Van Nuys, CA Trust Lawyer

If you have money, property, and possessions that you want to protect (most of us do!), then a will alone won’t be strong enough to get the job done. To get maximum protection for the wealth you’ve worked tirelessly to build, you need to have both a will and a trust as part of your comprehensive estate plan. This can be a complex process, as it requires a lot of financial and logistical considerations, but at Hayes Law Firm we are committed to guiding you through the process at a pace you’re comfortable with!

Our Van Nuys trust lawyer has over 40 years of experience with California estate planning procedures, ensuring legal compliance at every step. We’ve helped countless clients better understand the different ways they can accomplish their unique goals so that they can feel completely confident in the future – no matter what it may hold. 

Have more questions? Let’s talk today! Call to book your free consultation and learn more about how our firm can serve you. 

Why Include A Trust As Part Of Your Comprehensive Estate Plan?

Many people think that having a will is enough protection for their estate, but the truth is that the power of a will can only go so far. In fact, there are a lot of things that wills can’t do, such as keep your assets out of probate – an expensive and time consuming court process. 

Wills are strongest when they are used in partnership with a trust (or several trusts), as well as other estate planning tools like power of attorney and beneficiary designations. Our Van Nuys trust lawyer can help you craft a trust strategy that’s aligned with your needs and tailored to help you meet your goals. For example, with a trust you can:

• Ensure your assets are distributed without the delays and costs of probate court
• Specify when and how beneficiaries receive assets
• Keep the details of your estate and beneficiaries private (unlike the public probate process)
• Reduce estate and gift taxes through strategies like irrevocable trusts
• Appoint a trustee to manage assets for children until they reach a specified age
• Set up special needs trusts or other provisions for dependents who require ongoing support
• Appoint a successor trustee to manage your affairs if you become mentally or physically incapacitated
• Protect family property, businesses, or heirlooms from division or mismanagement
• Clearly define asset distribution to prevent misunderstandings or legal challenges
• Establish a charitable trust to support causes you care about while optimizing tax benefits
• Ensure smooth transfer of ownership and management for family-owned businesses
• Use irrevocable trusts to protect assets from creditors or legal claims
• Help a beneficiary qualify for government programs, such as Medicaid, through a special needs trust
• Create dynasty trusts to preserve and grow wealth for future generations
• Place real estate in a trust for seamless transfer and management
• Protect the interests of children from previous relationships while providing for a current spouse
• Create marital trusts to support a surviving spouse while preserving assets for children or other heirs
• Simplify asset management by consolidating them under a single trust
• Bypass court delays to provide beneficiaries with quicker access to assets

What Type Of Trust Is Right For You?

There are many different kinds of trusts that serve their own distinct purposes. Our Van Nuys trust lawyer can help you choose the type of trust that best meets your specific needs and goals, which may be a:

• Revocable living trust
• Irrevocable trust 
• Special Needs Trust 
• Charitable trust
• Testamentary trust 
• Asset protection trust 
• Spendthrift trust
• Dynasty trust 
• And more!

Why Work With Our Van Nuys Trust Lawyer?

Hayes Law Firm is uniquely positioned to help you plan for the future! Whether you still have a lot of questions about trusts or have been researching them and feel confident about moving forward, we will support you as you navigate the process and take this significant step in your life. Call today to book your free consultation and discover your options!

Frequently Asked Questions About Trusts In Van Nuys, CA

If I set up a Living Trust, can I be my own trustee?

Yes, most people serve as their own trustees for Living Trusts, and married couples can act as co-trustees. You retain full control over your assets, and if you become incapacitated, your chosen successor trustee, not a court-appointed one, will manage your affairs.

What happens to a trust when the grantor dies?

The trust typically becomes irrevocable, and the trustee distributes assets according to the trust’s terms without going through probate.

Can a trust help with Medicaid planning?

Yes, certain irrevocable trusts can help protect assets while ensuring eligibility for Medicaid or other long-term care benefits. Our Van Nuys trust lawyer can help you understand more about how you can strategically craft your estate plan to ensure future eligibility for Medicaid benefits if this is one of your major concerns.