Probate planning
A properly funded trust may help avoid probate for assets transferred into the trust, depending on the family and asset profile.
California living trust planning
Protect the plan before life gets complicated.
Berhe Jones LLP is building a guided living trust process for California families who want an organized plan, clear next steps, and a safer way to share the details needed to draft the package.
Submitting a guide request or planning note does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after conflicts review and a signed written agreement.
Why families ask
A trust is not just a document. It is an organized transfer plan.
The first screen focuses on goals, family roles, property, and funding. That keeps the drafting process cleaner and helps spot missing information early.
Incapacity planning
The package can coordinate trustee roles with financial power of attorney and health care directive documents.
Family clarity
Successor trustees, beneficiaries, distribution instructions, minors, and special instructions get organized before drafting.
What the package may include
The goal is a complete, usable living trust workflow.
Trust agreement
Core revocable living trust terms, trustee powers, successor trustee instructions, and distribution plan.
Supporting documents
Common companion documents can include pour-over will, financial power of attorney, advance health care directive, certification of trust, and property assignment.
Funding checklist
Real property, financial accounts, beneficiary designations, personal property, and follow-up items are tracked so the trust is not left unfunded.
How the process works1 2 3 4 5 6
From first guide request to signing and funding.
Guide
Request the starter guide and tell us the basics.
Screen
The firm checks conflicts, fit, family goals, and scope.
Intake
You organize trustees, beneficiaries, assets, and special instructions.
Draft
The package is prepared for attorney review.
Review
You check names, roles, assets, and distribution instructions.
Sign and fund
The signing and funding checklist keeps the final steps visible.
Start here
Living trust guide request
Send the essentials below. Keep the note short and conflict-safe. Do not send account numbers, Social Security numbers, or privileged documents.
Client portal planStatus Intake Payments Messages
A private portal for status, intake, payments, and messages.
The public page starts the lead flow. The secure portal will give active clients a private place to track status, complete intake, view payment links, and exchange messages after the firm clears the matter for next steps.
Milestones
Conflict screen, intake, drafting, attorney review, client review, signing, and funding.
Guided questions
Trustees, beneficiaries, children, assets, property, and special instructions organized step by step.
Invoice links
Payment status and processor-hosted payment links, without storing card details in the portal.
Secure updates
Client questions, document requests, and staff updates kept with the matter.
FAQ
Answers before you request the guide.
Is the starter guide legal advice?
No. The guide and this page are general information. They help organize a first screen, but they are not legal advice for your specific situation.
Can I upload bank records or IDs here?
No. Please do not send account numbers, passwords, IDs, Social Security numbers, privileged documents, or highly sensitive details through this public form.
Does every trust avoid probate?
No outcome is guaranteed. Funding, asset type, family facts, title, beneficiary designations, and state law all matter.
When does representation start?
A form, guide request, call, email, or text does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after conflicts review and a signed written agreement.
Ready to organize the living trust details?
Request the starter guide and begin with a conflict-safe planning screen.