If you live in Olivehurst or greater Yuba County and are looking for reliable guidance on planning for the future, our law office provides clear, practical direction for estate planning matters. We help families and individuals create documents such as revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and various trust arrangements tailored to personal needs. Our approach focuses on protecting assets, simplifying administration, and honoring personal wishes while keeping communication straightforward and respectful. We welcome inquiries by phone at 408-528-2827 and provide focused attention to each client’s circumstances and goals.
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but thoughtful preparation brings peace of mind and reduces stress for loved ones. From basic wills to more complex trust instruments like irrevocable life insurance trusts or special needs trusts, we explain options in accessible language and recommend documents that align with individual priorities. We also assist with guardianship nominations for families with minors or dependents, and with the transfer and administration steps needed to put plans into effect. Our goal is to produce durable plans that work in California’s legal environment and meet your family’s long-term needs.
A well-constructed estate plan protects your family, preserves wealth, and clarifies your wishes for health care and finances. Without clear documents, state laws will dictate distribution and decision-making, which can create delays and expense for survivors. Proper planning can reduce probate time, ensure smooth transfer of assets to beneficiaries, and provide tools to manage incapacity through powers of attorney and advance directives. Establishing trusts can offer added privacy and control over how assets are used, while guardianship nominations make intentions clear for dependent children. Overall, planning provides practical safeguards and reduces uncertainty during difficult times.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves individuals and families across California, including Olivehurst and Yuba County. Our firm focuses on estate planning matters such as revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives. We emphasize clear communication, careful drafting, and sensible solutions tailored to each client’s life and assets. Clients receive personal attention and practical recommendations aimed at minimizing delays and administrative burdens. We also offer assistance with trust-related petitions, trust modifications, and specialized trusts for retirement plans, insurance, and care of dependents and pets.
Estate planning encompasses a range of documents and legal tools designed to manage your assets, protect loved ones, and document your health care wishes. Common elements include a revocable living trust to hold assets during life and distribute them after death, a pour-over will to capture any assets not placed in a trust, powers of attorney for financial decisions, and advance health care directives to guide medical care. Each instrument serves a distinct purpose and works together to form a cohesive plan that addresses incapacity, final wishes, and efficient transfer of wealth.
Decisions about which documents to use depend on family structure, types of assets, tax considerations, and personal goals. A revocable living trust often avoids probate and offers privacy, while special trusts such as special needs trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, or retirement plan trusts address specific financial or care concerns. We review property ownership, beneficiary designations, and family dynamics to recommend a practical combination of tools. The objective is to create a plan that is flexible, legally sound in California, and easy for designated agents and trustees to implement when necessary.
Many estate planning terms recur in conversations about wills and trusts. A revocable living trust is a document that holds assets during the grantor’s life and directs their distribution afterward. A pour-over will works with a trust to transfer assets that were not moved into the trust while alive. Powers of attorney designate someone to make financial decisions if you cannot. Advance health care directives state your medical preferences and name a health care agent. Irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, and pet trusts provide targeted protections with different tax and control implications. Understanding these definitions helps clients choose appropriate documents.
Creating an effective estate plan involves several steps: reviewing assets and beneficiary designations, selecting trustees and agents, drafting documents tailored to your goals, and executing those documents according to California requirements. After signing, funding a trust may be necessary to move title of assets into the trust. Periodic review and updates ensure the plan remains aligned with life changes such as marriage, births, deaths, or changes in asset holdings. When needed, we prepare ancillary documents like certifications of trust or general assignments to support smooth administration of trust assets.
This glossary provides concise explanations of common estate planning terms to help you understand discussions and documents. Each definition clarifies the purpose of the document or legal concept, such as how a trust functions, why a pour-over will is used, or the role of a power of attorney. Becoming familiar with these terms will make it easier to make decisions and complete the planning process confidently. We encourage clients to ask questions about anything unclear so that documents reflect intentions and are practical to administer when the time comes.
A revocable living trust is a flexible estate planning tool that allows the grantor to remain in control of trust assets during life and to change or revoke the trust as circumstances evolve. Upon the grantor’s incapacity or death, the trustee manages or distributes assets according to the trust’s terms, potentially avoiding probate and providing privacy. Funding the trust by retitling assets into it helps ensure the plan works as intended. Revocable trusts are commonly used to coordinate asset transfer, provide continuity of management, and simplify administration for beneficiaries.
A power of attorney is a legal document that designates an agent to handle financial and legal affairs if you cannot do so yourself. Durable powers of attorney remain effective if incapacity occurs, allowing the agent to manage banking, real estate, and other financial matters. Selecting a trusted agent and providing clear instructions can prevent confusion and protect assets. The document can be tailored to limit authority for particular transactions or to take effect immediately or upon a defined triggering event such as incapacity.
A pour-over will serves as a safeguard to transfer any assets not already placed into a trust during the grantor’s lifetime into the trust upon death. It acts as a safety net ensuring that assets are captured by the primary estate plan. While a pour-over will typically must go through probate for appointment of a personal representative, it keeps the overall distribution consistent with the trust’s terms. Combined with a properly funded trust, a pour-over will helps centralize the plan and ensure assets are treated according to your documented wishes.
An advance health care directive records your medical preferences and appoints a health care agent to make decisions if you are unable to communicate. It can include instructions about life-sustaining treatment, preferences for palliative care, and organ donation. Having this directive in place ensures medical providers and family members understand your priorities and reduces conflict over treatment choices. The document complements a financial power of attorney by separating health care decisions from financial ones, and it helps ensure your personal values guide care during serious illness or incapacity.
When planning your estate, you may choose a limited approach that focuses on a will and basic directives, or a comprehensive plan that includes a trust and additional documents. Limited planning can be suitable for straightforward estates with few assets and clear beneficiary designations, whereas comprehensive planning often suits families seeking probate avoidance, asset continuity, or more detailed control over distributions. A thoughtful comparison considers cost, complexity, privacy, and long-term administration needs. We walk clients through how each approach would affect family members and the likely administrative path after incapacity or death.
A limited plan may work when assets are modest, ownership is straightforward, and beneficiaries are clearly designated through accounts and retirement plans. In these cases, a will combined with financial and health care directives can provide necessary direction without the added steps of trust funding. This approach may reduce upfront legal complexity and still provide clarity for family members. It is important to coordinate beneficiary designations and titling so that intended recipients receive assets with minimal delay and administrative burden under California law.
If avoiding probate or maintaining strict privacy over distributions is not a priority, a limited plan can be practical and cost-effective. For some households, the expense and effort of trust administration and funding may outweigh the benefits. Choosing a concise set of documents and maintaining clear beneficiary designations of retirement accounts and life insurance can streamline transitions. Even with a simpler approach, it remains important to keep documents current and ensure named agents and beneficiaries reflect your present wishes and family circumstances.
Comprehensive planning often includes a revocable living trust which can bypass probate and preserve privacy by keeping asset transfers out of public court records. This approach typically simplifies administration for beneficiaries, expedites access to property, and reduces exposure to certain delays associated with probate courts. A trust-based plan may also provide continuity of asset management during incapacity, offering a designated trustee authority to handle ongoing affairs. These features can benefit families that prioritize privacy and smoother transitions after incapacity or death.
Families with blended relationships, beneficiaries who require support over time, significant retirement assets, or multiple properties often benefit from a comprehensive plan. Trust provisions allow staged distributions, protections for minor beneficiaries, and tailored care for dependents with special needs. Irrevocable trust options and retirement plan trusts can address tax exposure and control over insurance proceeds. For these complex scenarios, careful drafting and ongoing review help align legal structures with long-term family and financial goals, reducing friction and confusion for those charged with administration.
A comprehensive estate plan centered on a trust can reduce probate delays, provide privacy, and offer clear direction for managing property during incapacity. Trustees can step in without a court appointment, which helps maintain financial stability and continuity of care for beneficiaries. Trusts also permit tailored distribution schedules and conditions that reflect your intentions for education, healthcare, or long-term support. By consolidating planning documents, you create a cohesive structure that simplifies administration and better protects family interests over time in accordance with California rules.
Beyond probate avoidance and privacy, comprehensive planning helps manage beneficiary assignments, coordinate retirement account designations, and establish measures to care for minor children or dependents with special needs. Tools such as irrevocable life insurance trusts can help preserve life insurance benefits while maintaining flexibility for the family. Consistent review and funding of trust arrangements ensure that the plan functions as intended and that assets are titled properly. These steps provide clarity for trustees and reduce the likelihood of disputes or administrative delays when the plan must be carried out.
When assets are held in a trust and paperwork is organized, beneficiaries often gain faster access to resources and face fewer court-imposed hurdles. Trustees can manage distributions and bills promptly, and successor trustees can assume responsibility without waiting for probate appointments. This practical advantage helps families cover everyday expenses and remain financially stable during an often difficult period. Proper documentation and clear instructions in the trust document reduce confusion and allow fiduciaries to act with confidence and continuity in carrying out your intentions.
Comprehensive trust arrangements let you specify conditions for distributions, such as ages, milestones, or purposes like education or healthcare. This level of control can prevent premature depletion of assets and provide structured support to beneficiaries who may need oversight. Trusts also enable provisions that address unique family dynamics, including blended families or beneficiaries with disabilities, and can include secondary provisions such as pet trusts or provisions for charitable giving. Thoughtful drafting ensures the plan aligns with personal values and provides a roadmap for trustees to follow.
Begin by making a thorough inventory of assets, account numbers, deeds, and beneficiary designations. Identify retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and any business interests along with current beneficiaries and contingent beneficiaries. This inventory will reveal where retitling or beneficiary updates are needed to make your plan effective. Organize documentation so family members or appointed agents can access necessary information, and consider secure digital storage for records. Clear records reduce delays and the possibility of overlooked assets during administration.
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant changes in assets require updates to estate planning documents. Review your plan periodically and after major events to confirm beneficiary designations, trustee selections, and the funding status of any trusts. Regular updates prevent unintended outcomes and ensure the plan reflects current family and financial circumstances. Periodic review also provides an opportunity to adapt strategies to changes in tax law or personal priorities and to maintain clear, executable instructions for your agents and trustees.
Consider establishing or updating an estate plan when significant life events occur, when asset holdings change, or when you want to ensure decisions reflect current wishes. Common triggers include marriage, welcoming children, significant changes in financial holdings, or receiving an inheritance. Planning is also important as you approach retirement or if you face a health event that could impair decision-making. Proactive planning saves time and expense later by documenting clear intentions and appointing agents to manage finances and health care decisions if you cannot act for yourself.
Updating documents is equally important when relationships change or when beneficiaries need different types of protection. A revised plan can address new family dynamics, provide structured support for dependents, and ensure that retirement accounts and life insurance align with your broader objectives. Even modest estates benefit from planning to designate guardians for minors, name health care agents, and prepare powers of attorney. Regular review keeps documents current and helps avoid surprises for loved ones during stressful periods.
Many life events prompt the need for estate planning: getting married or divorced, having children, acquiring real estate or a business, or receiving a significant inheritance. Health changes and aging also make it important to document medical preferences and financial decision-makers. Families with members who have special needs or those who wish to leave assets for long-term purposes such as education or care often need tailored trust arrangements. Addressing these circumstances ahead of time reduces stress for survivors and ensures access to resources when needed.
Adding children to the family or changing marital status typically requires updates to wills, guardianship nominations, beneficiary designations, and possibly trust terms. Parents often wish to set up provisions for minor children, decide on guardians, and create trusts to manage distributions until children reach appropriate ages. Clear, updated documents prevent confusion and ensure that your intentions for the care and financial support of new family members are documented and enforceable under California law.
Purchasing real estate, inheriting property, or growing investment holdings can change how an estate plan should be structured. Transferring property into a trust can help avoid probate and streamline administration, while certain assets may require beneficiary designation reviews. Significant asset changes may also prompt consideration of tax planning tools or trusts tailored to protect particular assets. Updating documents and coordinating titling and designations helps ensure that assets are distributed according to your wishes and with minimal administrative friction.
Health events or aging make it important to have powers of attorney and advance health care directives in place. These documents designate agents to make financial and medical decisions when you cannot, and they provide clear instructions about treatment preferences. Having these directives avoids uncertainty and helps medical professionals and family members act in line with your wishes. Preparing for incapacity also includes organizing key documents and contact information so agents can step in smoothly when needed.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serve Olivehurst and nearby communities with personalized estate planning services that reflect local needs and California law. We assist with drafting revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and a variety of trust types including special needs trusts, pet trusts, and retirement plan trusts. Our practice also prepares supporting documents like certifications of trust, general assignments to trusts, and Heggstad or trust modification petitions when adjustments are needed to an existing plan. Call 408-528-2827 to discuss how to protect your family and property.
Clients choose our firm for careful drafting, clear communication, and practical solutions tailored to their unique situations. We prioritize understandable explanations of each document’s purpose and guide clients through decisions about trustees, agents, and funding. Our practice handles routine estate plans as well as more complex trust arrangements, always with attention to family goals and California procedures. We aim to create documents that are durable, easy to implement, and reflective of your intentions while reducing potential friction for heirs and appointed decision-makers.
We also provide support for trust administration and trustee guidance so appointed fiduciaries can fulfill their duties effectively. This includes preparing certifications of trust and general assignments to streamline asset transfers, and advising on petitions such as Heggstad or trust modifications when plans require court intervention or legal updates. Our approach balances practical planning with thoughtful contingency provisions, helping clients anticipate and reduce administrative burdens for successors while keeping plans responsive to life changes.
Accessibility and responsive communication matter during the planning process and afterward. We work to keep clients informed at every stage, answer questions clearly, and provide copies of important documents for safekeeping. Whether you need a straightforward will, a complete trust package, or assistance resolving a trust administration issue, our office offers guidance tailored to Olivehurst residents and California law. We welcome calls to discuss concerns and to begin crafting a plan that meets your family’s practical and personal needs.
The process begins with an initial consultation to review assets, family circumstances, and planning goals. We identify necessary documents and recommend a practical plan, then draft documents that reflect your decisions and comply with California requirements. After documents are reviewed and signed, we provide guidance on trust funding and steps to keep beneficiary designations current. Periodic reviews are encouraged to update plans as life changes. Throughout, we aim for transparent communication, organized records, and clear instructions for trustees and agents to follow when needed.
In the initial phase, we gather relevant information about your assets, family, and goals. This includes reviewing ownership of real estate, account types, beneficiary designations, and any existing estate documents. We discuss options that best align with your objectives, whether that involves a revocable living trust, wills, powers of attorney, or specialized trusts. This planning step sets the foundation for drafting documents tailored to the household’s needs and ensures that critical issues like guardianship and incapacity planning are addressed before documents are prepared.
During the initial discussion, we focus on what matters most to you: preserving assets for heirs, providing for a dependent’s care, minimizing administrative hurdles, or ensuring healthcare preferences are honored. We review family circumstances and financial arrangements to identify potential challenges, such as blended family dynamics or assets held outside of standard accounts. Understanding these priorities informs recommendations for document selection and trust structures that match both legal requirements and personal intentions.
We examine any prior wills or trusts and review account beneficiary designations to determine what updates are needed. Coordinating these elements prevents conflicts and unintended distributions. If assets are titled improperly for a chosen plan, we advise on steps to retitle or update beneficiaries so the plan functions efficiently. This review is essential to ensure that the drafted documents achieve the intended outcomes and that the trust, if used, is properly funded after execution.
After planning and information gathering, we draft the necessary documents to implement your plan. Drafts are prepared for review, and we explain key provisions and potential implications so clients can make informed choices. We encourage questions and revisions to ensure the documents accurately reflect preferences for distribution, trustee powers, agent authority, and healthcare wishes. Once finalized, we provide instructions for execution and steps for properly funding trusts or updating titles to align legal ownership with the chosen plan.
Drafting includes trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, and any specialized trust instruments required for individual circumstances. Ancillary documents like certifications of trust and general assignments are prepared to support administration and asset transfers. We tailor each document to California law and the client’s intentions so that trustees and agents can carry out duties with clear authority. Proper drafting reduces the likelihood of disputes and provides a practical roadmap for handling assets and care decisions.
Clients review the prepared documents and discuss any desired changes. We explain the effects of key clauses and finalize the paperwork once the client is satisfied. Execution instructions include witnessing and notarization requirements to ensure legal validity. Where trusts are used, we provide guidance on retitling assets and updating accounts. Completing this step carefully ensures documents are enforceable and reflect current intentions, and it sets the stage for orderly administration when trust or estate matters arise.
Once documents are executed, the trust may require funding, which involves retitling assets, updating account beneficiary forms, and recording deeds for real estate when appropriate. We advise on safekeeping of executed documents and recommend copies for agents and trustees. Periodic reviews and updates are advised after significant life events to maintain alignment with evolving circumstances. Proper post-execution steps help ensure the plan operates smoothly, keeping assets in the intended legal structures and reducing the need for court involvement.
Trust funding requires careful coordination to ensure assets subject to the plan are titled in the trust’s name or designated to pass according to trust provisions. We provide step-by-step guidance for retitling accounts and recording deeds when necessary, and we assist with beneficiary designation reviews. Proper funding minimizes the risk that assets will be subject to probate and helps facilitate trustee administration. Clear records and consistent documentation are integral to a functioning plan.
We offer ongoing advice for trustees and agents who need assistance managing trust administration or fulfilling duties. This may include preparing certifications of trust, assisting with general assignments to trusts, or guiding trustees through distributions. When circumstances change, we advise on trust modification petitions or Heggstad petitions if assets were unintentionally omitted during funding. Supporting trustees and agents helps ensure the estate plan is implemented fairly and efficiently and provides reassurance that administration follows the grantor’s intent.
A will is a legal document that directs how property will be distributed at death and can name guardians for minor children. It generally must go through probate to appoint a personal representative and to transfer title to heirs. In contrast, a revocable living trust holds assets during life and directs distribution after death, often allowing assets held in the trust to avoid probate. Trusts can also provide continuity of asset management if the grantor becomes incapacitated, because a successor trustee can step in without court intervention. Choosing between a will and a trust depends on concerns like privacy, probate avoidance, and the complexity of the estate. When deciding whether a trust is appropriate, consider the types of assets you own, how they are titled, and whether you want more control over distribution timing and conditions. Funding a trust by retitling property into the trust is a necessary step to achieve many of its benefits. A pour-over will is often used together with a trust as a safety net to move assets into the trust that were not retitled during life. Reviewing these options in the context of California law helps ensure the chosen approach aligns with personal goals and family needs.
Selecting a trustee or agent requires choosing someone who is trustworthy, organized, and willing to take on the responsibilities involved. For financial matters, the appointed agent should be comfortable handling banking, tax matters, and property management. For health care decisions, the designated agent should understand your values and be able to communicate effectively with medical providers and family members. Many people choose a close family member, trusted friend, or a professional fiduciary in some situations, and naming alternates ensures continuity if the primary choice cannot serve. Discuss your choice with the proposed agents so they understand their duties and can prepare to act if needed. Consider naming co-agents or successor agents when appropriate, and provide written guidance about your preferences to simplify decision-making. Clear, documented instructions within the trust, power of attorney, or advance directive reduce ambiguity and help agents and trustees carry out responsibilities in line with your intentions.
An advance health care directive documents your medical treatment preferences and names a health care agent to make decisions if you cannot communicate. This document guides medical professionals and family members about your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, pain management, and other care preferences. Having an advance directive reduces uncertainty and the potential for conflict among family members by making your priorities clear. It also allows you to appoint a trusted person to advocate for your wishes when you are unable to do so yourself. Creating an advance directive is particularly important for those with serious medical conditions, those entering long-term care, or anyone who wishes to control medical treatment decisions in the event of incapacity. Reviewing and updating the directive as health status or preferences change ensures it remains accurate. Sharing copies with your appointed agent and healthcare providers helps ensure the document can be acted upon promptly when needed.
Yes, funding a trust is typically necessary for it to achieve its intended benefits. Funding involves retitling assets in the name of the trust, updating account beneficiary designations when appropriate, and recording deeds for real estate transfers into the trust. Without funding, assets may remain subject to probate despite the existence of a trust document. Proper funding requires a careful review of each asset’s title and beneficiary arrangements to ensure the trust is the effective owner or that accounts are coordinated with trust terms. Funding should be done with attention to tax, ownership, and contract issues to avoid unintended consequences. Some assets, such as retirement accounts, may have specific rules and tax considerations; these often remain in the original owner’s name but can be coordinated with a trust through beneficiary designations or a retirement plan trust. We provide guidance on the practical steps needed to fund trusts and make sure the overall plan functions as intended.
Most estate planning documents can be revised as circumstances change. Revocable living trusts are specifically designed to be changed or revoked during the grantor’s lifetime, allowing updates to beneficiaries, trustees, or terms. Wills can also be amended with codicils or replaced by a new will. Powers of attorney and advance directives should be reviewed and replaced if the named agents or preferences change. Regular reviews ensure that your plan keeps pace with life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant changes in assets. When modifications are needed, careful drafting is important to preserve continuity and avoid unintended results. Some changes may require formal petitions or court involvement if trust terms or third-party rights are affected. Consulting with counsel helps ensure modifications are effective and that all documents remain coordinated under California law so your current wishes are legally enforceable.
A special needs trust is designed to provide for a beneficiary with disabilities while preserving their eligibility for public benefits such as Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security Income. The trust can hold funds for supplemental care, services, or quality-of-life items that government programs do not cover without jeopardizing benefit eligibility. Creating this type of trust requires careful drafting to ensure it meets legal requirements and accomplishes the goal of supplementing, rather than replacing, public benefits. Special needs trusts are appropriate when a beneficiary needs ongoing support and when direct inheritance would risk disqualifying them from necessary public programs. Trust terms should be tailored to the beneficiary’s circumstances and include appropriate distribution provisions and trustee powers. Professional advice is recommended to balance support for the beneficiary with preservation of benefit eligibility and to ensure compliance with applicable rules.
Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts generally take precedence over distributions specified in a will or trust, so it is important to keep beneficiary forms current and consistent with your estate planning goals. Reviewing these designations during the planning process ensures assets pass as intended and avoids unintended outcomes. For some retirement assets, coordination with a trust or naming a retirement plan trust may be appropriate to control distributions or provide for minor or dependent beneficiaries. Periodic review of beneficiary designations is essential after major life changes to ensure that named beneficiaries, contingent beneficiaries, and designated account types continue to reflect your wishes. Failing to update these forms can lead to assets passing to unintended recipients or through a process that conflicts with the broader estate plan, so coordinated review is an important step in comprehensive planning.
After a grantor’s death, a trustee should secure assets, notify beneficiaries and financial institutions, and determine whether the trust allows for immediate distributions or requires administration steps. The trustee must follow the trust terms, pay valid debts and expenses, and maintain careful records. If the trust holds real estate or accounts, the trustee may need to transfer ownership according to trust instructions. Communicating clearly with beneficiaries about timelines and actions reduces uncertainty and helps the administration proceed efficiently under California trust law. If disputes or complexities arise, the trustee may seek legal guidance to ensure proper compliance with fiduciary duties and to resolve claims. For estates that involve probate assets or assets outside the trust, coordination with personal representatives and an understanding of probate procedures may be needed. Trustees should follow the trust’s direction closely and document decisions to provide transparency and protect against later challenges.
Reducing administration time and expense often begins with proper planning: using a revocable living trust to hold assets, keeping beneficiary designations up to date, and funding the trust so assets do not pass through probate. Clear documentation and well-organized records help fiduciaries act quickly. Additionally, naming capable agents and trustees and providing them with access to necessary information reduces delays. For some estates, utilizing trust-based distributions can avoid court supervision and public proceedings, leading to a more private and efficient transition for beneficiaries. Beyond initial planning, regular reviews and updates reduce the risk of avoidable complications. Addressing potential conflicts in advance, clarifying roles and powers for fiduciaries, and ensuring that trust and account titling match your plan help streamline administration. Prompt communication and professional guidance when issues arise can further limit costs and time involved in settling an estate or administering a trust.
You can provide for pets and charitable gifts within an estate plan by including specific trust provisions or designated bequests. A pet trust allows funds to be set aside for the care of animals, specifying caretakers, compensation, and instructions. Charitable giving can be structured through direct bequests, charitable remainder trusts, or other mechanisms depending on your philanthropic goals. Clear drafting ensures that trustees understand how to carry out these wishes and that funds are used consistent with your intentions. When planning for pets or charities, designate reliable caretakers or organizations and give trustees discretion to manage funds for the intended purposes. Periodic reviews help confirm that named caretakers or charities remain appropriate choices. Careful drafting reduces ambiguity and helps trustees fulfill your charitable and animal care priorities in a practical and legally enforceable way.
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