Real Estate Law
Living Trusts
A living trust (inter vivos) is a legal instrument in which a person, called a trustee, holds title to property for another, who is called the beneficiary. Living trusts have favoring estate tax implications and can help manage property. However, living trusts are primarily used to avoid probate.
For example, Jane Doe owns a home and wants her son to be the beneficiary when she dies. Therefore, Jane places her home in the "Doe Family Trust." When Jane passes away, her son may take ownership in the home through the "Doe Family Trust" without having to go through probate. For more information, please read the State Bar of California's Living Trust Pamphlet.