Trust Attorney
Los Angeles
Trust Administration
Best Coast Estate Law represents Trustees of California trusts, no matter where the Trustee is located. Over the years we have represented both out-of-state and international clients administering California trusts. All of these matters can be handled virtually by our Best Coast Estate Law team.
What services are included in Trust Administration representation?
At Best Coast Estate Law we handle all of your communications with the trust Beneficiaries, banks, county recorders/assessors, creditors and Probate Court, if necessary. This includes transferring bank accounts and real estate, arranging for inventory and appraisal of assets and eventually making distributions pursuant to the terms of the trust.
How much does Trust Administration cost?
Trust administration services vary from client to client and are charged on an hourly fee basis. We work closely with our Trustee clients to make sure the Trustee is in compliance with the terms of the trust, California law, the county tax assessor and the IRS.
What is a California Heggstad Petition (PC 850 Petition)?
If you are a Trustee and have one or more assets that are not properly titled in the trust at the death of the Trustor, we may be able to help you avoid a formal probate by filing a petition to confirm the assets to the trust. This type of petition is called a Heggstad petition. Our office has successfully petitioned the court for millions of dollars of assets via Heggstad petitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team specializes in simplifying the estate-planning process so you and your loved ones can feel certain about every decision. Start with this overview, and then book a consultation when you’re ready to talk more.
What is an estate plan?
A comprehensive estate plan is a set of documents that allows you to plan for incapacity, determine who inherits your assets and according to what terms, and select an individual to serve as guardian of your minor children. You can learn more here.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
Under CA law, if you only have a will your property will be subject to probate court at your death. If you have a trust you can avoid probate court and your estate can be administered privately by your loved ones.
Why do you recommend avoiding probate?
A California probate is very time-consuming and expensive. The personal representative and his or her attorney are both paid a percentage of the appraised value of the estate. There are also filings fees, publishing fees and appraiser fees associated with a probate that you typically avoid when you have a trust. You can learn more here.
