Living Trusts – Protecting Your Assets and Avoiding Probate

Start with the right plan

What Is a Revocable Living Trust?

A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement where you hold title to your assets as trustee during life and name a successor trustee to step in later. It takes effect when you create it and, when properly funded, helps your family avoid court. As a living trust attorney in Yreka, Jennifer Shelton explains each step in plain language so clients in Mount Shasta, Weed, McCloud, and across Siskiyou County understand how trusts work with their overall estate planning goals.

Why many Californians choose trusts

Benefits of a Trust in California

A living trust helps families steer clear of the delays and costs of the public court process. It keeps your personal affairs private, allows faster distributions to heirs, and gives you more control over how and when beneficiaries receive assets. If you become incapacitated, your successor trustee can manage trust assets without seeking a court order. For homeowners in Siskiyou County, a trust often makes practical sense because California probate can be lengthy. Learn how administration works after a loss on our trust administration page.

Key Advantages We Cover

  • Avoid probate and keep details private


  • Quicker access to funds for your family


  • Ongoing management during incapacity


  • Clear instructions for special situations


  • Flexible updates during your lifetime



  • Works alongside a will for completeness

Designed for real life transitions

 How we build your trust

Our Trust Formation Services

Jennifer Shelton, A Professional Law Corporation, helps you decide if a trust is appropriate, drafts the revocable trust document, and handles funding so the plan works when needed. Funding may include preparing new deeds for real estate in Yreka or elsewhere, updating account titles, and aligning beneficiary designations. We also provide coaching for your chosen trustee so they understand roles and timelines. If you are comparing documents, review our will vs trust overview on the Wills page to see how the two work together, often with a pour over will for unfunded assets.

What We Handle For You

  • Revocable trust drafted to your goals



  • Pour over will and related documents


  • Real estate deeds and recording


  • Account titling and funding checklists


  • Successor trustee guidance and memos


  • Detailed signing and storage instructions

Clarity at every step

Questions answered

Frequently Asked Questions – Trusts

  • Do I need a living trust in California?

    If you own real property or want to avoid court involvement for your estate, a trust is often a practical solution. We will review your situation and explain the options.

  • Can I be my own trustee?

    Yes. Most clients serve as initial trustee and name a successor to act later. This keeps you in control during life.

  • What assets should go in the trust?

    Typically real estate and major financial accounts. We provide a funding checklist to make titling changes simple.

  • Does a living trust save taxes?

    A revocable trust usually does not change income or estate tax. It is primarily for probate avoidance, privacy, and management.