considered as part of a broader plan to address estate tax exposure. Because tax rules can be complex and change over time, it is advisable to coordinate estate planning decisions with a qualified tax advisor or attorney familiar with current federal and state rules. Our role includes explaining how different trust structures interact with tax considerations and referring clients to appropriate tax professionals when specialized tax planning is needed to pursue particular goals.
The time to set up a revocable living trust typically varies based on the complexity of your assets and the level of customization required. For many individuals with straightforward assets and clear beneficiary choices, drafting trust documents and related instruments can be completed within a few weeks, allowing time for review and revisions. More complex situations involving multiple properties, business interests, or detailed distribution provisions may require additional time to gather information, coordinate funding, and finalize transfer steps. Efficient preparation depends on timely delivery of asset information, decisions about trustees and beneficiaries, and completing funding steps such as recording deeds or retitling accounts. We provide checklists and guidance to streamline the process and keep clients informed of expected timelines at each stage, aiming to complete the matter as promptly as accuracy and thoroughness permit.
For an initial meeting, bring documents that outline your current financial picture, such as deeds for real property, recent account statements for bank and investment accounts, retirement plan summaries, life insurance policies, and any existing wills or trust documents. Also provide information about beneficiaries you wish to name, potential trustees, and details about any business interests or debts. Having a list of significant assets and approximate values helps us evaluate which items should be placed in the trust and how to coordinate beneficiary designations. Bringing identification and contact information for family members or potential trustees and beneficiaries is also helpful. If you have questions about guardianship for minor children or special care needs for dependents, preparing notes about these concerns will help us tailor recommendations. The more complete the information you provide at the first meeting, the more productive our discussion will be in designing a plan that meets your goals.
Beneficiary designations on accounts such as retirement plans and life insurance typically control how those assets pass at death, regardless of the terms of a separate trust, unless the account owner specifically names the trust as beneficiary. Coordination is essential: in some situations naming the trust as beneficiary is appropriate, while in others keeping direct beneficiary designations is preferable for tax or administrative reasons. Reviewing beneficiary designations together with trust provisions ensures assets will transfer in a manner consistent with your overall plan and avoids conflicts between account naming and trust instructions. When a trust is named as beneficiary, the trust terms govern distribution of the proceeds after the plan administrator transfers funds to the trust. This can be useful for managing payouts for minors or vulnerable beneficiaries. We help clients evaluate how to handle beneficiary designations and whether to name the trust, individual beneficiaries, or a combination, based on distribution goals and legal considerations.
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