Estate Planning, Trust Administration & Probate

Estate Planning

Chauvel & Glatt has guided San Francisco Bay Area residents through the creation of individual and family trusts and wills for the past 30 years. Our attorneys offer everything from simple estate planning to sophisticated planning for individuals, families and business owners. We will ensure that your assets go to your intended beneficiaries and that the maximum amount of wealth is preserved so you plan for you and your family’s future. Our services include, but are not limited to:

Wills & Trusts

Revocable trusts, otherwise known as living trusts, are the centerpiece of most estate plans. Revocable Trusts also prevents your estate from going into probate. We will design a revocable trust that meets your specific wishes, family circumstances and tax requirements. After we finalize your estate plan, we will help you transfer all of your assets and properties to your trust to avoid probate.

  • Revocable trusts – including Life Insurance Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Charitable Remainder Trusts, IRA Trusts, and Pets Trusts.
  • A last will and testament, otherwise known as a will.
  • Uniform Statutory Power of Attorney
  • Advance Health Care Directive
  • Gifting Strategies
  • Asset Protection Strategies
  • Estate and Income Tax Planning: We assist those with large estates to pass the maximum amount of assets and property to loved ones at the lowest income, gift and estate tax cost.

Trust Administration

Administration of a will or trust can be overwhelming – and at times frustrating – for loved ones. These feelings are understandable, as there are many steps in trust administration, including but not limited to the following:

  • Providing notice of the death of the decedent to loved ones and/or the beneficiaries of the trust or will.
  • Inventory of the assets.
  • Proper change of title of assets in the trust so the trustee can manage them, including notifying the county where the decedent has real property.
  • Payment of any outstanding bills.
  • Filing of tax returns.
  • Selling assets in the trust to prepare for distribution.
  • Distribution in accordance with a trust.

After a trustor has passed, the experienced attorneys at Chauvel & Glatt will advise trustees in the administration of the decedent’s trust, distribution of assets to beneficiaries, and also represent trustees or beneficiaries in trust administration matters.

Probate

If you have lost a loved one and are not sure what to do with their estate, we will walk you through the probate process. Our goal is to make this process simple and straightforward. If your loved one left a will, we will help you fulfill their wishes; if not, we will provide guidance and support to ensure that the estate is properly administered. In California, probate is a court-supervised process that includes the following:

  • A Petition for Probate is filed with the court.
  • The final original will, if available, is submitted to the court.
  • An executor or administrator is appointed.
  • An inventory of the assets comprising the estate is prepared and filed with the court.
  • Last illness, funeral, and other expenses are paid.
  • The provisions of the will are fulfilled (if it exists) and the decedent’s estate is distributed to the beneficiaries.

Our lawyers can also identify whether a formal probate process is necessary based on the value of the estate.  If small estate administration can be done and formal probate avoided, we will help you navigate the steps to accomplish this alternative to an otherwise lengthy probate process.

Conservatorships

If you have a loved one that no longer has the capacity to take care of themselves or their finances, then you may need to step in to act as their Conservator. We will guide you through the process of becoming a Conservator of someone’s person, estate, or both.

Useful articles: