Trust & Estate Planning

Overview

Estate planning is about more than documents — it’s about peace of mind. At Capielo Law Group, we take the time to understand your family, your values, and your goals before crafting a plan tailored specifically to your needs.

Whether you need a straightforward living trust or a sophisticated multi-generational wealth transfer strategy, we guide you through every decision with clarity and care. Our goal is to create a plan that not only minimizes taxes and avoids probate but also reflects your wishes and protects the people you love.

We believe that good estate planning requires ongoing attention. Life changes — marriages, births, divorces, business developments — and your estate plan should evolve accordingly. We build lasting relationships with our clients, reviewing and updating their plans as circumstances change.

How We Help

• Revocable Living Trusts
• Irrevocable Trusts (Including ILITs, GRATs, QPRTs)
• Last Wills and Testaments
• Powers of Attorney (Financial and Healthcare)
• Advance Healthcare Directives
• Special Needs Trusts
• Charitable Planning
• Business Succession Planning
• Asset Protection Strategies
• Trust Funding and Administration Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a will and a living trust?

A will takes effect only after death and must go through probate court. A living trust, by contrast, takes effect during your lifetime and can help your estate avoid the time and expense of probate. A trust also provides privacy (probate is public) and can be especially helpful if you own property in multiple states.

Do I need an estate plan if I don't have a large estate?

Yes. Estate planning is important regardless of wealth. Even a modest estate benefits from clear instructions about healthcare decisions, guardianship of minor children, and distribution of assets. Without a plan, state law determines these decisions for you — often not the way you would have chosen.

How often should I update my estate plan?

We recommend reviewing your estate plan every three to five years, or whenever you experience a major life event such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary, significant change in assets, or a move to a new state.

What is the probate process, and how can I avoid it?

Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will and distributing assets. In California, it can take a year or more and costs a percentage of the estate's value. A properly funded living trust avoids probate for the assets held in trust, allowing for faster, private, and less expensive administration.