Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

What mechanism is available to reduce or avoid real estate assets being exposed to estate tax liability in California?


Asked on 9/24/10, 1:46 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Either a Land trust or Revocable Living Trust. It is my opinion that all persons who own real estate in California should have one of these documents to avoid probate and tax liability.

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Answered on 9/29/10, 1:51 pm
Jonathan Reich De Castro, West, Chodorow, Glickfeld & Nass, Inc.

There is no single answer that can be given in a forum like this. Your ability to reduce taxes will depend on a variety of factors, including the type and amount of assets, family situation, and a whole variety of other issues. Creating a simple revocable trust will help you to avoid probate proceedings, i.e. going to Court, but does not necessairly save taxes. You need to sit down with a qualified estate planning lawyer to discuss your specific situation and to get informed advice. If you would like us to help you, please give me a call at 310.478.2541.

Jon Reich

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above response is not intended to, and does not, create an attorney-client, fiduciary or other confidential relationship with the responder. Neither does it constitute the providing of legal advice or services or the giving of a legal opinion by the responder. Such a relationship can only be created, and legal advice and/or legal services provided, pursuant to a written agreement with the responder. Accordingly, no obligations of any kind are assumed with respect to any matter or question presented. It should also be noted that legal issues are often time sensitive and legal rights may be lost or compromised if you do not act in a timely fashion.

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Answered on 9/30/10, 3:24 pm


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