California Living Trusts are a legal instrument designed to safeguard your assets throughout your lifetime and beyond.
A California Living Trust is more than just a legal agreement. It's a strategic plan that allows you to maintain control over your assets while ensuring they're distributed to your designated beneficiaries after your passing. It's a joint estate planning tool that offers peace of mind and financial security.
Understanding the roles involved in a trust is crucial to its successful implementation. Here's a breakdown:
The Trustmaker: Also known as the settlor or trustor, the trustmaker is the individual who establishes the trust. They supply the assets, transitioning the associated property and funds into the ownership of the trust.
The Beneficiary: These are the individuals, trusts, or other entities that receive assets from the trust. The current beneficiary is entitled to the assets from the trust, while the remainder beneficiary will receive the assets upon the current beneficiary's passing. If a named beneficiary is unable or does not want the trust assets, they will then be distributed to the contingent beneficiary.
The Trustee: This role is fulfilled by one or more persons or entities named in the trust to administer the assets and make distributions per the trust agreement. The initial trustee is often the grantor in the case of a revocable trust, and successor trustees are appointed to serve if the initial trustee is unable or unwilling to serve.
A California Living Trust is a powerful tool for estate planning. It provides a secure way to manage your assets during your lifetime and ensures they're distributed according to your wishes after your death. Start your journey towards a secure future today.