If you’re thinking of building on your estate plan after creating a will, establishing a trust is usually the logical next step. Whether you’d like to learn more about your options for creating a trust or update a previous trust document, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified Murrieta trust lawyer.
Goebel Estate Planning, PC, is a solo law practice headed by Hillary Goebel. Ms. Goebel values each of her clients, always putting them first by taking the time to understand their unique needs and provide insightful guidance.
In 2025, only about 13 percent of survey respondents said they had a living trust. A trust is a type of estate planning document that allows you to designate specific assets and outline the beneficiaries to whom they should be distributed after certain conditions have been met. Common conditions include when the beneficiary turns 18 or after you’ve passed away. Generally, trusts also avoid the process of probate and allow assets to be distributed outside of court oversight.
Trusts are a legal agreement between you, known as the trustor of the document, and a trustee. The trustee is a person of your choosing who is in charge of managing the assets and overseeing their distribution to the beneficiary. There are several different types of trusts from which you can choose, depending on your specific estate planning needs. Some types can even be set up concurrently.
It’s a good idea to hire a trust lawyer who can explain the different types to you and recommend which may be most beneficial to your needs and goals. These are the main trust variations you may encounter and that Goebel Estate Planning is qualified to assist you with:
Although it’s not legally required, it’s advisable that you work with a skilled Murrieta Trust Lawyer because Murrieta trust laws can be complicated to understand at times. A legal professional with extensive experience handling trust cases can ensure your important estate planning document is valid, legible, and legally enforceable.
Trust matters in Murrieta and other areas in Riverside County are most likely to be processed at the Southwest Justice Center, which is located at 30755-D Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563.
Attorney Hillary Goebel has extensive experience assisting clients and works to provide professional advice with integrity. No matter your personal circumstances and estate planning needs, Ms. Goebel can guide you through developing an effective trust suited to your needs.
A: In California, there are several purposes that a trust may serve, depending on your estate planning needs and personal circumstances. One of the primary benefits of a trust is that, unlike wills, these estate planning documents avoid probate.
Most wills must go through probate court for beneficiaries to get the assets they’re designated to receive. Probate can sometimes be costly and time-consuming. Assets placed in a trust can be distributed to beneficiaries outside of court.
A: The type of trust or trusts that may be ideal for your estate plan can vary depending on what assets you have, what your goals are, and other factors. For example, if you think you may want to update your trust eventually, you should probably establish a revocable trust instead of an irrevocable one. It’s a good idea to consult with an experienced trust attorney to learn what your options are and which trusts may benefit you.
A: In California, how long it may take to finish creating your trust can vary depending on several factors. These factors include your budget, the type of trust, and the complexity of your estate. In most cases, it can take between a few weeks and several months to establish a trust, with complex trusts usually requiring more time than relatively simple ones. Once the trust document is set up, it can take additional time to fully fund it.
A: If you decide to create a trust with an attorney, the cost can vary. The attorney fees for drafting a trust can differ depending on the complexity of the trust, the types of assets you want to place into the trust, and other relevant factors. Some attorneys offer reduced rates when you create multiple estate documents at once. You can ask your attorney for an accurate estimate of fees and costs.
Estate planning can bring families peace of mind and a sense of security about the future. Creating an estate plan can also help you address complex challenges, such as providing for individuals with special needs. Contact experienced estate planning attorney Hillary Goebel if you’re looking for a knowledgeable, kind legal professional to guide you through every step.