Absolutely. The process of probate can be avoided if a Trust is properly implemented and funded into an estate plan. With a valid and enforceable Trust, an estate can be administered according to the decedent’s final wishes as listed in the document without the cost and delay associated with probate court supervision.

With so many do-it-yourself books and software programs out there, it is easy to overlook the importance of hiring a professional to avoid probate and properly plan for your heirs. Unfortunately, even with the help of software programs, it is very easy to make crucial oversights or complete the necessary documentation improperly, thereby leaving assets out of your trust, knocking beneficiaries off state or government assistance programs, leaving gifts outright to immature heirs, and other mistakes.

With so many do-it-yourself books and software programs, it is easy to overlook the importance of hiring a professional. Unfortunately, even with the help of software programs, it is very easy to make crucial oversights or complete the necessary documentation properly.

With the help of a skilled and seasoned estate planning lawyer at our firm, you can have access to a team of professionals who have helped countless families just like yours. We can assist with creating, reviewing, enforcing, and drafting documents, keeping you informed of crucial deadlines, or handling all aspects of filing mandatory paperwork with the county clerk.

You can also click here for some good information from the California State Bar on whether a Trust may be beneficial for you and your family.

Everyone has an estate plan whether they realize it or not. The probate code of your state dictates who will be your estate representative, who will get your property and how and when they will receive your estate property. Many of our clients want to keep the state out of these sensitive decisions. You can do that by having your wishes documented in a written Will. A Will still needs to be probated, so you wont avoid probate, but you will be taking the decision making process out of the State’s hands. If your goal is also to avoid probate, you should consult with our attorneys about setting up a Living Trust.

Everyone has an estate plan whether they realize it or not. The probate code of your state dictates who will be your estate representative, who will get your property and how and when they will receive your estate property. Many of our clients want to keep the state out of these sensitive decisions by having a written Will. Without a Will, when a person passes away (also known as intestate succession), the decedent’s estate will be distributed according to the state’s probate laws and, depending on the State, the probate process can take months or years and cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on the size of your estate.