Revocable Living Trust

Efficiently manage your assets through your life and beyond.

A Revocable Living Trust is a legal document created during your lifetime that allows you to manage your assets while you are alive and ensures they are distributed efficiently after your death without court interference.

In California, this document is often considered the "backbone" of a secure estate plan because of the state's particularly slow and expensive court systems.

The Three Key Parties of a Trust

  • The Grantor (or Settlor): The person who creates the trust and puts assets into it.

  • The Trustee: The person who manages the trust assets. Usually, you serve as your own trustee while you are alive and capable.

  • The Beneficiary: The person or organization that receives the benefit of the trust’s property.

Why California Residents Need a Living Trust

1. Avoiding the "Probate Nightmare"

In California, if you pass away with assets titled in your individual name exceeding $184,500 (or own real estate), your estate must typically go through probate.

  • High Costs: California law sets "statutory fees" for probate lawyers and executors based on the gross value of the estate (e.g., 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, etc.).

  • Long Delays: The probate process in California often takes 9 to 18 months (or longer) to conclude.

  • Automatic Transfer: Assets held in a properly funded trust bypass the courts entirely, allowing your successor trustee to distribute assets to your loved ones in a matter of weeks rather than years.

2. Privacy Protection

When a will goes through probate, it becomes a public record; anyone can see what you owned and who inherited it. A Living Trust is a private document that is never filed with the court, keeping your financial details confidential between your trustee and beneficiaries.

3. Seamless Management During Incapacity

A trust is not just for when you pass away. If you become incapacitated by illness or injury, your Successor Trustee can immediately step in to pay your bills and manage your property without the need for a court-ordered conservatorship.

4. Protection for Minors and Special Needs

You can specify exactly how and when children receive their inheritance (e.g., at certain ages like 25 or 30). For loved ones with special needs, the trust can be structured to provide for them without disqualifying them from essential government benefits.

The Critical Step: "Funding" Your Trust

A trust is only effective if it is funded. This means you must "retitle" your assets—such as your home, bank accounts, and investments—into the name of the trust. At Yu & Yu Law, Jay personally guides you through this process to ensure your "safe" isn't empty when your family needs it most.

The Yu & Yu Law Advantage

  • No "Assembly Line" Drafting: Unlike larger firms that rely on paralegals, only a licensed attorney (Jay) reviews and drafts every document in your plan personally.

  • Direct Attorney Access: You communicate directly with Jay throughout your case, ensuring you are fully informed and empowered.

  • Transparent Flat Fees: We offer clear, upfront flat-fee quotes after your initial consultation so there are no billing surprises.