The Real Cost of Probate in California: Fees, Delays, and Hidden Expenses
Discover probate costs in California. Learn about fees, delays, and hidden expenses, and how estate planning helps families avoid them.
Trusts Attorney in San Diego, CA
Trusts help your family avoid probate, keep matters private, and make sure the right people can step in if you can’t. At Hsiao Law, we explain options in plain language and design a California-compliant trust that fits your life.
Certifications And Affiliations
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What Is a Trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages assets for your benefit and for the people you choose. In California, a revocable living trust is commonly used to transfer property outside of probate, keeping your affairs private and speeding up the process for your family.
You can use a trust to name who gets what, set timing and conditions (helpful for young or vulnerable beneficiaries), and ensure someone you trust can manage things if you become ill. Trusts work alongside your will, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to form a complete estate plan.
Living Will vs. Living Trust
A living will, also called an advance healthcare directive, tells doctors and loved ones what medical care you want if you can’t speak for yourself. A living trust, on the other hand, manages your financial assets during your life and after your passing.
While a living will protects your healthcare wishes, a living trust protects your financial life, your home, bank accounts, and investments, without going through probate. Most Californians benefit from having both as part of a complete estate plan.
Irrevocable vs. Revocable Trusts
A revocable trust gives you flexibility and control, you can change, add, or remove assets at any time. It’s designed to simplify asset management during your lifetime and ensure a smooth, private transfer to loved ones after your passing.
An irrevocable trust, however, is permanent. Once created, it can’t be easily changed, but it offers powerful protection from estate taxes, creditors, and long-term care costs. At Hsiao Law, we help you decide which trust best fits your goals and family needs.
Types of Trusts We Can Help With
Every family’s goals are different, which is why there’s no one-size-fits-all trust. At Hsiao Law, we help you choose and customize the right structure to protect what matters most.
Medi-Cal Asset Protection Trust
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Irrevocable Trust
Ideal for asset protection and tax planning, this type removes assets from your estate, helping you shield wealth from creditors or qualify for long-term care benefits.
Revocable Living Trust
The most common type of trust, it lets you manage your assets during your life and transfer them privately after death, avoiding probate and reducing stress for your family.
Special Needs Trust
Designed to care for a loved one with a disability without affecting their eligibility for public benefits. It ensures continued support and thoughtful management of funds.
Charitable Trust
A way to give back while reducing taxes and supporting causes that reflect your family’s values. It can also provide income during your lifetime before passing assets to charity.
Benefits of Having a Trust
A well-crafted trust gives you peace of mind, knowing your assets and loved ones are protected no matter what the future brings.
Avoid Probate: Keep your family out of court and your affairs private.
Protect Loved Ones: Ensure children, dependents, or special needs family members are cared for according to your wishes.
Save Time and Money: Reduce legal fees, taxes, and delays that come with probate or disputes.
Plan for Incapacity: Allow trusted people to step in and manage your finances if you can’t.
Maintain Control: Decide how and when assets are distributed, creating long-term security for your family.
Why Create Your Trust with Hsiao Law
At Hsiao Law, we make the process of creating a trust simple, personal, and grounded in understanding. You’ll never feel rushed or lost in legal jargon, instead, you’ll feel guided and cared for every step of the way.
Our FamilyCare VIP Program ensures your trust stays current with every major life change, marriage, children, home purchases, or new investments. With regular reviews and updates, your plan continues to protect what matters most, year after year.
Based on 34 reviews
Joe Perone
3 years ago
Outstanding firm. Associates and leader are simultaneously very sharp as well as incredibly empathetic to the estate planning process. Strongly recommend!
Cailin Fonseca
3 years ago
I attended a planning and informational session with Amy. She is very engaging, insightful and makes you really think about your Estate Planning needs!
Lyndsay Nelson
3 years ago
Amy is a very professionell and personable attorney. Very much enjoyed the knowledge she shared at her event. Knowledge is power!
Karla Rodriguez
3 years ago
Amy was so knowledgeable and presented information in digestible chunks. I am leaving this session feeling empowered! Thank you so much Amy!
Alexis
3 years ago
Amy was so informative!! I came in knowing nothing about any planning for the future and am leaving feeling so empowered and ready for the future. She made it all very easy to understand and exciting to think about when it’s usually very overwhelming. Will definitely recommend her to everyone!
Niki Jones
3 years ago
We have been working with Hsiao Law for 3 years and I was so thrilled to be an attendees at today’s Wine & Wills event. As a single mom, estate planning seems so scary and overwhelming. Amy is absolutely amazing. She speaks in a way that is so easy to understand and helps you understand difficult subjects what you need to do by providing actionable first steps!
Bob Giramma
2 years ago
Amy is very knowledgeable and articulate. We thoroughly enjoyed her talk.
Donnaly Atajar
2 years ago
Amy was so helpful and supportive in sharing the preliminary steps and options to getting my affairs in order. This process can be overwhelming, but she provides info in a digestible way to ensure I understood. I want to make the process as easy as possible for my kids/family in the event something happens to me and Amy is making that easy with no surprise fees.
Teresa Rivers
2 years ago
I have already recommended Amy and her team to my friends, family and co-workers. Amy, Ashlee and Nikko are all very professional and knowledgeable. I love the very organized process of getting our trust developed. I also like that it's a one-stop shop for wills, trust and health care directive and PoA. The price is worth the peace of mind.
Rachel Paxton
1 year ago
Amy and her team were organized and professional while also being warm and kind. We loved working with them!
Protect What Matters Most
Your family deserves more than just documents, they deserve certainty, comfort, and care that lasts a lifetime. Whether you’re just starting your plan or updating one that no longer fits, Hsiao Law will guide you with compassion, clarity, and heart. Take the first step toward lasting peace of mind today.
Common Questions About Trusts
How do I know which type of trust is right for me?
It depends on your goals. Some families want to avoid probate and keep things simple, while others need to protect assets, support a loved one with special needs, or reduce estate taxes. At Hsiao Law, we help you choose the trust that fits your situation best.
Can I include out-of-state or international assets in my trust?
Yes. You can include property and investments located outside California, though special steps may be required to ensure everything transfers properly. We help make sure your plan accounts for all your assets, wherever they are.
What happens to my trust after I pass away?
Your trustee, the person you’ve chosen to manage your trust, distributes your assets according to your instructions. This process is typically faster, less stressful, and more private than probate.
Can my trust protect my children’s inheritance from divorce or creditors?
Yes. Certain types of trusts can provide ongoing protection for your beneficiaries, keeping their inheritance safe from outside claims or financial issues.
Is a trust only for people with a lot of money?
Not at all. Trusts are valuable for anyone who owns property, has a family, or wants to make things easier for loved ones. The goal isn’t wealth, it’s clarity, privacy, and peace of mind.
