Planning for the future can feel scary or confusing. But creating a trust and will is one of the smartest ways to protect your family, your money, and your property. As a licensed financial professional, I want to share the must-know facts before you buy.
✅ Why Do You Need a Trust and Will?
- A will tells the court who should get your property after you pass away. Without one, the state decides — and it may not match what you wanted.
- A trust lets you set aside property for your family, avoid expensive probate court, and even protect loved ones if you become sick or disabled.
👉 Think of it this way: A will is instructions. A trust is a container that actually holds and protects your stuff.
📖 Official Resource: California Courts – Probate Self-Help
Read our full FAQ blog post to get started:
Read: Trust & Will FAQ Blog Post →
💡 Key Things to Look For When Buying a Trust or Will
1. State-Specific Rules
Every state has its own laws. Make sure your documents are valid where you live. In California, probate fees are based on the gross value of your estate — not what’s left after debts.
2. Who Will Manage Your Estate
Choose someone you trust as:
- Executor (for a will) → Handles your estate in court.
- Trustee (for a trust) → Manages your property for your family.
⚠️ Don’t pick someone just because you feel guilty or pressured. Pick someone who is responsible and reliable.
3. Probate Costs & Delays
Without a trust, your family may face months (or even years) of probate. This is costly in California, with legal fees starting in the thousands. A living trust helps avoid this.
📖 Official Resource: State Bar of California – Estate Planning Basics
4. Healthcare & Power of Attorney
Don’t stop at just a trust and will. You also need:
- A Healthcare Directive → Who makes medical decisions if you can’t.
- A Durable Power of Attorney → Who manages finances if you’re unable.
These protect you while you’re still alive.
5. Costs: Cheap vs. Professional
- Online templates can be cheap, but they may miss important details.
- Attorney-guided or professional financial planning services cost more upfront but save families thousands later by avoiding mistakes.
📖 Official Resource: U.S. Federal Trade Commission – Planning for Future
📅 Want professional help right now?
Contact us today for a free consultation.
🚫 Common Mistakes People Make
- Not putting property into the trust (like forgetting to transfer the house title).
- Forgetting to update documents after big life events (marriage, divorce, new baby).
- Picking the wrong trustee or executor.
- Thinking a will is enough to avoid probate (it’s not).
📋 Quick Checklist Before You Buy
- Do I understand the difference between a trust and a will?
- Have I chosen a responsible executor and trustee?
- Do I need to avoid probate in my state (California = YES)?
- Do I have a healthcare directive and power of attorney?
- Is my estate simple (online tool is okay) or complex (hire a professional)?
What is included in NetLaw’s California trust and will plan?
🏆 Final Advice
As a financial professional with 30 years of experience, I can tell you this:
👉 A will without a trust often leaves families struggling in court.
👉 A trust without a will leaves gaps.
👉 The best solution for most families is a trust + a pour-over will + healthcare documents.
Start simple if you need to — but make sure your plan covers both your life (incapacity planning) and your legacy (after death).
Estate planning doesn’t have to be confusing. We’ve simplified the process for you with guides, checklists, and professional support. 📅 Want professional help right now?
Contact us today for a free consultation.
👉 Next Step: Read our full FAQ blog post to get started:
Read: Trust & Will FAQ Blog Post →
