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At The Law Offices of Joel A. Harris P.C., our Antioch family trust lawyer is an experienced advocate for clients. You have worked way too hard to leave your family’s financial future to chance. A family trust may be the best option to preserve wealth and protect your loved ones. If you have any questions about family trusts, we are here to help. Contact us at our Antioch law office today for a confidential consultation with a top California estate planning attorney.

What is a Trust?

Broadly defined, a trust is a legal arrangement in which one party—known as the trustee—holds and manages assets on behalf of another party—known as the beneficiary. The person who creates the trust, known as the grantor or settlor, specifies how and when the assets should be distributed to the beneficiary. Notably, trusts are a common estate planning tool.

An Overview of Family Trusts in California

Family trusts are a popular estate planning tool in California, designed to manage and protect assets for the benefit of family members. These legal arrangements offer various advantages—from asset protection to probate avoidance to the ability to manage assets effectively. Here are some of the key points to know about family trusts in California:

• The creation and the structure: A family trust is created through a legal document known as a trust agreement or declaration. The person who establishes the trust is called the grantor or settlor. The grantor appoints a trustee to manage the trust assets according to the terms of the trust document. Several family members may be named as beneficiaries.
• Types of family trusts: In California, there are several types of family trusts, including revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and testamentary trusts. What type of trust should you set up? It depends entirely on the specific needs of you and your family. An experienced Antioch, CA estate planning lawyer can help.
• The benefits of family trusts: To start, assets held in a family trust do not go through probate. It can save time and money and keep the details of the estate private. Beyond that, family trusts can provide asset protection. They could potentially protect your assets from creditors and various types of legal claims. Finally, family trusts offer a mechanism for managing assets—especially on behalf of minors, incapacitated individuals, and other beneficiaries who may not be ready to take control.

Why Trust California Family Trust Lawyer Joel A. Harris?

Family trusts are complicated. Joel A. Harris is a California estate planning attorney with extensive experience helping people protect their assets and preserve their wealth. We know family trusts. Let us help you find the right solution for your situation. Along with other things, our Antioch family trust lawyer is prepared to:

• Hear what you have to say and answer questions about family trusts
• Help you organize all relevant financial documents and records
• Put the right family trust in place for your needs and goals