Yes! Our firm stays laser focused on the area of Estate Planning, but we don't just prepare documents. We also help families administer trusts and estates as well, so we stay on top of what works and what doesn't in the real world. This practical experience serves to make our estate plans as iron-clad as possible and makes it very easy for us to guide you through what matters most. It also means we'll be there for your family should they need help administering your plan when the time comes, though most do just fine on their own.

On average 2-3 weeks between the initial drafting and finalization after review, depending on your wishes. You can take as much time as you need to review your plan and work through questions though, so no rush. Expedited plans available as well, just tell us your timeline when we first talk.

No! Why sit through traffic or take multiple days off work just to come into an attorney's office? Our virtual approach allows us to come to you without losing the touch of personal service. When your plan is ready to sign, our partnered mobile notary will come to you around your schedule to finalize everything. Stay in touch with your attorney anytime via phone, text, email, or Zoom, at your preference, without losing any valuable time.

To give you an honest answer here we really need to know what we're creating for you first. Not all Trusts are the same nor are they all created equal. Your plan should be a customized solution crafted to fit your wishes, goals, and assets, so there are many variables that may change exactly what we set up together or how we custom tailor it. Remember, you're not shopping for documents, you're looking for effective Legal Counsel to best protect your loved ones and safeguard your Estate. That being said, an average Trust Based Estate Plan will be in the $3,000-$5,000 range depending on exactly what all is needed to best accomplish your goals. 

Absolutely! Recording your primary home trust transfer deed with your County Recorder is included in our flat rate. Additional fees apply for secondary properties, but we will absolutely take care of recording all deeds at the County on your behalf. We'll also guide you on getting financial accounts into the trust as well. This step is key to helping your family avoid Probate.

No! Unlike a surprising number of estate plans in the marketplace, our plans are completely customized to fit your needs. We can use a flat-fee structure for most of our plans because we’ve been doing this long enough that we know what most of our clients are going to want at least generally, and we’ve probably already drafted similar provisions that we can further customize to your needs. That allows us to project how much time we’ll likely be spending on your plan and arrive at a flat-fee that works for both parties. That said, more complex wishes (i.e- we need a spreadsheet to map out all of your contingencies), specialized clauses, or unique situations may cause your plan to be quoted a higher price than our flat fees listed. We will not include any surprises in your bill though, you will know your quote well before we ever agree to work with one another (usually by the conclusion of our initial consultation).

Life happens, and your planning should be flexible to accommodate changes that do come up. Simply email the attorney you worked with to let them know you need to make updates and they’ll guide you through the process based on what is changing. 

A trust is a legal arrangement in which a named person (trustee) holds and manages assets for the benefit of a someone else (beneficiary). There are many different types of trusts, each designed to meet specific needs and goals. Trusts can provide many benefits, such as avoiding probate, minimizing taxes, protecting assets from creditors, and ensuring that assets are distributed according to your wishes. For example, if you want to ensure that your assets are distributed to your heirs in a certain way or at a certain time (and without going through Probate Court), a trust can provide the necessary structure and control to achieve those goals.

A revocable trust can be changed or revoked by the creator of the trust at any time during their lifetime, whereas an irrevocable trust cannot be changed or revoked once it is created. Revocable trusts are often used for estate planning purposes, as they can provide flexibility and control during the creator's lifetime while also avoiding probate. Irrevocable trusts, on the other hand, are often used for asset protection or tax planning purposes, as they can provide greater protection from creditors and minimize estate taxes.

Choosing a trustee is an important decision, as the trustee will be responsible for managing the trust assets and carrying out your wishes. When choosing a trustee, you should look for someone who is trustworthy, level-headed, and has the financial acumen necessary to manage trust assets. You may also want to consider selecting a professional fiduciary or corporate trustee, such as a bank or trust company, as they can provide professional management and oversight of trust assets. The trustee's responsibilities may include investing assets, making distributions, and ensuring that the trust is administered according to your wishes.

There are several strategies available to protect assets from creditors or legal claims, depending on your individual circumstances. One strategy is to create an irrevocable trust, which can provide greater protection from creditors than a revocable trust. Another strategy is to transfer assets to a limited liability company or partnership, which can shield those assets from individual liability. Additionally, some states allow for the creation of domestic asset protection trusts, which can provide even greater protection for certain assets. Offshore Asset Protection Trusts are yet another technique that can be employed. It is important to discuss your options with a qualified asset protection attorney, as the best strategy will depend on your individual circumstances.

Special needs trusts can be used to provide for a loved one with disabilities or special needs without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits such as Medi-Cal/Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These trusts can be designed to provide for the beneficiary's needs while also preserving their eligibility for benefits. Special needs trusts can be funded with a variety of assets, such as cash, real estate, or investments, and can be managed by a trustee who has experience working with individuals with special needs.

If you’re new to Estate Planning and need to learn the basics, check out our Free On Demand Webinar – Estate Planning for Busy Parents to learn everything you need to know.