San Jose, CA asked in Estate Planning for California

Q: My wife is likely to pass soon due to cancer. Is there any benefit to getting a Trust in place for tax purposes?

We don't have a Will at present.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Jonathan Purcell
Jonathan Purcell
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • PETALUMA, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: It is imperative that you hire an attorney to put a trust in place immediately, in order to avoid unnecessary tax implications, and to avoid the time and expense of Probate court.

The information presented here is general in nature and is not intended nor should be construed as legal advice for any particular case or client. For specific advice about your particular situation, please consult with your own attorney. This posting is not intended to constitute an advertisement or a solicitation.

Nina Whitehurst and Yelena Gurevich agree with this answer

Julie King
Julie King
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Monterey, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If your wife and/or you have assets that total $166,250 or more, you almost certainly need a trust or your family will have to go through the 12-24 month long court process called probate. People who have trusts, and who have placed appropriate assets in the trust, can avoid probate, so they can distribute assets without any court intervention (assuming there are no challenges or contests to the trust.) Please see an estate planning attorney ASAP. Many will make house calls for those who are physically unable to travel. I wish you all the best.

Nina Whitehurst and Yelena Gurevich agree with this answer

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