Estate Planning in San Jose, CA

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At The Law Office of Michelle Castillo, we help families in San Jose protect their assets, secure their legacies, and ensure their wishes are honored. With over 15 years of experience, our woman-owned law firm proudly serves the Spanish-speaking community, offering personalized estate planning services in both English and Spanish.

Whether you need a trust, will, power of attorney, or help setting up a fideicomiso, we take the time to understand your unique situation and guide you every step of the way. Our goal is to make the estate planning process simple, stress-free, and tailored to your family’s needs.

We are proud to have earned great reviews from clients who appreciate our dedication, professionalism, and ability to explain complex legal matters in a way that makes sense. If you’re looking for an estate planning attorney in San Jose who truly cares about your future, we’re here to help.

Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward securing peace of mind for you and your family. Se habla español. Call today at (818) 825-8143 to schedule a consultation.

Who Can Benefit from a Living Trust?

A living trust is a valuable estate planning tool that helps individuals and families protect their assets, avoid probate, and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth. Unlike a will, a trust allows your beneficiaries to receive their inheritance without court delays or unnecessary expenses.

You may benefit from a living trust if you:

  • Own a home or other real estate and want to avoid probate.

  • Have minor children and want to manage their inheritance responsibly.

  • Want to protect a loved one with special needs while preserving their government benefits.

  • Own businesses or multiple assets and need a structured plan for succession.

  • Want to avoid family disputes by clearly outlining your wishes.

  • Prefer privacy since trusts do not become public records like wills.

  • Wish to plan for incapacity by appointing a trusted person to manage your affairs.

At The Law Office of Michelle Castillo, we help individuals and families in San Jose create customized living trusts tailored to their needs. Contact us today for a consultation—Se habla español.

What is the Process for Creating an Estate Plan?

Creating an estate plan is an important step in protecting your loved ones and ensuring your wishes are legally documented. At The Law Office of Michelle Castillo, we make the process simple and stress-free for families in San Jose.

Here’s how it works:

  • Initial Consultation – We discuss your goals, assets, and family situation to determine the best estate planning strategy.

  • Gathering Information – You provide details about your property, finances, and beneficiaries to help us draft the necessary documents.

  • Drafting Your Estate Plan – We prepare your trust, will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive based on your specific needs.

  • Review & Revisions – You review your estate plan, and we make any necessary adjustments to ensure accuracy.

  • Final Signing & Notarization – Once everything is finalized, you sign your documents in the presence of a notary.

  • Funding Your Trust (if applicable) – We guide you on transferring assets into your trust to ensure full protection.

What Are Some of the Potential Hardships of Not Creating a Living Trust?

Failing to create a living trust can lead to serious financial and legal challenges for your loved ones. Without a trust, your estate may go through probate, a lengthy and costly court process that delays asset distribution. Additionally, without a clear plan, family conflicts and unnecessary expenses can arise.

Here are some potential hardships of not having a living trust:

  • Probate Delays – The probate process can take months or even years, delaying access to your assets.

  • High Legal Costs – Court fees, attorney fees, and administrative costs can reduce the inheritance your loved ones receive.

  • Lack of Privacy – Probate records are public, meaning anyone can see details about your estate.

  • Family Disputes – Without a clear plan, disagreements among heirs can lead to costly legal battles.

  • Limited Control Over Asset Distribution – The court, not you, decides how and when assets are distributed.

  • Risk of Incapacity Issues – Without a trust, managing your assets if you become incapacitated can be complicated and require court involvement.

Avoid these challenges by creating a living trust today. Contact The Law Office of Michelle Castillo to protect your family’s future—Se habla español.