In California, do I still need a will if I have a living trust?
Yes, we will prepare for you what is called a “pour-over” will. It is so called because it “pours over” into the trust any odds and ends not already in the trust by the time of death. Examples of such assets would be your automobile and checking account.
Even with a living trust, you need a pour-over will that: Names guardians for minor children (trusts can’t do this) Catches forgotten assets – Transfers anything you forgot to put in the trust Provides backup instructions if something goes wrong.
The pour-over will essentially says: “Anything I own at death that isn’t already in my trust should be transferred into my trust and distributed according to the trust instructions.”
Our Attorneys Are California Estate Planning Experts
As a Ventura County estate planning law firm specializing in living trusts, our firm commonly recieves questions about living trust fundamentals. We have a team of experts with the legal knowledge to answer questions about the process of estate planning, and what the benefits of a living trust can be.
Our firm can provide expert legal services as living trust attorneys. We are a Southern California based law firm in business since 1985. We specialize in living trusts and estate planning matters.
To learn more about living trusts, or if you would like a free consultation to learn if a living trust is right for you, please do not hesitate to contact us at (805) 482-2282, or e-mail us.
It is our privilege to guide clients through estate planning decisions
