Under California Probate Code Section 15200, any person who is at least 18 years old and of sound mind may create a trust. You transfer these wealth preservation assets into the trust, and a trustee (typically you, while you are alive) manages them according to the trust’s instructions. A living trust is a legal document you create during your lifetime that holds ownership of your assets, such as your home, bank accounts, and investments. A living trust is a legal arrangement where you transfer ownership of your assets (real estate, bank accounts, investments) into a trust during your lifetime. If you have young children, you can use your Will to nominate a guardian for your children if both you and the other parent die or are otherwise & otherwise unable to care for your minor children. The Pourover Will will ensure that any such assets will be added to your trust so that they will be ultimately distributed to the beneficiaries you name in your trust. Choose your beneficiarie
"From the start, they demonstrated a high level of professionalism and deep knowledge of investments, retirement planning, and tax-efficient strategies. Coordination-focused planning that helps align financial strategies with wealth preservation estate considerations, beneficiary designations, and legacy goals, in collaboration with other professionals where appropriate. Our Valencia office invites you to visit and meet our financial advisors to see what our full-service team can provide. The EP Wealth team in Valencia believes that financial advice should be tailored to each client’s unique situation and goals. Tax Planni
For New Parents and Married Couples A letter of intent is a non-legal document that can provide personal guidance to your executor and beneficiaries. While these forms are typically straightforward, it's a good idea to review them periodically and ensure they align with your overall estate plan. Major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, or the passing of a loved one, can significantly affect your estate plan and should prompt a review. By setting up these documents, you ensure that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones aren't burdened with unnecessary stress. State taxes, inheritance taxes, and gift taxes are distinct and can significantly impact the amount of money that ultimately reaches your loved one
It’s no wonder people in Contra Costa County want to avoid probate if they can, but avoiding probate can also be complicated. There are several ways to arrange for the smooth, direct, and efficient transfer of assets outside of probate that allow you to avoid probate’s unnecessary costs and fees. An ILIT keeps life insurance proceeds out of your taxable estate and protects your family. While it’s certainly possible to make these arrangements on your own, lawyers know how to communicate in such a way that your wishes are legally binding wealth preservation and enforceable. It ensures accountability, protects heirs, and provides a legal framework for settling estates. When Probate Is Required in California: This process is faster and cheaper than formal probate, which can drag on for a year or more and eat up 4-5% of the estate’s value in fees. Once you have the court’s order, record it with the county recorder’s office to update the property’s title. This step increases transparency but could spark disputes if heirs disagree on the property’s fate. If, when you die, your home is valued at $750,000 or less, your family can use the AB 2016 petition process to transfer your home without probate. Because of the three-year liability window, many title companies will not issue title insurance until the three-year period is u
A fee was not paid by either the investment professional or HH to receive the ranking. Wealth management is about more than just growing your assets; it’s about orchestrating your financial affairs to achieve your life’s vision. Our Valencia charitable gifting services help you support causes close to your heart while optimizing tax benefits. Our Valencia tax planning services employ strategic techniques to identify deductions, credits, and tax-efficient investment strategies. Retirement should be a time of relaxation and fulfillment, not worr
"They truly have a vested interest in my financial goals and they take their time going over any questions I may have. "They think outside the box, are always coming up with solutions that I never thought of (or did my other advisors) and they are always there and ready to spend the time with me to explore options."4 I have 100% confidence that my advisors at EP Wealth have my best interests at the forefront of all decisions made."3 "Having gone through a significant life change, I have needed financial guidance on everything from handling my children's college expenses to planning for retiremen
Major Life Changes We analyze your current financial situation, identify opportunities for improvement, and chart a course to help you achieve your dreams, whether it’s buying a home, funding education, or starting a business. Through meticulous financial planning, wealth preservation our Valencia team creates a roadmap tailored to your aspirations. I would like help with investing and/or financial planningI'm a current clientI'm not a current or prospective client. Planner Search is a financial planning resource for individuals, families, and businesses. Banking Bankruptcy Budget & Debt Management Business Taxes Buying a Home Career Change Charitable & Planned Giving Comprehensive Financial Planning Corporate Finance Cross-border Planning Disaster Recovery Employee Benefits Estate Planning Getting Divorced Getting Married Government & Military Identity Theft Insurance Investment Management Irregular Income Job Loss Life Planning Limited Partnerships Long-term Care Medical & Health Issues Men's Finances Minority Financing Mutual Funds Nontraditional Households Personal Taxes Real Estate Retirement Special Needs Starting a Family Startup Stocks & Bonds Succession Planning Sudden Wealth Tangible Assets Women's Financ