Trust Attorneys Serving San Francisco & San Mateo, CA

Trusts are an extremely useful legal tool in many contexts, and there are several variations suited for a variety of purposes. At Fox, Shjeflo, Hartley & Babu LLP, our San Francisco trust lawyers understand the uses, advantages, and disadvantages of various types of trusts. We have the knowledge and experience to craft trusts that help our clients meet their financial goals.

The utility of a living trust

There are many reasons that a person may choose to establish a living trust. A person can create a living trust to fund charitable pursuits that he or she cares about, while still maintaining some control over the use of the funds. Living trusts can also be a useful alternative to giving a lump-sum gift to a loved one. Establishing a trust instead of an outright gift allows the donor to retain some control over the assets. This is especially useful when making a gift to a minor child or other individual who is unable to handle property.

Additionally, certain types of trusts can protect a gift from attachment by the creditors of a beneficiary. Certain trusts can even allow beneficiaries to receive regular income without affecting their Medicaid eligibility. A San Francisco trust attorney at Fox, Shjeflo, Hartley & Babu LLP understands the legal requirements for forming these very specific types of trusts, and can ensure that their clients correctly establish the right trust for their purposes.

The utility of a testamentary trust

While a will is still an essential element of any estate plan, the addition of a testamentary trust can add flexibility and control that is simply not possible with a will alone. A testamentary trust allows a person to designate a trustee to handle portions of the estate, rather than trying to provide for every eventuality in advance in the will itself. Additionally, while a will can usually only provide lump sum distributions to beneficiaries, a testamentary trust allows a person to establish a lasting source of income for his or her loved ones.

A trust lawyer in San Mateo County can help you meet your goals

Whether you are planning your estate or establishing a structured gift for loved ones or charitable causes, a San Francisco living trust lawyer from Fox, Shjeflo, Hartley & Babu LLP can help. Our trust attorneys have helped clients throughout Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Peninsula reach their financial and estate planning goals. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation. Call our office at 650-341-2900 or leave a brief message on our contact page.