Wills and living trusts
A will says who. A trust says how.
Most of our clients own a house, a retirement account and a few bank accounts, and want them to reach their children without a court case. That's usually a revocable living trust, with a short will behind it.
A will names who inherits and who's in charge, but it still goes through probate: a public court process that can take a year or more. A trust holds your things while you're alive, you stay in control, and the person you choose hands them out afterward without a judge.
We meet you once to listen, send drafts you can read at home, and sign everything in one visit, with the notary and witnesses arranged by us.
The trust package
What's in the binder
One fee, quoted in writing before you decide.
Revocable living trust
Who inherits, when, and who manages things if you can't. You can change it whenever you like.
Pour-over will
Catches anything left outside the trust and names guardians for young children.
New deed for the house
We prepare and record the deed that moves your home into the trust. Without it, the trust can't do its job.
Power of attorney for finances
Lets someone you trust pay bills and deal with the bank if you're ill.
Health care directive
Who speaks to your doctors, and what care you do and don't want.
A letter in plain words
A two-page summary for your children: where things are and who to call. In English, Spanish or both.
Will or trust: what clients ask
Is a will enough for us?
Sometimes. If you rent, have little in your own name, or your accounts already name beneficiaries, a will may be all you need. If you own a house, a trust usually saves your family a court case. We'll tell you which at the first meeting.
What does funding the trust mean?
Putting your things in its name: a new deed for the house, and new titles or beneficiaries for accounts. We do the deed and give you a checklist and letters for the banks.
Can my parents sign in Spanish?
Yes. Rocío or Yolanda reads the documents with them in Spanish, and we give them a Spanish summary to keep. The signed documents themselves are in English, because that's what banks and courts here accept.
What if we change our minds later?
A living trust can be changed or cancelled while you're alive and able to decide. Small changes are a short amendment; we suggest a review every few years or after a marriage, a death or a move.
See which one fits your family
Bring a list of what you own and who you'd like it to go to. We'll do the rest of the thinking with you.