Do I need a trust if I have a will? Wills and trusts are two of the most important estate planning tools. It is a common misconception that if you make a will, your estate plan is complete. In reality, wills and trusts are two unique estate planning tools, with one not able to replace…

The Basics of Estate Planning with OC Wills & Trust Attorneys We know that nobody likes to dwell on all of the details that come with end-of-life planning. Because of this, we’ve made it our mission to serve the people of Orange County with professional, friendly, and compassionate legal services to make these crucial preparations…

How can I ensure my pet is cared for after my death? Pets are part of the family for many Americans across the country.  About 85 million families, or 68 percent of U.S. households, have a dog, cat, or another type of pet.  Despite the high levels of pet ownership, few pet owners have included…

How can a spendthrift trust protect my heirs from creditors? With a spendthrift trust, you can pass down assets to your heirs without concern that your assets may be rapidly spent by heirs or seized to satisfy creditors. A spendthrift trust comes with all of the benefits of a regular trust, but allows for additional…

What are the advantages of placing assets in a trust for my minor child? Many younger parents put off estate planning, believing they have plenty of time to set aside assets for their children before their death. However, failing to create an estate plan that benefits your children now could leave your child without a…

What is a charitable remainder trust? Giving to charity is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.  With your charitable donations, you can truly make a difference to a cause that you hold near and dear.  There are many ways both during your lifetime and after your death that you can give to charity.  Charitable giving…

Is a Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT) an irrevocable trust? A Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT) is a type of irrevocable trust that allows you to place your home or a secondary residence into the trust for tax benefits.  QPRTs are a popular estate planning tool that can help you to reduce the size of…

What is an irrevocable trust? You’ve worked hard your entire life to provide for yourself and your family.  Now, you want to protect your assets in the face of an uncertain future.  Trusts can offer a way to protect your assets from creditors during your lifetime and after your death.  There are two main types…

What are the benefits of using a revocable living trust? Revocable living trusts have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason.  This type of trust offers several financial advantages when passing your assets down to your heirs.  For those just starting out on the estate planning process, you may be wondering whether…