The Role of a Fiduciary and Why It Matters
When you set out to build an estate plan, your first inclination is usually to think about how you will divide your assets between your heirs and beneficiaries. However, there’s another consideration that can be just as important: who is going to be responsible for managing your assets when you’re no longer able to do […]
How to Fund a Revocable Living Trust in San Mateo
You’ve made the decision to open a revocable living trust to secure your family’s financial future, but estate planning doesn’t end when you formally sign the trust documents. A trust is only as effective as its funding. In order to maximize the benefit of your trust, assets must be transferred into your trust through a […]
Joint Trust vs Separate Trust: What’s Best for Married Couples in Estate Planning
Many married couples in California know that they need a trust, but aren’t always sure whether a joint trust or two separate trusts makes the most sense. That’s because in California each partner often brings their own significant assets to the marriage. Whether that’s multiple properties, family inheritances, significant investments, or even businesses, there isn’t […]
Guidance to Trustees: How to Distribute Trust Assets to Beneficiaries in California
Being named as the trustee of an estate is a significant responsibility. Whether you’re a family member or trusted friend of the grantor, a trustee’s legal obligation is to act in the best interest of the trust and its beneficiaries. While it may seem straightforward, many trustees inevitably run into complications regarding trust distributions or […]
Do I Need a Will or a Trust—What’s the Difference?
Beginning the process of estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your family’s long-term future. For families in San Mateo and the Bay Area, the fundamental question isn’t “which is better, a will or trust?”, but rather which document provides the most efficient, private, and cost-effective way to […]