Los Angeles Trusts & Estate Planning Lawyers

Protecting Your Family’s Future Through Thoughtful Estate Planning

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy—it is for anyone who wants to make sure their family is taken care of, their wishes are honored, and their assets are protected. In California, where property values are high, tax considerations are significant, and family structures are diverse, a well-crafted estate plan is one of the most important investments a person can make. Without one, the state decides who gets what, the courts oversee the process, and the people you care about most may be left without the protections you intended.

Key Estate Planning Tools

A comprehensive estate plan typically includes several interconnected documents. A revocable living trust holds your assets during your lifetime and distributes them after death without the need for probate—saving time, money, and privacy. A pour-over will works alongside the trust to capture any assets that were not transferred during your lifetime. A durable power of attorney designates someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. An advance healthcare directive specifies your medical treatment preferences and designates someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. And beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance policies must be coordinated with the rest of the plan.

Trust Administration and Probate

When a loved one passes away, their estate must be administered according to their plan—or through probate if no plan exists. Trust administration involves gathering and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. When done properly, it is a private, efficient process that avoids the courts entirely.

Probate, on the other hand, is a public court proceeding that can take a year or more, cost tens of thousands of dollars in fees, and create delays and stress for grieving families. California’s statutory probate fees are based on the gross value of the estate, not the net value—meaning fees can be disproportionately high for estates with significant property but also significant mortgage debt.

Trust and Estate Disputes

Disputes over estates and trusts are unfortunately common. Contested wills and trusts, allegations of undue influence or lack of capacity, trustee misconduct and breach of fiduciary duty, disagreements among beneficiaries, and claims by disinherited family members can all lead to contentious litigation. These disputes are both legally complex and emotionally charged, and they require an approach that balances legal strategy with sensitivity to family dynamics.

Whether you need to create an estate plan, administer a loved one’s trust, or resolve a dispute over an inheritance, Beverly Wilshire Law APC can provide the guidance and representation you need. Call (310) 424-5566 or email info@bevwilshire.com for a consultation—we’re here to guide you in the right direction.