Living Trusts
A revocable living trust is one of the most effective estate planning tools available to California residents. It allows you to maintain full control of your assets during your lifetime, provide for your care if incapacitated, and transfer your estate to your beneficiaries efficiently — without going through probate. NewPoint Law Group's Roseville attorneys help you create a living trust tailored to your family and financial goals.
Living Trusts | Estate Planning Attorneys in Roseville, CA
What Is a Revocable Living Trust?
A revocable living trust is a legal document you create during your lifetime that holds title to your assets and directs how they will be managed and distributed. As the grantor, you typically serve as your own trustee while alive and competent, maintaining full control. You can amend, modify, or revoke the trust at any time.
When you die or become incapacitated, a successor trustee you have designated steps in to manage or distribute the trust assets according to your instructions without any court involvement.
Why Living Trusts Matter in California
California's probate process is notoriously time-consuming and expensive. Estates that go through probate are subject to statutory attorney and executor fees calculated as a percentage of the gross estate value, and the process can take a year or more. A fully funded living trust bypasses probate entirely.
Probate proceedings are also public record in California. A living trust keeps your financial affairs and distribution instructions private.
What a Living Trust Can Do
Transfer your assets to beneficiaries without probate
Designate a successor trustee to manage your finances if you become incapacitated
Provide detailed distribution instructions, including staggered distributions to younger beneficiaries
Coordinate with your will, powers of attorney, and health care directives as part of a complete plan
Hold real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, business interests, and other assets
Funding Your Trust
A living trust only controls the assets that have been properly transferred into it. "Funding" the trust means retitling assets real property, financial accounts, business interests into the name of the trust. An unfunded or partially funded trust may leave assets subject to probate. Our attorneys guide clients through the funding process to make sure the trust functions as intended.
Living Trusts for Married Couples
Married couples may use a joint living trust or separate trusts depending on their situation. For blended families, significant separate property, or estate tax planning purposes, separate trusts may offer advantages. We help couples evaluate the right structure.