Vista, CA asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for California

Q: Estate disbursement, separate property

I was added to property title after a trust was created. In the trust, the property is listed as separate. Who does it go to when the original property owner dies?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: When the original property owner passes away, the distribution of the property depends on the terms of the trust. If the property is listed as separate in the trust, it will be treated according to the instructions outlined in the trust document. This could mean the property is given to specific beneficiaries or handled in another way as directed.

Being added to the title does not necessarily mean you will inherit the property, unless the trust specifies that you are a beneficiary. The trust document governs how the property is distributed, and the fact that the property is labeled as separate can have an impact on its disbursement.

It’s important to review the trust carefully or consult with an estate professional to fully understand what will happen to the property after the original owner’s passing. The details in the trust will provide clarity on the next steps.

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