Trust Law Group handles matters in the following practice areas. 

Estate Planning: Drafting and administration of Living Trusts, Wills, Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives and related documents. The creation of a Living or Revocable Trust will allow an estate to be privately administered after death. The execution of a pour-over Will will further the effectiveness of a Living Trust. Additionally, traditional Wills can be prepared for those who do not wish to create a trust. Durable Powers of Attorney allow a person to appoint a person to assist them with financial matters if it becomes necessary. Health Care Directives allow a person to dictate their wishes regarding health care decisions should they become seriously ill or incapacitated.

Trust Administration: After a Trustor’s death, certain steps must be taken to ensure that the Trust is administered in compliance with state law and to change title to Trust assets. Trust administration allows the family to privately administer and distribute the assets of the Decedent in a timely and economically efficient manner.

Probate/Decedent’s Estates: Whether the Probate of an estate is required depends entirely upon the nature and size of the Decedent’s assets, as well as the type of estate planning the Decedent has in place. Probate often involves the Court supervised process of winding up a Decedent’s legal and financial affairs and distributing their assets in accordance with either their will or the California intestacy laws. However, small estates (less than $150,000) can be probated without the need for Court involvement. Obtaining legal assistance for Probate matters can help to alleviate family conflicts and the burden of the required paperwork and Court appearances.

Conservatorships: A Conservatorship is a procedure by which the family of a person who can no longer care for themselves, physically or financially, can assist that person under Court supervision. A Conservatorship of the Person allows the Conservator to make medical and other decisions regarding the Conservatee’s physical well-being. A Conservatorship of the Estate provides the Conservator with the power to handle all financial aspects of the Conservatee’s life.

Guardianships: A Guardianship is the process by which the assets of a minor are managed and preserved until the minor reaches the age of majority. A Guardianship is usually required in the when a parent is deceased or there is no parent who can make decisions and the minor requires an alternate adult who can make decisions for the minor; or when, the minor is entitled to receive litigation proceeds or to inherit assets and requires an adult who can manage the assets.