Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California
Living Trust update
Six years ago, an attorney charged us $2000 to complete our living trust, will etc ,and with very poor service once we got to the final points. How do we go about updating our trust without involving him? Is he automatically connected to any future legal activity, such as settling ,etc upon one of our deaths? Can we write in changes?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Living Trust update
I would have to review your trust and draft an amendment. Do not try to change it without a counseltation Contact me directly.
Re: Living Trust update
You do not have to use the same attorney to update your trust or to administer the trust after one spouse dies.
But, do NOT write on your original documents. (If you have only copies and your attorney has the originals, send him a written request for return of the original documents.)
If you want to amend your trust or even just have it reviewed to see if any changes are needed (for instance if you had estate tax planning but don't need it anymore because of the increase in the personal exemption from from federal estate taxes) ask your financial advisor or acccountant or a friend for a referral.
Good luck.