About Me

Living Trust Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating and Funding Your Trust

Evaluate your portfolio to ensure a balance between risk and reward. For high-net-worth individuals, navigating financial transitions like divorce or significant life changes comes with unique challenges and opportunities. I'm Marty Burbank, a seasoned expert in wealth preservation strategies and elder law. Vanguard's advice services are provided by Vanguard Advisers, Inc. ("VAI"), a registered investment advisor, or by Vanguard National Trust Company ("VNTC"), a federally chartered, limited-purpose trust company. Private investments involve a high degree of risk and, therefore, should be undertaken only by prospective investors capable of evaluating and bearing the risks such an investment represents. All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you inves


You can choose to hold the bond to maturity, at which time the issuing entity will repay the principal. Retirees often use annuities to supplement other guaranteed sources of income (such as Social Security) to offset non-discretionary expenses. "Annuities should be evaluated based on your specific circumstances," says Rob Haworth, senior investment strategy director with U.S. When you start taking disbursements, typically after you turn fiduciary financial advisor for estate planning 59 ½, you can choose to receive a specific dollar amount regularly or payments that are adjusted for inflation. While the insurance company holds your contributions, that money has the potential to accrue on a tax-deferred basi


Laws referenced are current as of March 2026 and subject to change. The trust automatically becomes irrevocable — meaning its terms can no longer be changed. For a detailed breakdown, see our California living trust cost guid


Many people view Living Trusts simply as a vehicle for avoiding probate and simplifying the transfer of their estate. Some clients have valuable jewelry, artwork, antiques, collectibles or other tangible personal property (what I call "stuff") that will be passing to their beneficiaries. Since you trust Adam so much for this important role, might it not make sense to empower Adam, after he becomes the Trustee, to make the decision that Bob is not the best person to serve as successor Trustee and allow him fiduciary financial advisor for estate planning to make a different appointment? Then, after a few years, due to medical or other unforeseen reasons he is unable to continue to serve as Trustee.
Notifying Beneficiari

Frequently asked questions
Both methods can be valuable components of a retirement income strategy, offering tangible assets that appreciate over time. Real estate investments can provide a steady stream of retirement income through rental properties and real estate investment trusts (REITs). Dividend stocks offer the potential for capital appreciation and regular income through dividends.
How much of your retirement savings can you afford to los


For example, a $1 million estate could generate attorney and executor fees of $23,000 or more, even if the estate includes significant debts or liabilities. The ability to maintain control over trust assets while avoiding fiduciary financial advisor for estate planning probate makes the revocable trust a powerful estate planning tool, particularly in California. Trustee – The person or entity responsible for managing the trust assets in accordance with the terms of the trust. For California residents, where probate proceedings can be particularly expensive and complex, establishing a revocable trust is often a key component of a sound estate plan. A revocable trust not only provides flexibility and control over assets during the grantor’s lifetime but also helps avoid the time-consuming and costly probate process upon death.
Requires Upfront Wo

Estate planning is for everyone, not just wealthy people
Schedule a free consultation with Attorney Rozsa Gyene to discuss your estate planning needs. For families in Montecito, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, and Santa Ynez Valley, strategic planning can protect your legacy—especially with the 2026 estate tax exemption sunset approaching. The best time to fiduciary financial advisor for estate planning create a living trust was yesterday. The $575-$3,500 upfront cost saves $30,000-$50,000+ in probate fees and spares your family months of court proceedings. Many attorneys, including our office, offer payment plans to make planning accessible. Some legal insurance plans (like LegalShield or group benefits) provide discounts, but often with limitations.
Revocable Living Trust – Married Package: $1,2

Why Choose a Revocable Trust?
Sometimes sorting out relative pros and cons of trusts is helped by having an experienced professional sit down with you and take a look at your specific situation. However, because a revocable trust does not offer the same level of tax advantages or asset protection, it may not be suitable for those with significant wealth or specific liability concerns. By understanding these options, you’ll be better equipped to choose the trust structure that best aligns with your financial goals and family needs. We’ll explore the benefits of two popular types of trusts—revocable and irrevocable—and outline how each offers unique advantages for asset protection, control, and flexibility in down-to-earth language. When planning for the future, both protecting your assets for the benefit of you and your loved ones AND ensuring they’re managed according to your wishes are essential considerations. While revocable living trusts provide estate planning benefits, they don’t offer tax advantages on their ow