An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) can play an important role in a well-planned estate strategy for residents of Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo County. This page explains how an ILIT works, what it can accomplish for your family, and how the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman approaches creating and administering these arrangements. We emphasize clear communication, careful drafting, and attention to tax and beneficiary considerations so your life insurance proceeds are preserved and distributed according to your wishes while minimizing avoidable transfer complications and administrative burdens for survivors.
Choosing to place a life insurance policy into an irrevocable trust removes the policy from your taxable estate and can keep proceeds out of probate, which simplifies administration for those you leave behind. This option also clarifies who receives benefits, when they receive them, and under what conditions, reducing the risk of disputes. Our firm works with clients to evaluate whether an ILIT aligns with broader estate planning goals, and to structure trust provisions that reflect family dynamics, special needs considerations, and long-term asset protection, always mindful of California law and practical administration needs.
An ILIT offers focused benefits that can matter greatly to families seeking clarity and control over life insurance proceeds. By transferring ownership of a life insurance policy into a trust, the policy proceeds are generally kept out of the grantor’s probate estate, which can help reduce estate administration time and expense. Additionally, an ILIT can set precise terms for distribution, provide for vulnerable beneficiaries such as minors or people with special needs, and help manage liquidity needs for estate taxes or debts. Crafting the trust language carefully ensures distributions align with the grantor’s intentions while providing protection against unintended creditor claims.
Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides estate planning services tailored to California families, including drafting trusts, wills, and ILITs that address practical considerations and state law. Our approach centers on listening to each client’s family dynamics and financial goals, then translating those priorities into clear trust provisions and related documents such as pour-over wills and powers of attorney. We emphasize careful drafting to minimize post-death uncertainty and to streamline administration for trustees and beneficiaries, while coordinating with financial advisors and insurance agents as needed to ensure transfers are completed correctly and timely.
An ILIT is a trust created to own and manage one or more life insurance policies for the benefit of named beneficiaries. Once the grantor transfers ownership of a policy to the trust, the policy is no longer part of the grantor’s estate for many purposes, which can reduce estate tax exposure and prevent proceeds from passing through probate. The trust typically names a trustee to manage the policy, pay premiums using gifts from the grantor, and distribute proceeds under terms set by the grantor. Properly executed, an ILIT clarifies how and when funds are paid and helps preserve value for beneficiaries.
Creating and funding an ILIT involves several practical steps and timing considerations. The grantor must intentionally transfer a policy to the trust and, if a new policy is issued, have the trust named as owner and beneficiary. Premium payments often flow from annual gifts to the trust, and careful recordkeeping is necessary to demonstrate that the trust has the funds to maintain the policy. Because an ILIT is irrevocable, the grantor generally cannot reclaim ownership, making up-front planning and awareness of long-term implications essential. Coordination with insurance providers and ongoing trustee communication are part of responsible administration.
An ILIT is a type of trust that, once established and funded, holds title to a life insurance policy and receives the policy proceeds at the insured’s death. The trust document sets out who the beneficiaries are, when they receive distributions, and what conditions or protections might apply, such as staggered payments or restrictions for certain uses. By holding the policy outside the grantor’s estate, proceeds may avoid probate and be managed by the trustee according to the grantor’s instructions. The trust can also provide creditor protection for beneficiaries depending on how distributions are structured and state law.
Several elements are central to an ILIT: a clear trust instrument naming the trustee and beneficiaries, the transfer or issuance of a life insurance policy to the trust, trustee powers to manage and invest, and mechanisms for making premium payments. Administrative steps include preparing the trust, completing policy assignment forms, coordinating premium funding often through annual exclusion gifts, and maintaining records of gift checks and trustee actions. Trustees must also handle beneficiary notices, claims submission at the time of death, and distribution according to trust terms. Attention to timing and documentation keeps the structure functional and defensible.
Understanding common terms helps clients follow the planning process and discuss options with confidence. This glossary covers the most frequently used words relating to ILITs: grantor, trustee, beneficiary, assignment, premium funding, gift tax considerations, probate exclusion, and trust administration duties. Each term is explained in plain language so you can see how it affects your decisions. Clear definitions reduce uncertainty and help align the ILIT’s provisions with your broader estate plan, beneficiary needs, and financial objectives for managing life insurance proceeds effectively.
The grantor or settlor is the person who creates the trust and transfers assets into it. In the ILIT context, the grantor is typically the owner of the life insurance policy who decides to move ownership into the trust to accomplish estate planning goals. The grantor sets the terms of the trust document, selects the trustee and beneficiaries, and makes decisions about premium funding and trust provisions. Because ILITs are generally irrevocable, the grantor must consider long-term implications before transferring a policy and losing direct control over the asset.
The trustee is the person or institution appointed to manage the trust assets and carry out the instructions in the trust document. For an ILIT, the trustee oversees the insurance policy, ensures premiums are paid from trust funds, files claims for benefits after the insured’s death, and distributes proceeds according to the trust terms. Trustees have fiduciary duties to act in the best interests of beneficiaries, keep accurate records, and provide accounting. Choosing a trustee who can handle administrative responsibilities and communicate with beneficiaries is a key decision during trust creation.
A beneficiary is an individual or entity entitled to receive benefits from the trust when directed by the trust agreement. In an ILIT, beneficiaries receive life insurance proceeds under the schedule or conditions the grantor sets, such as outright payments at certain ages or distributions for education, health, or maintenance. The trust may include multiple beneficiaries with varying distribution provisions to reflect differing needs. Clear beneficiary designations and contingent beneficiary planning help prevent disputes and ensure funds are accessible to those intended to receive support.
Assignment refers to transferring ownership of an existing life insurance policy from the grantor to the trust, while premium funding describes the method by which the trustee pays ongoing policy premiums. Often the grantor uses annual exclusion gifts to provide funds to the trust for premium payments, and the trustee uses those funds to maintain the policy. Proper documentation of assignments and gifts is essential to confirm that the transfer occurred and that premium payments were made from trust resources. Timing of the assignment can affect whether proceeds are excluded from the grantor’s estate.
When evaluating options for life insurance and estate planning, an ILIT is compared to alternatives like naming beneficiaries directly, using a revocable living trust, or leaving the policy in the estate. Naming beneficiaries directly is simple but may expose proceeds to creditor claims or probate delays in some scenarios. A revocable living trust provides flexibility during life but does not remove the policy from the estate if the grantor retains ownership. An ILIT, by design, offers more control over distribution timing and potential estate tax planning advantages, though it is less flexible once established. Each path involves tradeoffs that depend on family goals and asset composition.
A direct beneficiary designation may be appropriate if the estate is modest and family relationships are straightforward. If the policy proceeds will pass to a spouse or adult children who are financially secure and unlikely to face creditor claims, leaving beneficiaries named on the policy can be a low-cost, simple choice. This approach minimizes paperwork and ongoing administration, but it does not provide the protective features of a trust, and it offers less control over how funds are used after distribution. For some families, the simplicity outweighs the potential benefits of more elaborate planning.
If a revocable living trust already manages most estate assets and includes provisions to provide liquidity, keeping the life insurance policy outside an ILIT might be reasonable. In those circumstances, the revocable trust can be structured to receive or manage insurance proceeds without the need to transfer ownership into a separate irrevocable vehicle. This can preserve flexibility while still addressing liquidity or distribution concerns, but it may not achieve the same estate exclusion benefits as an ILIT. Families often choose this path when maintaining control during the grantor’s lifetime is a priority.
Families with blended households, beneficiaries who are minors or beneficiaries with special needs, or significant asset values typically benefit from a comprehensive plan that coordinates ILITs, revocable trusts, wills, and powers of attorney. Bringing all documents into alignment reduces the risk of inconsistencies or unintended outcomes, establishes clear roles for trustees and executors, and ensures that liquidity needs and tax considerations are addressed. Comprehensive planning also allows for contingencies, such as successor trustees or alternate beneficiaries, which can prevent disputes and simplify administration at a difficult time.
When estate tax exposure or potential creditor claims are real possibilities, incorporating an ILIT into a broader estate plan helps shield policy proceeds and manage distribution timing. Comprehensive service means evaluating the owner’s other assets, titling strategies, and beneficiary designations to create a cohesive strategy that addresses both tax planning and asset protection. This process often requires precise drafting and careful transfer timing to ensure intended benefits are achieved without unintended tax consequences or administrative hurdles for survivors.
A coordinated estate plan that includes an ILIT alongside trusts, wills, and advance directives reduces uncertainty and provides a roadmap for family members managing the estate. Such planning clarifies distribution timing, avoids probate for covered assets, and can ease the administrative burden placed on trustees and executors. Additionally, it allows for targeted protections for vulnerable beneficiaries while preserving capital for long-term needs such as education, care, or family support. Consolidation of documents and instructions also helps prevent conflicts that can arise from inconsistent beneficiary designations or outdated provisions.
Another benefit of a comprehensive approach is streamlined communication among professionals involved in the plan, including financial advisors, insurance agents, and trustees. When all documents reflect a unified strategy, it is easier to implement the grantor’s wishes and to respond efficiently to changes such as remarriage, births, or shifts in financial circumstances. Regular reviews of the estate plan ensure the ILIT and related documents remain aligned with goals while addressing changes in law and family situations, helping to preserve value and reduce administrative friction after the grantor’s death.
When a life insurance policy is owned by an ILIT, proceeds typically bypass probate, allowing beneficiaries to receive funds more quickly and with fewer court-related delays. This can be especially important when proceeds are needed to cover immediate expenses such as final medical bills, funeral costs, or estate settlement needs. By providing a direct, trust-based mechanism for receipt and distribution, an ILIT reduces administrative steps and provides a clearer path for trustees to follow, which eases stress on surviving family members and helps ensure funds are available when they are needed most.
An ILIT allows the grantor to set conditions on how and when insurance proceeds are distributed, helping to protect beneficiaries from poor decisions, creditor claims, or unintended uses. Trust provisions can stagger distributions by age, require trustee approval for major disbursements, or designate funds for specific purposes like education or health care. These controls give families confidence that money intended for long-term security will be managed prudently, offering a balance between providing support and preserving assets for future needs.
Before finalizing an ILIT, verify that the trust is correctly designated as the policy owner and beneficiary through the insurer’s assignment forms. This step prevents misunderstandings that could cause proceeds to be paid elsewhere or become part of the estate. Keep copies of assignment forms, policy endorsements, and confirmation letters from the insurer in trust records. Also periodically review beneficiary designations and trust documents to ensure any life changes are reflected, and coordinate with the trustee so they are prepared to manage policies and premiums when needed.
Appoint a trustee willing and able to manage insurance matters, maintain records, pay premiums, and make distributions according to the trust terms. Many families select a trusted individual or a corporate trustee depending on the size and complexity of the estate. The trustee should understand the trust instrument, know how to interact with the insurance company, and be prepared to file claims and provide accounting to beneficiaries. Clear successor trustee naming prevents gaps in trust administration if the original trustee becomes unable or unwilling to serve.
Consider an ILIT if you want life insurance proceeds managed and distributed according to specific instructions rather than passing directly to named beneficiaries or through probate. ILITs can help with estate liquidity needs, provide for minors or vulnerable beneficiaries, and support tax planning objectives. They allow you to separate the policy from your taxable estate and to control timing of distributions through trustee-directed mechanisms, offering peace of mind that proceeds will address the priorities you set, such as paying debts, supporting surviving family members, or funding long-term care or education expenses.
An ILIT is also helpful when heirs have different financial situations or when protecting assets from potential creditor claims is a priority. It can be combined with other planning tools, such as revocable trusts, powers of attorney, and wills, to create a cohesive strategy for transferring wealth. Because an ILIT is irrevocable, it requires careful consideration and coordination with insurance providers and financial advisors to confirm premium funding and policy ownership are handled properly to achieve the intended benefits without unintended tax consequences.
ILITs are commonly considered when families face estate tax exposure, when beneficiaries include minors or adults with limited financial capacity, or when there is a desire to provide controlled distributions over time. They are also used to ensure funds are available to pay estate settlement costs without forcing the sale of other assets. These trusts can be part of planning for business continuity, retirement planning, or to address blended-family concerns. The right structure depends on the family’s goals, asset mix, and wishes regarding how proceeds should be managed and disbursed.
When beneficiaries include minor children, an ILIT can hold insurance proceeds until children reach predetermined ages or milestones, avoiding outright payments that could be misused. Trust provisions can require the trustee to make distributions for education, health, or maintenance while preserving principal for future needs. This approach gives parents confidence that funds are stewarded responsibly and reduces the need for court-appointed guardians or conservators to manage assets on behalf of minors, providing continuity and clear authority for trustees acting in the children’s best interests.
If a beneficiary has special needs, creditor concerns, or unreliable financial habits, an ILIT can provide distribution rules and trustee oversight to protect those assets. The trust can be drafted to supplement, but not disqualify, public benefits for someone receiving need-based assistance. With careful drafting, an ILIT can balance immediate support with long-term stability, ensuring funds are available for care and quality of life without jeopardizing eligibility for governmental programs. This requires deliberate coordination with special needs planning principles and beneficiary protections.
For estates where liquidity is needed to pay taxes or settle debts, an ILIT can ensure life insurance proceeds are available promptly to meet obligations. This prevents forced sales of business interests, real estate, or other illiquid assets. By directing insurance benefits into a trust, the grantor can provide a dedicated source of funds for settlement costs while structuring distributions to support heirs. Effective planning considers timing, funding, and whether the ILIT will work in concert with other estate tools to accomplish the desired balance of liquidity and long-term wealth preservation.
Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves clients in Arroyo Grande and nearby communities throughout San Luis Obispo County, providing personalized estate planning services including ILITs, revocable trusts, wills, and related documents. We offer thoughtful guidance on how an ILIT could fit into your overall plan, including coordinating ownership changes with insurance carriers, funding strategies, and trustee selection. Call 408-528-2827 to discuss your situation and arrange an initial consultation to explore options and answer questions about implementation and administration in California.
Clients turn to our firm for practical, attorney-led guidance that addresses the legal mechanics of creating and funding an ILIT as well as real-world administration concerns. We help clients review existing policies, complete necessary assignment and beneficiary forms, and draft trust provisions that reflect family priorities and state law. Our goal is to present options clearly, identify timing or tax implications, and ensure the trust operates smoothly for trustees and beneficiaries. We emphasize accessible communication and thorough documentation so clients feel confident in their plan.
In addition to drafting trust documents, our services include coordination with insurance carriers and financial advisors to confirm transfer requirements and premium payment methods. We counsel on funding strategies that aim to preserve intended tax benefits while maintaining policy coverage. During trustee transitions or claims processing, we assist with the administrative steps needed to access and distribute proceeds according to the trust terms. These services are designed to reduce delays and ease the burden on loved ones at a difficult time.
We also provide regular review services to ensure the ILIT and related estate documents remain aligned with changing family circumstances and legal developments. Life events such as births, deaths, marriages, or changes in asset composition can alter whether the ILIT continues to meet your objectives. Periodic reviews allow us to recommend adjustments elsewhere in your estate plan while preserving the integrity of the irrevocable trust. Clear recordkeeping and trustee guidance are integral parts of our ongoing service model.
Our process begins with a detailed consultation to understand family dynamics, the existing life insurance portfolio, and planning goals. We review current policies, beneficiary designations, and financial circumstances to determine whether an ILIT is appropriate. If pursued, we prepare the trust instrument, coordinate policy assignment or issuance to the trust, and advise on annual funding practices. We provide trustee instructions and documentation templates, and remain available to address claims, distributions, or trustee questions. Ongoing communication ensures the trust functions as intended over the long term.
The initial review establishes objectives and identifies legal and practical considerations. We evaluate the type and size of policies, ownership status, beneficiary designations, and any potential estate tax exposures. This phase also clarifies goals for distribution timing, trustee selection, and interaction with other planning documents. Based on that assessment, we recommend whether an ILIT fits the plan, and outline the steps and timing necessary to implement it correctly, including coordination with insurers and potential gift funding strategies.
We review policy ownership, insurability concerns, and carrier procedures for assigning a policy to a trust. This includes confirming whether the insurer requires physical assignment forms, endorsements, or restated policies, and whether any consents are needed. For new policies, we ensure the trust is named as owner and beneficiary at issuance. Understanding these requirements upfront reduces the risk of errors that could undermine the ILIT’s intended benefits and ensures transfers are completed in compliance with insurer and legal procedures.
We prepare a trust document tailored to the grantor’s wishes, addressing trustee powers, distribution triggers, and provisions to protect beneficiaries. At the same time, we develop a funding plan for premiums such as annual exclusion gifting strategies and documentation practices. The trust language and funding mechanics are coordinated to work together: the trust must have the authority and ability to receive gifts, maintain premiums, and access policy proceeds when due. Clear instructions reduce administrative burdens and help preserve the trust’s intended benefits.
Once the trust document is signed, we coordinate the transfer or issuance of the policy to the trust and assist with the practical details needed for proper funding. This step includes documenting assignments with the insurer, setting up trustee bank accounts for premium payments if needed, and preparing templates for annual gifting and beneficiary consents. We also provide the trustee with initial instructions on recordkeeping, premium notices, and how to handle communications with the insurance company until the trust matures into distribution mode.
We submit assignments and beneficiary change forms to policy carriers, obtain written confirmation of ownership changes, and ensure policy records reflect the trust as owner. Proper documentation protects the arrangement and supports the goal of keeping proceeds out of the estate. We advise trustees on maintaining copies of confirmations, premium receipts, and gift records so the administrative trail is clear if questions arise during trust administration or tax review.
We help the trustee establish processes for accepting annual gifts, paying premiums, and keeping accurate accounts. This includes recommending bookkeeping practices and drafting suggested distribution guidelines consistent with the trust instrument. Setting up a straightforward funding routine reduces missed payments and administrative confusion. Trustees receive instructions about how to document funds received from the grantor and how to report distributions to beneficiaries per trust requirements.
After creation and funding, periodic reviews ensure the ILIT remains effective and aligned with life changes. We advise on updating related estate documents, monitoring policy performance, and reviewing beneficiary circumstances. When the insured dies, we assist the trustee with claims submission, benefit collection, and trust distributions. Our role includes preparing necessary notices, fiduciary accounting, and guidance on distributing proceeds in accordance with the trust provisions while complying with applicable California procedures.
We recommend periodic check-ins to ensure the ILIT and related planning reflect current family circumstances and legal developments. Reviews may address whether funding strategies remain practical, whether policy coverage still meets needs, and whether trustee or beneficiary updates are required. Regular reviews help prevent surprises and maintain a coherent plan across all estate documents, providing continuous alignment with your goals and protecting value for intended beneficiaries over time.
When a claim arises, we guide the trustee through filing claims with the insurer, gathering required documentation, and handling tax reporting and trust distributions. Our support helps ensure timely receipt of proceeds and correct administration according to the trust terms. We also assist with trustee accounting and beneficiary communications, helping to resolve disputes or clarify distribution rules so the process proceeds efficiently and in accordance with the grantor’s instructions.
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust is a legal arrangement that owns one or more life insurance policies and directs how proceeds are managed and distributed after the insured’s death. The trust document names a trustee to administer the policy, accept premium funding, and make distributions to beneficiaries according to the grantor’s instructions. Because the trust owns the policy once it is properly transferred, the proceeds generally do not pass through probate and can be kept out of the grantor’s taxable estate under correct circumstances. Setting up an ILIT involves drafting the trust instrument and transferring ownership or naming the trust as owner and beneficiary on a new policy. The grantor typically provides funds to the trust for premium payments using gifting techniques. Trustees are responsible for maintaining the policy, paying premiums, filing claims, and distributing proceeds as the trust directs, so choosing the right trustee and keeping clear records are important administrative steps.
Transferring a life insurance policy to an ILIT can remove the policy proceeds from the grantor’s gross estate for estate tax purposes, subject to timing rules and legal requirements. If the transfer is completed well before the grantor’s death and the trust is structured properly, the proceeds are typically excluded from probate and not part of the estate valuation for certain taxes. This can preserve more resources for beneficiaries and limit the need to liquidate assets to pay estate expenses. Timing is important because transfers made shortly before death can be subject to look-back rules that cause the proceeds to be treated as part of the estate. Additionally, gift tax considerations may arise depending on how premiums are funded. Careful planning and documentation of transfers and annual gifts are essential to preserve the intended tax and probate benefits of an ILIT.
A trustee should be someone capable of handling administrative duties, recordkeeping, and decisions about distributions consistent with the trust terms. Many families choose a trusted individual, family member, or professional fiduciary depending on the complexity of the trust and the desired level of ongoing oversight. The trustee is responsible for paying premiums, maintaining communication with the insurer, filing claims, and making distributions to beneficiaries according to the grantor’s directives. Trustees also have fiduciary duties to act impartially, keep accurate records, and provide necessary accounting to beneficiaries. The trust document can specify successor trustees and set out guidance for discretionary distributions, which helps trustees navigate decisions and reduces the risk of disputes. Clear trustee instructions and initial training or guidance can smooth the transition when the trustee must act.
Premiums for a policy owned by an ILIT are typically paid from funds the grantor provides to the trust, often using the annual gift tax exclusion. The grantor makes a gift to the trust each year, and the trustee uses that money to pay the premium to the insurance company. Proper documentation of these gifts and timely payments helps demonstrate that the trust has been funded for premium obligations and can help avoid potential tax complications. Alternative funding methods may be appropriate in some cases, such as pre-funding multiple years of premiums or using other trust assets with careful planning. Regardless of the method, consistent recordkeeping and adherence to the trust terms are important to maintain the benefits of the ILIT and to ensure the policy remains in force until death or until another planned change occurs.
An ILIT can be tailored to provide for beneficiaries who receive need-based public benefits by structuring distributions to avoid direct ownership that might affect eligibility. Carefully drafted provisions, sometimes in conjunction with special needs planning tools, can ensure that trust distributions supplement benefits without disqualifying recipients. The trust language should clearly articulate permissible uses of funds for health, education, maintenance, and support while protecting eligibility for government programs when necessary. Coordination with an attorney familiar with benefit rules and with any existing special needs trust is recommended to align the ILIT’s provisions with beneficiary needs. Combining an ILIT with other planning vehicles can preserve access to vital services while providing additional financial support in a way that respects program eligibility rules and the long-term welfare of the beneficiary.
If the grantor dies shortly after transferring a policy to an ILIT, certain look-back rules may cause the proceeds to be included in the grantor’s estate, depending on timing and legal specifics. For this reason, many planners advise completing transfers well in advance of the expected time of death when feasible. Proper timing, documentation, and understanding of applicable rules are essential to preserve the ILIT’s intended benefits. Even when a transfer occurs close to death, the trust may still offer value in clarifying beneficiary directions and reducing administration friction, but estate tax and probate treatment could be affected. It’s important to review the circumstances with counsel to determine how the transfer may be treated and whether any remedial steps are available or advisable under California law.
Periodic review of an ILIT is recommended to ensure the trust remains aligned with family circumstances, policy performance, and legal changes. Life events like births, deaths, marriages, divorces, or significant changes in financial circumstances can affect whether the ILIT continues to meet objectives. Reviews also help confirm that funding methods are working and that premiums are being paid on schedule. We generally advise scheduling reviews every few years or after major life events to confirm the trust, related estate documents, and funding strategies remain appropriate. Regular check-ins allow for addressing insurer changes, beneficiary shifts, and trustee readiness, helping ensure the ILIT continues to function smoothly and deliver on the grantor’s intentions.
Yes, many existing life insurance policies can be transferred to an ILIT through an assignment of ownership, provided the insurance carrier permits the transfer and the required forms are completed. The process typically involves completing assignment paperwork with the insurer and obtaining written confirmation that the trust is now listed as owner and beneficiary. Policy loans, collateral assignments, or pending claims may complicate transfers and should be reviewed as part of the transfer process. For new policies, the trust can be named as the owner and beneficiary from the outset, which simplifies the process. Regardless of whether a policy is new or existing, careful coordination with the insurance company and diligent documentation helps ensure the transfer is effective and that the ILIT’s intended benefits are achieved without unintended administrative surprises.
Trustees should keep comprehensive records including trust documents, assignment and beneficiary change confirmations from insurers, premium payment records, gift documentation from the grantor, bank statements for trust accounts, correspondence with beneficiaries, and any accounting or distribution records. These materials support transparent administration, help defend the trust’s status if challenged, and ease the claim process when benefits become payable. Good recordkeeping also helps trustees comply with fiduciary duties and provides a clear trail for beneficiaries and advisors. Maintaining a binder or secure digital folder with all relevant documents and periodically updating it as funding and trustee actions occur reduces confusion, prevents missed premium payments, and helps ensure the trust operates as intended when proceeds are due.
To begin creating an ILIT in Arroyo Grande, start with a consultation to review your life insurance policies, family circumstances, and planning goals. During the initial meeting, we evaluate policy ownership, beneficiary designations, and funding strategies, and discuss trustee selection and distribution objectives. This assessment helps determine whether an ILIT is the appropriate vehicle and what steps are necessary to implement it correctly under California law. If you decide to proceed, we draft a trust document tailored to your objectives, coordinate policy assignment or issuance to the trust, and advise on funding methods for premiums. We also prepare trustee guidance and recordkeeping templates to simplify administration. Contact the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward implementing an ILIT that reflects your wishes and family needs.
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