Sacramento Trusts Lawyer

When it comes to planning their legacies and how to distribute assets after death, each person's needs and wishes are distinct. Our Sacramento trusts lawyer works closely with clients to identify their individual requirements and create a trust that meets those needs.

Huber Fox has deep experience in estate planning for everything from avoiding probate costs to protecting clients and their heirs from liability to business succession planning. We serve clients throughout the Greater Sacramento Area. 

Types of Trusts

Establishing a trust involves deciding between a revocable and an irrevocable trust. A revocable trust is more flexible, allowing the grantor to make changes to beneficiaries and other terms. Conversely, an irrevocable trust locks in the beneficiaries, but offers preferential tax treatment and increased asset protection.

The age of the grantor (the client who is establishing the trust) is often an important factor in determining which type of trust best meets their needs. Our Sacramento trusts attorneys stay in regular contact with clients, always re-evaluating their needs in light of changing circumstances.

Another decision that has to be made is between a living trust and a testamentary trust. Living trusts are set up while the grantor is still alive, and testamentary trusts are created through a will after death. Assets placed into living trusts can be harder for clients to access, but provide greater liability protection against third parties and creditors, should they choose to sue.

Take advantage of Huber Fox’s extensive experience with trusts by calling our office at (916) 237-8781 or by filling out our online contact form to arrange for a consultation.

How Trusts Assets Are Distributed

Clients have two broad options for deciding how heirs will receive their assets from the trust. One option is to simply do it all at once, upon the death of the grantor. Each beneficiary is given their inheritance and the trust is dissolved. 

The other option is to structure the trust in a way that its assets pay out after time. There are several reasons a client may choose this option. Prime examples include the following: 

• Keeping assets in a trust shields heirs from liability. The assets belong to the trust until the point they are distributed. That means they are protected from property division if a beneficiary goes through a divorce. They are protected from plaintiffs in a lawsuit, or other creditors. 
• Parents may have concerns about the capacity of their adult children to manage a large sum of money. Having a competent trust administrator pay out the benefits incrementally can alleviate this concern. 
• If an adult child beneficiary has a disability, receiving a large sum could disqualify them from means-tested government programs. A trust can be set up in a way that gets this adult child their inheritance, while still preserving eligibility for benefits.
• Grantors may simply want their beneficiaries to receive something at threshold moments in life. It’s not uncommon for trusts to pay out at the point of graduation from high school or college, upon marriage, or other significant dates. 

These are just some of the most common reasons why a trust would be structured flexibly, to pay out over time. Our Sacramento trusts attorneys work with clients to craft the right trust for their specific needs.

Local Sacramento Resources for Living Trusts

Living in Sacramento, you have access to a wealth of local resources and government entities that can assist in the process of setting up a living trust. The Sacramento County Government provides valuable information and services that can help you understand the legal landscape of estate planning. Additionally, the Sacramento County Public Law Library offers resources and workshops that can be beneficial for those looking to educate themselves on living trusts and other estate planning tools.

One of the common pain points for Sacramento residents is navigating the complexities of estate planning while ensuring that their assets are protected from potential liabilities. Whether you live in the bustling downtown area or the quieter suburbs like Elk Grove or Folsom, understanding how to effectively manage and distribute your assets is crucial. Our Sacramento trusts lawyer is well-versed in the unique challenges faced by local residents, from dealing with high property values to addressing the needs of a diverse community.

For instance, many Sacramento residents are concerned about the impact of California's high cost of living on their estate planning. By setting up a living trust, you can ensure that your assets are managed in a way that minimizes tax liabilities and maximizes protection for your heirs. Our team is familiar with the local real estate market and can provide tailored advice to help you make informed decisions.

Moreover, the proximity to state government offices in downtown Sacramento means that our clients can easily access additional resources and support when needed. Whether you're looking to avoid probate costs or protect your assets from creditors, our Sacramento trusts lawyer is here to guide you every step of the way.