A revocable living trust is a central tool in contemporary estate planning that helps individuals maintain control of assets during life while arranging for an orderly transfer at incapacity or death. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, we prepare revocable living trusts designed to reflect clients’ wishes, coordinate with wills and healthcare directives, and reduce the likelihood of probate delays. Whether you own real property in Yorba Linda, retirement accounts in California, or personal property that requires careful titling, a well-drafted trust provides clarity for heirs and appointed fiduciaries while allowing for flexible changes as circumstances evolve.
Choosing the right trust structure involves evaluating family dynamics, asset types, and long-term goals. A revocable living trust allows continued control over assets during the settlor’s lifetime and contains provisions for successor trustees to step in if needed, avoiding public probate proceedings in many cases. Our team discusses related documents such as pour-over wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and HIPAA authorizations to create a cohesive plan. We serve clients throughout Yorba Linda and surrounding Orange County communities, helping them make informed decisions that align with personal and financial objectives.
A revocable living trust can streamline asset transfer, provide clear instructions for incapacity, and preserve family privacy by avoiding probate court. When assets are properly funded into the trust, successor trustees can manage or distribute property according to the trust terms without the delays of probate administration. This arrangement is useful for owners of residential real estate, business interests, and liquid assets who want continuity of management and discretion for distributions. In addition, coordinated estate planning documents ensure that beneficiary designations, retirement accounts, and other arrangements work together, reducing confusion and potential disputes after a loved one’s passing.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provide estate planning services tailored to clients across California, including Yorba Linda and Orange County. With a focus on clear communication and practical solutions, the firm prepares revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and related documents such as certification of trust and Heggstad petitions. Our approach emphasizes understanding each client’s family structure, financial holdings, and long-term goals so that plans remain effective and manageable. Clients receive straightforward guidance on document implementation, funding assets into trusts, and periodic review to keep plans current with life changes.
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement in which the trustmaker transfers ownership of assets into a trust while retaining the right to modify or revoke the trust during life. The trust is managed by a trustee, often the trustmaker initially, with successor trustees named to oversee the trust if the trustmaker becomes incapacitated or passes away. The trust document sets out instructions for asset management, distributions to beneficiaries, provisions for minor or dependent beneficiaries, and guidelines for incapacity planning. Coordination with beneficiary designations, retirement accounts, and titled assets is essential to ensure the trust plan functions as intended.
Funding the trust is an important step and involves retitling assets such as real property, bank accounts, and investment holdings into the trust name or creating payable-on-death arrangements consistent with trust goals. Some assets like IRAs and certain retirement plans often remain outside the trust but should have beneficiary designations that complement the trust plan. A trust can include provisions for successor management, trustee powers, and procedures for amendment. Regular review keeps the trust aligned with tax law changes, family changes, and variations in asset structure to preserve the settlor’s intent over time.
A revocable living trust is a flexible estate planning tool that helps individuals plan for incapacity and distribute assets upon death while offering a degree of privacy and control. Unlike a will, a properly funded trust can allow property to pass outside of probate, reducing exposure to lengthy court processes. The trust document designates who will manage the trust assets during incapacity and who will receive distributions after death, along with any conditions or timelines for those distributions. Because the trust is revocable, the trustmaker retains the ability to modify terms, add or remove assets, and adapt the plan to changing circumstances.
Creating a revocable living trust typically involves identifying assets to be placed into the trust, drafting clear trust provisions that reflect distribution intentions, naming successor trustees, and executing the document in compliance with state law. Important processes include compiling an asset inventory, changing titles for real property and accounts where appropriate, updating beneficiary designations, and preparing complementary documents such as a pour-over will, financial power of attorney, and advance health care directive. After execution, periodic maintenance is important to ensure newly acquired assets are incorporated into the trust and that trustees and beneficiaries remain current.
Familiarity with common terms makes it easier to understand how a trust functions and how it interacts with other estate planning tools. Knowing the meanings of trustee, settlor, pour-over will, funding, and certification of trust helps clients follow recommendations and make informed decisions. Clear definitions also reduce ambiguity for successor trustees and beneficiaries, so the plan is implemented as intended. This glossary provides concise descriptions of terms you will encounter when setting up a revocable living trust and related documents used to manage incapacity and asset transfer.
A revocable living trust is a trust that can be altered or revoked by the trustmaker during their lifetime. It holds title to assets placed into it and provides instructions for management and distribution. The trustmaker usually serves as initial trustee, maintaining control over assets and income while alive. Successor trustees step in upon incapacity or death to carry out trust provisions without the need for probate administration in many cases. The trust includes terms for managing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property to named beneficiaries over time or at specific life events.
A pour-over will is a complementary document to a living trust that ensures assets unintentionally left out of the trust at death are transferred into the trust for distribution. While it does not avoid probate for those assets, it directs that any probate assets pass to the trust so the trust’s distribution provisions will ultimately control. The pour-over will provides a safety net to capture assets that were not retitled or designated to transfer directly to the trust, thereby preserving the overall estate plan. It typically names a personal representative to oversee probate formalities.
A trustee is a person or institution responsible for managing trust assets according to the terms of the trust document. The initial trustee often is the trustmaker, who retains control during life, while successor trustees are named to take over if the trustmaker becomes unable to serve or passes away. Trustee duties include managing investments, paying bills and taxes, keeping records, communicating with beneficiaries, and distributing assets as directed by the trust. Selecting a trustee requires consideration of reliability, availability, and the ability to follow detailed instructions and financial responsibilities.
A certification of trust is a shortened document that provides proof of the trust’s existence and the authority of the trustee without revealing the trust’s full terms. It is used when third parties, such as banks or title companies, need confirmation that the trustee has the authority to act on behalf of the trust. The certification typically includes essential information such as the trust’s name, date, trustee identities, and a statement of trustee powers. This document can simplify transactions while preserving the privacy of the trust’s detailed provisions.
Reviewing the advantages and limits of wills, revocable living trusts, and other planning techniques helps determine the best fit for an individual’s circumstances. A will must go through probate to transfer assets, which can be public and time-consuming. A revocable living trust, when properly funded, can allow asset transfer without probate and provide continuity of management during incapacity, but it requires more initial document preparation and funding steps. Other options such as beneficiary designations, transfer-on-death titles, and joint ownership may be suitable in simpler situations. Discussing life goals and asset structure clarifies which combination of tools will meet personal objectives efficiently.
A limited estate planning approach can be appropriate when assets are modest, beneficiaries are straightforward, and real property ownership and retirement accounts are structured to pass directly by beneficiary designation or joint ownership. In these circumstances, a will combined with up-to-date beneficiary designations and powers of attorney may achieve the client’s goals without the additional steps of trust funding. However, even with simple estates, planning should account for incapacity, ensure health-care directives are in place, and confirm that asset ownership aligns with the intended post-death distribution plan to avoid unintended outcomes.
If an individual’s assets consist primarily of accounts with designated beneficiaries and there is no real property that requires retitling, a limited approach may be efficient and cost-effective. Such plans emphasize clear beneficiary forms, payable-on-death arrangements, and documents to manage incapacity while minimizing administrative tasks. It remains important to periodically review the overall picture and ensure that new assets are addressed and beneficiary forms remain current, particularly after life events such as marriage, divorce, births, or deaths, so the plan continues to reflect the client’s intentions.
A trust-based plan is often preferable for clients who own real property, business interests, or complex asset mixes that benefit from coordinated management and seamless transfer. By funding property into a revocable living trust, successor trustees can avoid many probate procedures and implement the trustmaker’s distribution instructions more privately. This approach is helpful when multiple properties, out-of-state real estate, or unique management instructions are involved. Creating a cohesive plan that aligns deeds, account titling, and beneficiary designations requires careful drafting and attention to administrative details to ensure the trust functions as intended.
A comprehensive trust approach addresses not only asset transfer at death but also management during incapacity, contingency planning for family changes, and protection for beneficiaries who may need oversight. Trust provisions can include instructions for how to handle distributions for minors or beneficiaries with special needs, appoint guardianship nominees, and specify successor decision-makers for financial and medical matters. For blended families, second marriages, or where privacy and continuity of governance are priorities, a trust-based plan helps create a durable structure tailored to family dynamics and long-term intentions.
A comprehensive trust-centered plan can minimize public court involvement, facilitate smooth management during incapacity, and allow for tailored distribution instructions that reflect the trustmaker’s wishes. Trusts can provide mechanisms to stagger distributions, protect beneficiaries from creditor claims to varying degrees, and designate trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions according to expressed preferences. Coordination with powers of attorney, advance health care directives, HIPAA authorizations, and certification of trust documentation ensures cohesive administration and reduces confusion for successor fiduciaries tasked with carrying out the plan.
Beyond probate avoidance, comprehensive planning helps clients address specific concerns such as the transfer of closely held businesses, preservation of family real estate, and ensuring that beneficiaries receive support in a manner aligned with the trustmaker’s values. It also creates a roadmap for trustees and family members, reducing potential disputes and delays. Periodic reviews keep the plan aligned with changing laws and family circumstances. Effective communication of the plan to designated fiduciaries can further ease administration at times when loved ones may be under stress.
One primary benefit of a trust-centered approach is the potential to avoid probate for assets properly placed in the trust, which can shorten the time required for asset transfer and keep the details of distributions out of the public record. Families often value the privacy and streamlined handling that trusts can provide, especially when multiple beneficiaries or sensitive financial matters are involved. With clear trust provisions and properly funded assets, successor trustees can administer the estate according to the trust’s terms while minimizing court supervision and public disclosure of family affairs.
A revocable living trust combines flexibility with continuity of management by allowing the trustmaker to retain control during life while naming successor trustees to act if incapacity occurs. Trust provisions can specify how and when beneficiaries receive distributions, include spendthrift protections, and outline trustee powers for investment and administration. The trust can also incorporate instructions to address healthcare decisions and transition to long-term care arrangements when paired with appropriate healthcare directives and powers of attorney. This comprehensive coordination supports a smoother transition in challenging circumstances.
Begin by creating a comprehensive inventory of accounts, deeds, insurance policies, retirement plans, business interests, and personal property. Document account numbers, titles, beneficiary designations, and any relevant contractual restrictions. This exercise helps determine which assets should be retitled into the trust, which should keep beneficiary designations, and which may require transfer-on-death arrangements. Clear organization makes the trust funding process more efficient and provides successor trustees with the information they need to manage or distribute assets as intended, reducing administrative delays during stressful times.
A pour-over will, powers of attorney, advance health care directive, HIPAA authorization, and other supporting documents should be consistent with trust provisions to avoid gaps in planning. The pour-over will captures assets inadvertently left out of the trust and directs them into the trust after probate, while powers of attorney and healthcare directives ensure decision-makers are authorized during incapacity. Regularly reviewing all components as life and financial situations change keeps the plan effective and reduces the risk of unintended outcomes. Clear instructions for successor trustees and beneficiaries further ease administration.
Clients often consider a revocable living trust to avoid the delay and publicity of probate, provide continuity in the event of incapacity, and create tailored distribution plans for beneficiaries. Trusts can be especially valuable for owners of residential property, clients with blended families, or those who want to provide structured distributions for minors or beneficiaries who may need assistance managing funds. When combined with powers of attorney and advance health care directives, a trust-based plan addresses practical and personal concerns while outlining decision-making authority during difficult transitions.
A revocable living trust also supports planning for long-term care transitions, coordination of retirement and investment accounts, and preservation of family-owned assets by setting clear instructions for management and succession. For individuals who value privacy and who want to minimize court involvement after death, trusts provide an administrative path that keeps distribution terms confidential. Periodic review and maintenance ensure that the trust continues to reflect current family dynamics and asset holdings, which helps preserve the settlor’s intent and eases the duties of successor trustees.
Typical circumstances that make a trust advantageous include ownership of one or more properties, complex family relationships, significant holdings that require management continuity, or a desire to protect beneficiary privacy. Trusts are also useful when clients want to provide ongoing financial support to minors, dependents with special needs, or beneficiaries who may benefit from staggered distributions. By naming successor trustees and outlining clear administrative procedures, a trust reduces ambiguity for family members and provides a practical framework for managing finances and distributions after incapacity or death.
When you own residential real estate or properties in multiple jurisdictions, a trust helps coordinate title and transfer arrangements to reduce the administrative burden of probate in different states. Funding real property into a revocable living trust can avoid separate probate proceedings for each property and provide continuity for management and rental income if the owner becomes incapacitated. Careful attention to deeds, mortgage arrangements, and local recording requirements ensures that the trust holds title as intended and that successor trustees have the authority needed to manage or sell property per the trust’s terms.
Families with beneficiaries who have special needs often use specific trust provisions to provide supplemental support without displacing eligibility for public benefits. Trusts such as special needs trusts can be tailored to deliver services and care while protecting access to government programs. Including clear language about the purpose and permitted uses of trust funds and naming trustees experienced in managing such arrangements reduces risk of benefit disruption. Coordinating the trust plan with other supports and maintaining regular reviews helps ensure long-term financial stability for dependents who require ongoing assistance.
Clients who prioritize privacy and a smooth transition of asset management often choose a trust-based plan to avoid the public nature of probate and to enable successor trustees to act quickly when needed. A trust can provide a clear roadmap for handling financial responsibilities, distributing assets, and resolving contingencies without court oversight. This continuity can be especially valuable when family members live in different locations or when immediate management is needed to protect property and investments. Thoughtful drafting and proper funding enhance the trust’s effectiveness in meeting these objectives.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serve clients across Yorba Linda and Orange County with practical trust and estate planning services tailored to local needs. We assist with revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, certification of trust, and related documents such as special needs trusts and pet trusts. Our goal is to ensure clients have a clear, manageable plan that reflects their intentions and prepares for future contingencies. To begin planning or schedule a consultation, clients may contact the firm by phone or through the office website for more information and next steps.
Clients work with the firm for practical, client-focused estate planning that emphasizes clarity and usability. The team prepares documents such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives with attention to how those documents will function in real life. Careful coordination among documents and clear instructions for successor trustees help reduce friction for families during administration. The firm also assists with steps like trust funding, recording deeds, and preparing certification of trust to facilitate third-party acceptance and efficient trust administration.
Our process focuses on understanding the client’s goals and tailoring strategies to match asset structures, family relationships, and long-term intentions. We explain options for handling retirement accounts, business interests, and real property to help clients make informed decisions. Transparent discussion of expected steps and likely timelines provides clients with realistic expectations for implementation and maintenance. Periodic plan reviews and updates are recommended so that estate plans remain effective as laws and personal circumstances change.
Communication and practical guidance are central to the firm’s service model. Clients receive clear documentation, assistance with administrative steps such as retitling assets, and guidance on coordinating beneficiary designations and supporting documents. Whether creating a new plan or updating an existing one, the emphasis is on producing a durable arrangement that beneficiaries and fiduciaries can implement without undue complication. Contact options are provided so clients can begin the planning process and ensure their wishes are documented and organized appropriately.
Our process begins with a thorough review of your assets, family structure, and objectives, followed by drafting documents that reflect your goals and coordinating funding and beneficiary arrangements. We prepare a revocable living trust alongside complementary documents like pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives, then guide the transfer or retitling of assets into the trust. After execution, we provide instructions for trustees and beneficiaries and recommend periodic reviews to keep the plan current. Clear communication throughout the process helps clients feel confident about implementation and administration.
The first step focuses on collecting information about property, accounts, family members, and potential beneficiaries, and identifying objectives for distribution and incapacity planning. This phase includes discussing special concerns such as guardianship nominations for minor children, provisions for dependents with special needs, and preferences for trustee selection. We also review existing beneficiary designations, deeds, and contractual arrangements to determine the most efficient path to implement a trust-based plan. Accurate documentation at this stage streamlines drafting and funding steps that follow.
Gathering deeds, account statements, retirement plan documents, insurance policies, and existing estate documents enables a comprehensive assessment and helps determine which assets should be transferred to the trust. We examine titles and beneficiary forms to identify gaps or inconsistencies that could affect how assets pass at death. This review also uncovers any contractual or creditor issues that might influence planning choices. Clear records and an up-to-date inventory reduce surprises later in the process and allow the trust to be drafted to match the client’s complete asset picture.
During the initial planning meeting we discuss how you want assets distributed, who should be named as successor trustees, and any special conditions you wish to include in the trust. Topics such as staggered distributions, support for dependents, and plans for business succession are addressed so the trust reflects practical arrangements. Identifying trusted decision-makers and backup options reduces the risk of administrative hurdles and clarifies responsibilities for those who will manage the trust if you cannot do so yourself.
In the drafting stage we prepare a revocable living trust tailored to the client’s objectives, along with a pour-over will, financial power of attorney, advance health care directive, and certification of trust when appropriate. Drafting emphasizes clarity in successor trustee powers, distribution terms, and procedures for incapacity. We review the draft with the client to confirm details and make any adjustments necessary to reflect family dynamics or tax considerations. Finalizing the documents includes proper execution, notarization, and instructions for immediate next steps.
Drafting includes specifying trustee powers, distribution schedules, provisions for minor or dependent beneficiaries, and instructions for managing or selling assets. Administrative provisions address recordkeeping, accounting, and authority to make financial and investment decisions. Clear instructions for successor trustees and contingency plans ensure continuity in management. Careful drafting anticipates potential issues and provides direction to help minimize disputes and delays, while remaining flexible enough to allow practical administration in changing circumstances.
After execution, we assist with the steps needed to fund the trust, such as preparing and recording deeds for real estate, changing titles on accounts, and coordinating beneficiary designations where appropriate. Proper funding is essential to ensure the trust serves its intended purpose; untransferred assets may still be subject to probate. We provide practical guidance and templates for third-party institutions to accept the trust and facilitate a smooth transition of asset control to the trust structure where desired.
The final step covers executing documents, confirming that assets are properly titled in the trust, and providing successors with the information they need to administer the trust when necessary. We recommend periodic reviews to update the plan after life events, asset changes, or law updates. Maintenance may include amendments, restatements, or additional documents such as irrevocable life insurance trusts or retirement plan trusts where appropriate. Ongoing attention preserves the plan’s effectiveness and aligns with the settlor’s evolving wishes.
Execution requires signing and notarizing documents according to state law to ensure validity and acceptance by third parties. For real property transfers, recording deeds in the county recorder’s office completes the funding process for real estate. We guide clients through these formalities and provide notarization support when needed. Ensuring that execution steps are properly completed reduces the risk of later challenges and helps banks, title companies, and other institutions recognize trustee authority without dispute.
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant asset acquisitions may require amendments or restatements of the trust to keep the plan aligned with current goals. Periodic review ensures beneficiary designations, tax planning considerations, and trustee appointments remain appropriate. We recommend scheduling reviews at major life milestones or at least every few years to confirm that the trust continues to meet needs. Timely updates reduce confusion for successor trustees and preserve the integrity of the estate plan.
A will is a document that directs how assets titled in your name should be distributed at death and typically must pass through probate to effect those transfers. In contrast, a revocable living trust is a separate legal entity that holds title to assets placed into it and provides instructions for management during incapacity and distribution at death. When assets are properly transferred into a trust, successor trustees can often manage or distribute them without the need for probate, which can save time and preserve privacy. Both a will and a trust play important roles: a will can name guardians for minor children and catch assets not placed into the trust through a pour-over provision, while the trust offers continuity and administration benefits. Discussing your asset types and family circumstances helps determine whether a trust or a combination of documents best meets your objectives.
A properly funded revocable living trust can help many California families avoid probate for the assets that are placed into the trust, which often results in a faster and more private transfer to beneficiaries. Avoiding probate can reduce court supervision and the public nature of the process, though certain assets may still require separate handling. It is important to retitle real property and other assets into the trust and review beneficiary designations to ensure the trust plan functions effectively. Not all assets should be transferred into a trust, and some account types like IRAs have special rules and beneficiary considerations. A coordinated approach that addresses titling, beneficiary forms, and supporting documents such as pour-over wills and powers of attorney is necessary to minimize probate exposure and achieve the intended results.
Funding a revocable living trust generally involves retitling assets such as real estate, bank accounts, and investment accounts into the name of the trust or executing beneficiary or transfer-on-death designations consistent with the trust’s goals. For real estate, this typically requires preparing and recording a deed that transfers ownership to the trust. For financial accounts, the institution may require specific forms or a certification of trust before changing the account title. Some assets, like retirement accounts, cannot be retitled into a trust without tax consequences and are often managed through beneficiary designations. Working through the funding process soon after execution and maintaining an updated inventory of assets helps ensure that the trust serves its intended role and reduces the chance that assets will unintentionally remain outside the trust.
Because a revocable living trust is revocable, the trustmaker may amend or revoke the trust during their lifetime as circumstances, relationships, and objectives change. Amendments can modify distribution terms, trustee appointments, or other administrative provisions without recreating the entire document. If substantial changes are needed, a restatement may be prepared to consolidate amendments into a single updated document. The trustmaker retains control while capable and can implement changes to reflect new asset structures or family events. It is also possible to revoke the trust entirely if desired, which would return full title and control of assets to the trustmaker outside the trust framework. Careful documentation of amendments and consistent execution formalities help avoid confusion for successor trustees and beneficiaries about current trust terms.
Yes. Even when a revocable living trust is created, a pour-over will is typically included to capture any assets that were not transferred into the trust during lifetime and direct them into the trust upon death. The pour-over will acts as a safety net to ensure that omitted assets ultimately pass according to the trust’s terms, though such assets may still be subject to probate before moving into the trust. A will can also name guardians for minor children, which is an important matter not addressed by a trust alone. Maintaining both documents and ensuring beneficiary designations align with the trust plan reduces the likelihood of unintended outcomes and provides clarity for loved ones and fiduciaries during administration. Periodic review is recommended to keep the will and trust consistent with current intentions.
A trust provides a mechanism for continuity of financial affairs if the trustmaker becomes incapacitated by allowing a named successor trustee to step in and manage assets according to instructions laid out in the trust document. This avoids the need for a court-appointed conservatorship in many cases and ensures that bills, taxes, mortgage payments, and other obligations are handled without interruption. Trust provisions can also authorize trustees to make investments, pay for care, and manage property in the trustmaker’s best interest. Paired with a financial power of attorney and advance health care directive, the trust forms part of a comprehensive incapacity plan, giving trusted individuals authority to act and access to necessary information while maintaining continuity and minimizing administrative disruption for the family.
A complete estate plan commonly includes a revocable living trust, a pour-over will, a financial power of attorney, an advance health care directive, HIPAA authorization, certificates of trust where needed, and any specialized trusts relevant to family needs such as special needs trusts or irrevocable life insurance trusts. Each document has a distinct role: the trust governs asset management and distribution, the will covers residual matters and guardianship, and powers of attorney and healthcare directives address incapacity decisions. Coordinating these documents and ensuring they work together with beneficiary designations and account titles is essential to implement an efficient and effective plan. Periodic reviews and updates keep the overall package consistent with life changes and evolving objectives.
Trust documents should be reviewed periodically, particularly after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant asset purchases or sales, changes in family dynamics, or relocation. A review every few years helps ensure that beneficiary designations, trustee appointments, and distribution provisions remain appropriate. Laws and institutional practices also change over time, which can affect the effectiveness of certain provisions and titling strategies. Regular reviews also allow clients to address new assets and remove outdated instructions, keeping the plan practical and enforceable. Scheduling periodic check-ins provides peace of mind that the estate plan remains aligned with current goals and that successor fiduciaries have accurate information to carry out responsibilities.
A basic revocable living trust does not by itself provide significant estate tax reduction because the trustmaker retains control over trust assets during life and can revoke the trust. Estate tax planning typically requires additional, irrevocable planning tools and strategies designed to remove value from the taxable estate or to take advantage of applicable exemptions. For clients with taxable estates or complex succession planning needs, combining trusts with other vehicle types can be part of a broader strategy to manage potential tax exposure. For most individuals with estates below federal and state exemption thresholds, the primary advantages of a revocable living trust are administrative efficiency, incapacity planning, and privacy rather than tax reduction. Consulting about overall tax and estate planning objectives can clarify whether additional measures are appropriate.
Choosing a successor trustee involves selecting a person or institution who is reliable, organized, and capable of managing financial matters and following the trust’s directions. Many clients consider a trusted family member, friend, or professional fiduciary as primary trustee and name alternates in case the initial choice is unable or unwilling to serve. It is important to discuss the responsibilities with potential trustees in advance so they understand expectations and are prepared to act when needed. Factors to consider include the trustee’s willingness to serve, proximity to important assets, ability to keep records and communicate with beneficiaries, and comfort with financial decision-making. Some clients choose a corporate trustee or co-trustees to combine family knowledge with professional administration where continuity and impartiality are concerns.
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