Category Archives: Living Trusts

What Is So Bad About Probate and Why Should It Be Avoided? – Estate Planning Basics

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Roger Billings

  Again it is time to get back to basics. Avoiding probate is a primary reason to set up a living trust instead of a will . There are several reasons to avoid probate, and in California particularly the reasons … Continue reading →






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What are the Benefits of a Living Trust? – Estate Planning Basics

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Roger Billings

  It is time again to get back to basics. You want an estate plan, but why go to the trouble of setting up a living trust? It may not be a good fit for everyone, but a living trust … Continue reading →






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Heirs Denied Access to Digital Assets After Death?

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Roger Billings

  In another example of how the law has not kept up with technology, your digital assets may be at risk after death. An article from the AFP news service explains some of the problems that occur with on-line assets … Continue reading →






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What is a Living Trust? – Estate Planning Basics

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Roger Billings

  It is time to get back to basics. “Trusts” or “living trusts” are confusing words for many setting up estate plans. Some think a trust is synonomous with a will. Others believe a trust is better than a will, … Continue reading →






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Hidden Perils of Refinancing

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Roger Billings

Be informed when refinancing a home in a living trust. The secret is out. Refinancing contains hidden perils for homes in revocable trusts. Recently I received a call from a client who fortunately had the good sense to question what … Continue reading →






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Part 2 of How to Fund a Living Trust

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Roger Billings

Funding a trust with retirement accounts, life insurance policies, securities and mutual funds requires some explanation on how best to deal with these assets. IRAs, 401ks and related retirement accounts have built-in estate planning, because they allow you to designate … Continue reading →






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How to Fund a Living Trust, Part 1

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Roger Billings

Funding a living trust refers to transferring assets into the trust. If a trust is a box then funding the trust means putting assets into the box.  For assets that are titled, such as real estate, accounts, stocks and bonds, … Continue reading →






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