If you are creating or updating a living trust in Atherton, a general assignment of assets to trust is a practical tool to help move property into the trust when formal transfers are not immediately possible. This document allows a trustee to claim certain assets on behalf of the trust and provides clear instructions about which assets should be treated as trust property. Working with an attorney at the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman helps ensure the assignment is drafted to match California rules, to reduce ambiguity, and to streamline later administration. Properly prepared assignments support a smoother transition of assets at incapacity or death.
Many clients choose a general assignment when assets are scattered, titles need updating, or some holdings are difficult to retitle right away. This approach complements a revocable living trust and related estate planning documents such as a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and a certification of trust. A well-drafted assignment helps prevent probate by clarifying which assets belong to the trust and by authorizing trustees to manage assigned assets according to trust terms. Our office assists Atherton residents in evaluating whether a general assignment is appropriate and in coordinating it with other documents like transfer-on-death designations and beneficiary designations.
A general assignment of assets to trust offers practical benefits, including simplifying asset management, reducing potential probate exposure, and preserving privacy for your family. By clearly indicating which assets are intended to be part of the trust, the assignment reduces confusion after incapacity or death and helps trustees take timely steps to protect and manage those assets. It is especially useful when immediate retitling of property is impractical, when intangible assets require documentation, or when an estate plan includes a pour-over will designed to move remaining assets into the trust upon death. The assignment complements other documents to create a cohesive plan for asset transfer and care.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves families across San Mateo County with practical estate planning guidance tailored to California law. Our firm prepares revocable living trusts, general assignments, wills, powers of attorney, and related documents designed to address personal circumstances and family needs. We emphasize clear communication and thorough drafting so documents are effective when needed. Clients in Atherton and nearby communities rely on our firm for careful attention to detail, timely responses, and a methodical approach to mapping assets into trust structures to support seamless management and transfer in the future.
A general assignment of assets to trust is a written instrument by which a trustor or trustee designates certain personal or intangible property as belonging to a trust, often used when formal title transfers are pending or not practical. It typically lists categories of assets or provides criteria for inclusion and authorizes the trustee to manage and administer those assets under the trust terms. The assignment functions alongside a revocable living trust and pour-over will to help centralize asset management. In California, careful drafting and coordination with other documents are necessary so the assignment achieves the intended legal and administrative goals.
Using a general assignment can address practical obstacles such as assets that lack transferable title, complex account structures, or property located in multiple institutions. The assignment is not a substitute for retitling high-value real estate or accounts when feasible, but it provides a legal record reflecting the trustor’s intent and assists trustees in asserting control or claiming assets for trust administration. Our firm evaluates your asset mix and recommends whether a general assignment, targeted retitling, beneficiary updates, or a combination of steps best protects your plan and aligns with your wishes.
A general assignment is a legal declaration that certain assets are to be treated as part of a trust, often naming categories of property or providing listing fields for specific items. It typically includes language that identifies the trust by name and date, specifies the assets included, and grants authority to the trustee to manage those assets. The document clarifies intent, which can be important when account titles have not been changed or when administrative steps are delayed. While an assignment does not replace the transfer of title, it provides an enforceable record that supports trust administration and can reduce uncertainty during a trustee’s initial duties.
A well-drafted general assignment includes a clear identification of the trust, a description of the assets to be assigned, signatures and notarization if required, and instructions for trustee authority and recordkeeping. It should also coordinate with related estate planning documents like the pour-over will, financial power of attorney, and certification of trust to avoid conflicts. The process begins with an inventory of assets, determination of which items are best assigned versus retitled, drafting to reflect client intent, and execution with appropriate witness or notary requirements. Follow-up often includes delivering copies to financial institutions and updating account records where possible.
Understanding the terminology related to trust assignments helps clients make informed decisions. Terms commonly encountered include revocable living trust, pour-over will, trustee, trustor, assignment, certification of trust, and transfer-on-death designation. Each term has specific meaning and legal effect in California, and using them consistently in documentation reduces misunderstanding. The glossary below explains common terms in plain language and describes how they interact in a comprehensive estate plan. Clarifying these concepts early prevents disputes and helps trustees and family members follow the trustor’s intentions when managing assigned assets.
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement created during the trustor’s lifetime that holds assets for management and eventual distribution under agreed terms. The trust allows the trustor to retain control while alive and to name a successor trustee to manage assets in the event of incapacity or death. The trust can be amended as circumstances change and is designed to provide continuity of management without the need for probate for properly titled assets. Creating a trust involves drafting clear terms, funding the trust with assets, and maintaining documentation so trustees can follow instructions efficiently.
A pour-over will is a type of will that directs any assets not already placed into the living trust at death to be transferred into the trust for administration and distribution according to its terms. It functions as a safety net to capture assets that may have been inadvertently left outside the trust, but assets still subject to probate may result in additional time and procedures. The pour-over will works together with instruments such as general assignments and beneficiary designations to create a cohesive plan that centralizes asset distribution under the trust documents.
A certification of trust is a condensed summary of the trust that provides key information to third parties — such as banks or title companies — without disclosing the trust’s private terms. It typically includes the trust’s name, date, the identity of the trustee and successor trustee, and a statement of the trustee’s powers. This document helps trustees access accounts and handle transactions on behalf of the trust while preserving confidentiality. Institutions often accept the certification in place of the full trust document to verify authority to act on trust assets.
Transfer mechanisms describe methods used to place assets into a trust or otherwise designate how assets pass at death, including retitling deeds, changing account ownership, naming payable-on-death or transfer-on-death beneficiaries, and using general assignments. Choosing the appropriate mechanism depends on the type of asset, legal requirements, and the trustor’s goals. Some assets are best retitled into the trust, while others may be assigned or have beneficiary designations updated. Understanding these options ensures assets are treated according to the plan and minimizes administrative hurdles when trustees begin their duties.
When moving assets into a trust, clients must weigh options such as fully retitling property, using beneficiary designations, relying on transfer-on-death provisions, or executing a general assignment. Each method has advantages and trade-offs depending on asset type, cost, institution requirements, and timing. Retitling real estate into a trust is often preferred for long-term clarity, while assignments help cover transient or hard-to-retitle assets. Coordination among documents is important to ensure the chosen approach supports probate avoidance and practical administration. A careful review of accounts and titles reveals which combination of tools is most effective for your situation.
A limited approach may be suitable when most assets are readily transferable through beneficiary designation or modest in value, such that retitling each item into a trust is not necessary. For accounts with straightforward transfer-on-death options or for personal items of low monetary value, updating beneficiary information or using a pour-over will can suffice. In these circumstances a general assignment still serves as a useful record of intent for assets that are overlooked. The goal is to balance administrative effort and cost against the benefits of full retitling, bearing in mind the need to minimize probate and ensure ease of trustee administration.
A limited approach can be practical when immediate retitling is blocked by institutional constraints, timing issues, or pending transactions that prevent changing titles quickly. For example, when accounts are frozen pending litigation, when third-party consents are required, or while an asset is under review, a general assignment provides a documented intent to include those assets in the trust. The assignment creates a clearer path for subsequent administration without forcing potentially disruptive transfers, while the trustee coordinates with institutions to finalize retitling when appropriate and feasible.
A comprehensive approach tends to be necessary for high-value assets, real estate, business interests, or accounts that require long-term clarity of ownership. Retitling such assets into the trust provides stronger protection against probate and makes the trustee’s role more straightforward. For complex holdings, coordinated documents like a trust, transfer documents, a certification of trust, and specific assignments may all be needed to ensure clear authority and continuity. Taking a thorough approach helps prevent disputes, eases administration, and supports the trustor’s overall wishes for management and distribution.
When minimizing probate is a primary goal, comprehensive planning that includes retitling significant assets into a living trust is often the most effective route. Fully funding the trust reduces the assets that must pass through probate court and can shorten the time it takes for beneficiaries to receive distributions. Comprehensive planning also anticipates future changes, addresses tax considerations, and reduces administrative burden on loved ones. A careful inventory and systematic transfer plan decrease the likelihood of overlooked assets or disputes, making estate settlement more predictable and manageable for trustees and heirs.
A comprehensive funding strategy brings clarity to asset ownership, reduces the risk of probate, and simplifies trustee responsibilities. When assets are titled consistently with trust documents and when beneficiary designations are aligned, trustees can act decisively to manage and distribute property according to the trustor’s wishes. This approach also helps protect privacy by keeping transfer details out of public probate records and provides continuity of management if incapacity occurs. For families in Atherton and surrounding communities, systematic planning makes transitions smoother and reduces uncertainty during emotionally difficult times.
Comprehensive planning also supports long-term financial and tax planning objectives, as it allows the trustor to structure distributions and protections tailored to heirs and life circumstances. Integrating documents such as financial powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and certification of trust ensures cohesive authority and access when needed. While comprehensive funding may require more upfront effort to retitle assets and coordinate with institutions, the resulting reduction in administrative steps and potential legal proceedings can save time and stress for family members, and it ensures that your intentions are more likely to be followed accurately.
A thorough approach to funding your trust gives you greater control over how assets are managed and distributed, allowing you to set detailed terms for timing, conditions, and purposes of distributions. By retitling significant assets and aligning beneficiary designations, you reduce the risk that assets will be distributed contrary to your intentions. The trust can specify successor trustees, outline procedures for managing investments, and provide guidance for distributions to heirs with special needs or circumstances. This control helps ensure your plan reflects personal and family goals over the long term.
By minimizing probate exposure and clarifying asset ownership, a comprehensive funding strategy reduces delay and potential costs for heirs who will otherwise need to navigate court processes. When key assets are already held in trust, trustees can proceed more quickly with management and distribution, avoiding additional legal fees and administrative hurdles. This can be particularly important when beneficiaries rely on timely access to funds for living expenses, care needs, or estate settlement obligations. Thoughtful planning anticipates these needs so the transition after incapacity or death is more efficient and predictable.
Maintaining a current and thorough inventory of accounts, property, and personal items is essential when preparing a general assignment. A well-organized inventory helps determine which assets should be retitled, which can be assigned, and which require beneficiary updates. Include account numbers, institutional contacts, property descriptions, and information about jointly held assets. Clear documentation reduces the likelihood of overlooked items and speeds trustee action. Regularly reviewing and updating the inventory ensures the assignment and related documents remain aligned with your actual holdings and intentions as circumstances change.
After executing a general assignment, provide copies to financial institutions, account custodians, and any parties holding assets listed in the assignment. While institutions may still require formal retitling for certain accounts, having a copy on file helps trustees when requesting access or asserting the trust’s interest. Informing trusted family members or successor trustees about the assignment’s existence and where documents are kept reduces confusion during urgent situations. Maintaining a central location for estate planning documents and sharing guidance with the trustee about institutional contacts expedites administration when the time comes.
A general assignment can be attractive when assets are difficult to retitle immediately, when you want to record intent without altering account ownership right away, or when you prefer a transitional tool that supports trust administration. It can be especially useful for intangible assets, accounts held by third parties, or personal property where retitling would be impractical. The assignment complements other planning documents and can reduce administrative friction for trustees by creating a paper trail that aligns with the trustor’s wishes. It also helps ensure that smaller or overlooked assets are treated consistently with larger holdings.
Another reason to consider a general assignment is to provide clarity and authority during a period of incapacity or after death, when immediate action may be needed to manage accounts or protect assets. The assignment gives trustees documented permission to handle assigned property while retitling proceeds or institutional requirements are resolved. It is a practical solution when timing, access, or institutional procedures make immediate transfers impractical, while still supporting the overall goal of avoiding probate and reducing administrative burdens on loved ones during difficult times.
People often use a general assignment when they have recently created a trust but have not completed retitling or account updates, when assets are held by institutions that require additional steps for transfer, or when personal property and intangible assets need a clear designation. It can also be useful during life transitions such as divorce, business changes, or relocation, when ownership documentation is in flux. The assignment provides a record of intent that supports the trustee’s authority and encourages smoother administration while the parties complete any necessary retitling or institutional changes.
When a trust is newly created, it is common to discover assets that were not retitled or that lack clear account ownership. A general assignment helps document which items the trustor intends to include in the trust despite pending retitling. This is beneficial for assets such as digital accounts, small investment accounts, or personal property that might otherwise be overlooked. The assignment supports the trustee by providing a formal declaration of intent that can be presented to institutions or used as part of the trust administration process when transferring assets into the trust becomes feasible.
Assets held by third-party custodians, such as brokerage accounts, employer retirement plans, or company-held property interests, may require special procedures to transfer into a trust. A general assignment provides a documented instruction that the trustor intended those assets to be part of the trust and can help trustees begin administration while coordinating with custodians to complete required forms. In some cases, custodians will require additional paperwork, but the assignment serves as evidence of intent and streamlines communication between trustees and institutions during the transfer process.
Transactions that are pending or incomplete, such as a property sale in process, a recent account opening, or an inheritance pending distribution, create situations where retitling into a trust may not be immediately possible. A general assignment records the trustor’s intention to include those assets in the trust once the transaction finalizes. This prevents assets from being overlooked, clarifies the trustee’s role when administration begins, and helps preserve the integrity of the broader estate plan as transactions complete and assets are properly titled or transferred.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides personalized estate planning services to residents of Atherton and the surrounding San Mateo County communities. We help clients assess whether a general assignment fits their plan, prepare clear documents that align with California requirements, and coordinate the assignment with trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and certifications of trust. Our approach focuses on creating practical, legally sound documents and on guiding clients through next steps such as retitling property and notifying institutions. We aim to make the process straightforward and respectful of personal circumstances and family priorities.
Our firm offers focused estate planning assistance to individuals and families in Atherton, with a commitment to drafting clear legal instruments that reflect your intentions and simplify administration. We work to understand your assets and goals, recommend the most appropriate combination of retitling, beneficiary designations, and assignments, and prepare documents that can be relied upon when the time comes. Clients appreciate our practical approach, our emphasis on communication, and our attention to procedural detail when coordinating with financial institutions and custodians across California.
When preparing a general assignment, attention to the interaction between documents and to institutional requirements helps prevent delays or unintended consequences. Our team anticipates common challenges and provides proactive guidance, including drafting a certification of trust, advising on powers of attorney, and outlining steps for retitling high-value assets. We also prioritize explaining options in plain language so you can make informed decisions about which assets to assign versus which to retitle, and how to balance convenience with the long-term goals of avoiding probate and protecting privacy.
We support clients through execution and follow-up, including notarization, delivery of documents to financial institutions, and coordination with successor trustees or family members. Our objective is to ensure the administration of the trust is as seamless as possible by documenting intent clearly and aligning all estate planning instruments. For Atherton residents seeking practical and careful trust funding solutions, we provide structured guidance and responsive service to help preserve your wishes and ease transitions for those who will manage and inherit your assets.
Our process begins with a careful review of your existing estate plan and a detailed inventory of assets. We discuss your goals and determine whether a general assignment, retitling, beneficiary updates, or a combination of strategies best meets your needs. Next we draft the assignment and related documents, explain signing and notarization requirements, and advise on delivering copies to institutions. We follow up to confirm acceptance by key custodians when possible and provide guidance for future adjustments. The process is designed to be organized and to reduce administrative burdens for your successors.
The initial step focuses on compiling a comprehensive inventory of assets, account details, titles, and beneficiary designations. We assess which assets can be retitled into the trust, which are better handled through beneficiary updates, and which should be covered by a general assignment. This evaluation includes real estate, investment and retirement accounts, life insurance, business interests, and personal property. The inventory forms the basis for a tailored strategy that aligns with your goals while addressing any institutional procedures that may affect timing or feasibility of transfers.
After the inventory, we review existing trust documents, wills, powers of attorney, and beneficiary forms to identify inconsistencies or gaps. This review helps us recommend whether to proceed with an assignment, retitling, or updates to beneficiary designations. We explain how each option will affect probate risk, trustee authority, and administrative steps at incapacity or death. The goal is to develop a clear and coherent plan that minimizes potential disputes and reduces the likelihood of assets being overlooked during administration.
Once the strategy is agreed, we prepare the general assignment and any supporting documents such as a certification of trust, pour-over will, or letters of instruction. The assignment is drafted to reflect asset categories, specific items, or both, and to provide authority for the trustee to act. We ensure the language aligns with California practice and with your trust terms, then advise on signing, notarization, and delivery procedures. Clear drafting and careful execution reduce ambiguity and provide trustees with a reliable basis for administration.
After documents are prepared, we assist with proper execution, including arranging notary services where needed and ensuring signatures are witnessed according to applicable requirements. We then coordinate with financial institutions, title companies, and custodians to deliver copies or begin retitling where feasible. Some institutions require additional forms or verification; we help clients anticipate and manage these requirements. Close coordination during this stage reduces delays and increases the likelihood that assets will be recognized as part of the trust when administration is necessary.
Proper execution often includes notarization and, in some cases, witnessing to ensure the document is accepted by third parties. We guide clients through the signing process and advise on how to provide executed copies to trustees and institutions. Notarized and properly executed assignments carry greater weight in dealings with banks and title companies, facilitating trustee access to assets. We also document where originals and copies are stored so successor trustees can readily locate the necessary instruments when administration begins.
We assist in communicating with account custodians, banks, and title companies to explain the assignment and provide supporting documents such as the certification of trust. Some institutions will accept the assignment as evidence of intent while others may require separate retitling forms. We help prepare the materials institutions typically request and advise on follow-up steps. This involvement reduces confusion for trustees and increases the chance that institutions will recognize and cooperate with the trust’s administration efficiently.
Following execution and delivery, we recommend periodic reviews to ensure the assignment and other documents remain aligned with your assets and wishes. Asset holdings change over time through sales, purchases, or new accounts, and regular maintenance ensures the trust continues to function as intended. We help clients update assignments, retitle new assets into the trust, and confirm beneficiary designations remain consistent. Periodic reviews also allow adjustments for life events such as marriage, divorce, births, or shifts in financial circumstances, maintaining a coherent estate plan over time.
Regular reviews, whether annual or triggered by life events, ensure your plan reflects current assets and intentions. During these reviews we check for new accounts, changes in property holdings, and updates needed for beneficiaries or trustee designations. When additions or changes occur, we recommend whether to retitle assets, update the assignment, or modify trust provisions accordingly. Regular attention minimizes the chance of overlooked assets and keeps the estate plan responsive to new circumstances so trustees and loved ones face fewer surprises at critical moments.
When changes such as new property purchases, life events, or changes in family relationships occur, updating the assignment and related documents preserves the integrity of the plan. We assist in preparing amendments, restatements, or new assignments as appropriate and in guiding clients through the steps necessary to keep records current. Updated documents should be distributed to relevant institutions and successor trustees, and original documents should be kept safe. These updates help ensure the trust can be administered in accordance with your most recent wishes.
A general assignment of assets to a trust is a written declaration that identifies assets intended to be treated as part of a trust, often used when immediate retitling is impractical. It typically names the trust, lists categories or specific assets, and provides authority for the trustee to act on behalf of the trust with respect to those items. The assignment records intent and supports the trustee’s role while other transfer mechanisms are completed. It complements a revocable living trust and a pour-over will by helping create a clear paper trail for assets not yet formally retitled. This instrument is commonly used during transitions such as creating a new trust, consolidating assets, or when assets are held by institutions that require additional processing time. While it does not always replace formal retitling where required, it offers practical benefits by clarifying ownership intent and enabling trustees to initiate certain administrative actions. Clients should coordinate assignments with other estate planning documents and review institutional requirements to determine the best approach for each asset type.
A general assignment can help avoid probate for assets that are properly recognized by institutions as belonging to the trust, but it is not a universal solution for all asset types. Probate avoidance is most effective when assets are retitled into the trust or have beneficiary designations that pass outside probate. The assignment supports that objective by documenting intent and covering items that cannot be immediately retitled, but some assets may still require probate if retitling is not completed or if institutions do not accept the assignment as sufficient evidence of trust ownership. Because probate rules and institutional practices vary, a comprehensive funding strategy is advisable for significant assets such as real estate and retirement accounts. We recommend reviewing each asset to determine whether retitling, beneficiary updates, or other mechanisms offer the most reliable path to avoid probate. A plan that combines appropriate tools reduces the likelihood of assets becoming subject to probate administration.
A general assignment should be coordinated with beneficiary designations and retitling efforts to avoid conflicting instructions. Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance typically supersede trust documents unless the trust is named as beneficiary, so updating those forms may be necessary. Retitling real estate into the trust provides the clearest path for trustee control. The assignment serves as a bridge for assets that remain untitled or when institutional procedures delay formal retitling, by showing intent to include those assets in the trust for administration. Coordination among documents reduces confusion and potential disputes after incapacity or death. When beneficiaries and trustees receive consistent documentation, trustees can act more confidently and institutions face clearer authority to transfer or manage assets. Periodic reviews ensure that beneficiary designations and account titles remain aligned with the trust to achieve your estate planning goals.
Financial institutions have differing practices regarding whether they accept a general assignment as proof that assets belong to a trust. Some institutions will consider an assignment along with a certification of trust and trustee identification to permit transactions, while others will require formal retitling or additional institution-specific forms. Acceptance often depends on the institution’s policies, the type of asset involved, and the thoroughness of the supporting documentation provided by the trustee. To improve the likelihood of cooperation, prepare a certification of trust and present clear identification and authority information for the trustee. If an institution requires retitling, our office can assist in completing those steps. Proactively communicating with custodians and understanding their requirements reduces surprises and helps trustees manage the assigned assets effectively.
A general assignment is usually not the preferred method for transferring real estate into a trust, since deeds and title transfers are the standard way to change real property ownership. Retitling real estate into the trust by recording a deed provides clear and public evidence of ownership by the trust and helps to avoid probate for that property. An assignment may be used temporarily to document intent if a sale or refinancing is pending, but recording a deed is typically necessary for long-term clarity. When handling real estate, it is important to follow local recording requirements and to consult with the appropriate professionals to ensure transfer documents are prepared and recorded correctly. Our office advises clients on when a deed transfer is appropriate versus when an assignment can serve as an interim measure, and we coordinate the recording process when retitling is executed.
Keeping your assignment and trust documents up to date involves periodic reviews and updates whenever significant life or financial changes occur. Events such as marriages, divorces, births, deaths, property purchases or sales, and account openings can affect how assets should be titled or whether beneficiary forms need revision. We recommend annual or event-driven reviews to check for new assets and to confirm that assignments, trust terms, and beneficiary designations continue to reflect current intentions and holdings. During a review, we assess whether retitling is needed for new assets or whether additional assignments or amendments should be prepared. Maintaining clear records of executed documents and providing accessible copies to successor trustees and trusted family members reduces confusion and helps ensure your plan operates as you intend when administration becomes necessary.
Provide copies of the general assignment to relevant financial institutions, trustees, successor trustees, and trusted family members or advisors who will be involved in administration. Delivering copies to account custodians and banks can assist trustees when seeking access to assigned assets, though some institutions may still require formal retitling. Ensure successor trustees know where originals and copies are stored so they can quickly locate documents in the event of incapacity or death. It is also helpful to provide a certification of trust to institutions, as it often satisfies requests for proof of trustee authority without disclosing private trust terms. Maintaining a list of institutions and account contacts along with the assignment improves communication and reduces delays during administration.
Notarization requirements for general assignments vary depending on the type of asset and institutional practices, but notarization can enhance the document’s acceptance by providing authentication of signatures. While California law does not universally mandate notarization for all assignments, many banks and title companies prefer or require notarized documents prior to accepting an assignment or making changes. Notarization reduces the risk of challenge and improves trustees’ ability to present the document to custodians who require formal verification. When preparing an assignment, we advise on whether notarization or witnessing is advisable and coordinate the signing process to meet institutional preferences. Taking this extra step can prevent delays and bolster the assignment’s effectiveness as a record of intent for the trust.
A trustee can often rely on a general assignment to begin management of assigned assets, especially when accompanied by a certification of trust and other supporting documentation, but acceptance depends on the institution and the asset type. Some custodians will permit trustees to access and manage accounts based on the assignment and proof of authority, while others will insist on formal retitling or additional verification. The assignment serves to document intent and provide a basis for trustee action while institutional requirements are addressed. Prudent trustees should be prepared to present supporting documents, communicate with custodians, and, when necessary, initiate retitling or other formal transfer steps. Our office assists trustees in gathering the necessary documents and in communicating with institutions to facilitate timely access and management of assigned assets while preserving the trust’s authority.
Alternatives to a general assignment include directly retitling assets into the trust, updating beneficiary designations, using payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations where permitted, and creating targeted assignments for specific assets. For significant items such as real estate and certain accounts, retitling provides the clearest transfer path and often avoids the ambiguity that can arise with assignments. Beneficiary designations are especially effective for accounts that pass outside probate, but they must be kept current and consistent with the trust plan. Choosing the right approach depends on asset type, timing, and institutional requirements. Combining methods — retitling where practical, using beneficiary updates where available, and employing a general assignment for remaining items — often produces the most reliable results. Our firm evaluates the alternatives and crafts a plan tailored to your holdings and objectives.
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