Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Re: Changing a section of family trust

The procedure for amending the trust should be in the trust itself--see what it requires for changes, as trusts differ. If it is not in the form called for by the trust, or by California law, it may not be a valid amendment, or may later require a court to declare it a valid amendment.

You should see an attorney to amend the trust--it should not cost very much, and your estate plan should be reviewed periodically anyway.

As for finding your attorney, contact the California State Bar, which keeps records on all living active and inactive Bar members. You can also use the State Bar's website to search for attorney addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses--go to "www.calsb.org"

Do It Yourself Trust = Penny Wise

I do 4 Probates every year for people who did their own Living Trusts, saving legal fees but screwing up something.

Would you do your own heart operation? Maybe it is legal, but you need professional help to do it right.

Many lawyers do not like to review someone else's Trust. There is liability if one of the many technical requirements is missed.

So much can be done with a Trust, if it is done right.