Revocable Living Trusts – Protect Your Assets & Avoid Probate

What is a Revocable Living Trust?

A Revocable Living Trust is a legal document that allows you to transfer ownership of your assets into a trust during your lifetime while still maintaining full control. Unlike a will, a trust helps your heirs avoid probate, saving them time, money, and stress.

With a living trust, you can:

✔️ Avoid Probate – Bypass the lengthy and costly probate process.
✔️ Maintain Privacy – Unlike a will, a trust is not a public record.
✔️ Plan for Incapacity – A designated trustee can manage your affairs if you become unable to do so.
✔️ Control Asset Distribution – Specify when and how beneficiaries receive their inheritance.
✔️ Reduce Estate Taxes – Minimize tax burdens for your heirs.
✔️ Protect Minor Children – Ensure your children are financially cared for.

A trust provides a streamlined estate plan that ensures your wishes are followed without court interference.

Do I Need a Revocable Living Trust?

A revocable living trust is beneficial for nearly everyone, especially if you:

🏡 Own Property – A trust ensures a smooth transfer of real estate to your heirs.
💼 Own a Business – Keep your business operations running after your passing.
💰 Have Investments or Savings – Protect financial accounts from probate delays.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Have Young Children – Ensure their inheritance is managed responsibly.
✈️ Travel Frequently – A trustee can manage your assets while you're away.

If you want to simplify the inheritance process and protect your loved ones, a revocable living trust is the right choice.

How Does a Revocable Living Trust Work?

1️⃣ Create the Trust – We draft a legally binding trust document tailored to your needs.
2️⃣ Transfer Assets into the Trust – Your property, accounts, and valuables are retitled in the trust’s name.
3️⃣ Manage Your Trust During Your Lifetime – You remain the trustee, meaning you have full control.
4️⃣ Plan for Incapacity – If you become unable to manage your affairs, a successor trustee steps in.
5️⃣ Distribute Assets Upon Your Passing – Your beneficiaries receive their inheritance without probate.

What Assets Can Be Placed in a Living Trust?

✅ Real Estate & Homes
✅ Bank Accounts & Savings
✅ Investment & Brokerage Accounts
✅ Life Insurance Policies
✅ Business Interests
✅ Valuable Personal Property (Jewelry, Art, Collectibles, etc.)

Some assets, such as retirement accounts (401k, IRA), should not be placed in a trust but can be properly designated to beneficiaries. We help you structure your trust for maximum protection and efficiency.

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts – What’s the Difference?

A revocable trust allows you to change, update, or revoke it at any time during your lifetime. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for estate planning.

An irrevocable trust, on the other hand, cannot be modified or revoked once created. While it offers certain tax and asset protection benefits, it requires giving up control over the assets placed in the trust.

For most individuals, a revocable living trust is the best solution for estate planning.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Trust?

If you pass away without a trust, your estate will go through California probate, which can take months or even yearsand result in:

⚠️ Expensive Court & Attorney Fees – Probate can cost 4-7% of your estate’s total value.
⚠️ Public Exposure – Your assets and debts become part of the public record.
⚠️ Delays in Asset Distribution – Your family may wait months or years for their inheritance.
⚠️ Court Control Over Your Estate – A judge, not your family, makes key decisions.

A living trust eliminates these risks, ensuring a smooth transfer of assets to your loved ones.

Our Estate Planning Package Includes:

📜 Revocable Living Trust – A fully customized trust document tailored to your needs.
✍️ Pour-Over Will – A backup plan for any assets left out of the trust.
🏥 Medical Power of Attorney – Appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for you.
📝 Advance Healthcare Directive – Specify your medical treatment preferences.
📑 Durable Power of Attorney – Grant authority to manage your finances if you’re unable to.
🏡 Trust Funding Guidance – Instructions on transferring assets into the trust.

With Brentwood Law, your estate plan is comprehensive, legally sound, and built for peace of mind.

How Brentwood Law Can Help

✔️ Customized Estate Planning – Every trust is designed to fit your unique situation.
✔️ Attorney-Led Guidance – We ensure your trust is properly structured and legally sound.
✔️ Asset Protection Strategies – Secure your wealth for future generations.
✔️ Easy & Stress-Free Process – We handle all paperwork and walk you through every step.
✔️ Flat Fees & Transparent Pricing – No hidden costs, just honest legal help.

Start planning for your future today!

Revocable Living Trust FAQ

❓ Do I still need a will if I have a trust?
Yes. A pour-over will ensures that any assets not transferred to the trust are still distributed according to your wishes.

❓ Can I update my trust?
Yes! A revocable trust can be updated at any time as your life circumstances change.

❓ Does a trust protect my assets from creditors?
A revocable trust does not provide asset protection from creditors, but other estate planning tools may help.

Get a Free Consultation for Your Living Trust Today

Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. A revocable living trust gives you control, protection, and peace of mind knowing your assets will be handled exactly as you wish.