Trusts Attorneys in Sonoma, CA
At Gullotta Law Group, we are here to help you with all things to do with estate planning, including the creation, administration, and modification of trusts. Our lawyers possess over 15+ years of experience and have garnered the confidence of countless clients throughout Sonoma, Marin, Napa, and Solano counties. With our team, you can rest assured that your estate and loved ones will be taken care of, regardless of what the future holds.
When you choose to work with us, our Sonoma trusts attorneys will not merely take over and give cookie-cutter directives on what to do. Instead, we will collaborate with you to determine how we can best utilize trusts to preserve assets and make certain your estate is handled just as you wish. Our goal is to make estate planning as stress-free as possible.
Are you interested in creating a trust? Do you need guidance from an attorney about an existing trust? Turn to Gullotta Law Group today. Call (707) 379-7590 or connect with us online.
What Is a Trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a person (the grantor) transfers assets to another party (the trustee), who will manage assets for a third party (the beneficiary). Trusts are advantageous because they protect assets from creditors, minimize estate taxes, and allow beneficiaries to receive assets without going through probate.
Types of Trusts in California
Trust Administration & Modification
Our team can also assist with administering and modifying trusts. Trust administration involves handling asset distribution, tax and debt payment, and other responsibilities outlined in the trust document. We can also work to modify a trust if your circumstances change or there are errors or inconsistencies in the document.
Reasons to Create a Trust
No matter your financial circumstances, you could benefit from creating a trust. As we often say, estate planning is for all—not just the super-wealthy.
Common reasons to create a trust include but are not limited to the following:
- Asset protection: By placing assets in a trust, you can protect them from creditors and other possible threats. This could be especially useful if you are in a high-risk profession or have a high net worth.
- Avoiding probate: Assets in a trust do not have to go through the lengthy—and costly—probate process. Instead, they pass directly to your beneficiaries, saving them time, money, and stress.
- Privacy: Probate is public, meaning anyone can access information about your estate after you pass. With a trust, your assets and their distribution can remain private.
- Tax benefits: Certain trusts can be excellent tax-planning tools, minimizing liability and preserving wealth for yourself and your loved ones.
Stories That Speak
Trusted by Our Community, Proven Through Results
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Eric and the GLG team provided empathetic, step-by-step guidance during a difficult time, helping me navigate administering my mother’s trust with care.- Harper D.
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Eric and Ashley made updating my trust, will, and healthcare directives fast, easy, and painless. Efficient and thorough service every step of the way!- Stephanie G.
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Eric’s knowledge, patience, and ability to simplify complex legalities made creating our trust easy and stress-free. Highly recommended for estate planning!- Nancy
Rooted in Community, Driven by Integrity
Our Commitment to You
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Committed to Giving BackAs active and involved members of the Sonoma community, we are dedicated to making a positive impact, both professionally and personally, for the people we serve.
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Always Available for ClientsWe believe in making ourselves accessible to clients when they need us most. We are committed to providing responsive support throughout the entire probate process.
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Deep Roots in the CommunityBorn and raised in Sonoma, we are deeply familiar with the local community and its values, allowing us to provide a personalized, compassionate approach to every case.
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Expertise in Complex CasesWe have the knowledge and experience to handle even the most complex probate and estate matters, providing expert solutions tailored to your unique situation.
What to Do If You Believe a Trustee Is Untrustworthy?
Are you a beneficiary feeling concerned about the conduct of a trustee? If so, you do not have to sit back and let them mishandle your assets. Instead, you can take legal action to hold them accountable for their actions.
In California, a trustee has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries and follow the terms of the trust document. Should they fail to do so, you can file a petition with the court to have them removed or seek damages for any losses incurred. Our attorneys have experience representing trustees and beneficiaries alike in disputes and can help you navigate this complex area of law.
Questions About Trusts? Ready to Begin Estate Planning? Contact Us.
To learn more about trusts and other estate planning tools, turn to our knowledgeable legal team at Gullotta Law Group. Whether you need to establish a trust to look out for those you love most or as part of your tax-planning strategy, we can help you accomplish your estate-planning goals. Additionally, should you want dedicated guidance and advice on updating a trust or managing one, our team is prepared to assist you.
Speak with one of our Sonoma trusts attorneys today in a complimentary consultation. Schedule yours by calling (707) 379-7590 or contacting our firm online.