Revocable Living Trusts in Sonoma State University, Sonoma County

Start with an ownership inventory

A living trust can help transfer property held in the trust without the ordinary probate distribution process. The trust plan needs to be coordinated with asset ownership, so a document by itself does not mean every asset is held in the trust.

Before a remote consultation, collect a working inventory and the records showing how significant property is currently owned. The goal is to identify questions for discussion, not to make changes before you receive advice.

• For real estate, gather the current deed or other ownership record and note any co-owners.
• For accounts, gather recent statements and note the owner and any beneficiary designation shown in the records.
• List other significant property, how it is titled or registered, and any existing trust or estate-planning documents that refer to it.

Review beneficiary arrangements alongside the trust

Compare the ownership and beneficiary information in your records with the goals you have for the trust. A beneficiary designation is worth reviewing as part of the overall plan; do not assume the trust controls an asset simply because it is mentioned in another planning document.

Questions to discuss include which assets are intended to be held in the trust, which are currently owned another way, and whether any beneficiary arrangements need further consideration. These are planning questions, not instructions to retitle property or change a beneficiary on your own.

Consider who could manage the trust later

Think about whom you might want to take over management if the current manager cannot continue, and whether you want an alternate considered. You can bring any existing documents that name a successor or describe management arrangements so the discussion can account for what is already in place.

A useful preparation question is what practical responsibilities you would expect a successor to handle. The right choice depends on your circumstances; this page does not determine whether a particular person is suitable.

Understand the limits of a trust plan

Property held in a living trust may be transferred without the ordinary probate distribution process, but that is not a guarantee that every asset avoids probate or that no court proceeding will occur. A trust may be involved in a court proceeding concerning interpretation or trustee conduct.

Use the planning conversation to identify the purpose of the trust, the assets it is meant to address, and any mismatch between documents and current ownership. Do not treat a trust as a blanket promise of tax savings, creditor protection, or a particular outcome.

Organize for a virtual consultation

Bring your property inventory, ownership records, account and beneficiary information, existing planning documents, and a short list of questions. Note any anticipated ownership or family changes you want to discuss. You do not need to settle every question beforehand, and you should not change ownership or beneficiary records just to prepare.

Sonoma State University is an unincorporated community in Sonoma County, not a separate firm office. The firm’s physical office is in Novato, with virtual services throughout California. The Sonoma County Superior Court offers general probate-calendar information; that resource does not establish venue or give instructions for a particular matter.