Trusts Lawyer Timothy Mishler - a Certified Specialist in estate planning, trust & probate law, State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization - has been administering trusts and helping clients execute comprehensive trusts designed to preserve and protect family assets for more than 30 years. Monrovia Trusts Attorney Tim Mishler understands these issues touch upon sensitive topics, and important decisions must be made. He provides skilled legal guidance at every step to make sure you have the information you need to make sound, educated decisions. A properly written and funded trust can care for your needs in the event of incapacitation and ensure that your property is disbursed according to your wishes upon death. Mr. Mishler strives to reduce the stress and discomfort involved in the trust creation process by treating all of his clients with compassion and respect. He creates your trust by first learning of your goals and wishes. Contact our trust law firm at (626) 357-3223 to set up an appointment for a free, confidential in- office consultation. Mr. Mishler will meet with you to obtain information about your assets, debts and property holdings, and provide a detailed explanation of the Trusts that are best suited to meet your needs. Experienced Trusts Lawyer in Monrovia A comprehensive, properly executed trust not only ensures the Trustor’s wishes are carried out in case of incapacity or death, but also prevents later litigation pertaining to the validity of the Trust. Attorney Timothy Mishler has extensive experience as a trust administrator, providing knowledgeable legal counsel regarding the broad range of trusts that can be utilized as part of an effective estate plan, and drafting & reviewing trust documents, including: • Monrovia Trusts Attorney • Asset Protection Trusts • Charitable Lead Trusts • Charitable Remainder Trusts • Dynasty Trusts • Grantor Retained Interest Trusts • Irrevocable Trusts • Life Insurance Trusts • Medi-Cal Trusts • Qualified Personal Residence Trusts • Revocable Trusts • Special Needs Trusts • Spendthrift Trusts In addition to providing skilled legal advice and executing trusts, Monrovia Trusts Lawyer Tim Mishler helps clients amend and revoke their trusts.

Wills and Trusts FAQs

How are assets placed into a trust? A trust can be a highly effective tool for protecting one’s assets after death. However, the trust can only control the assets that have been properly placed in it. When setting up a trust, it is critical to identify the assets that will be contained in that particular trust. Each asset needs to be individually evaluated so it can be properly added to the trust. Properties will need to be titled accurately. Stock, bank accounts, investments, and other monetary assets will need to be transferred through each individual financial institution. Most likely, this will involve completing numerous legal documents and banking forms. Enlisting the guidance of an experienced estate planning attorney can ensure assets are protected for future generations. Can a trust supersede a will? Both a will and a living trust can be useful and effective devices for estate planning. A trust becomes effective the moment it is created and funded. A will becomes effective only after death. Because the trust is already in action at the time of the trustor’s death, it supersedes the will in the event there are conflicts between the two documents. Because a will and a trust serve different purposes, inconsistencies are worked out by following the legal processes for each. A will allows for the distribution of one’s property after death. A trust also allows for the distribution of assets after death, but the trust is only able to have control over those assets that have been properly titled and placed into it. In the event of a conflict, the trust would have precedence first with its assets while all other assets would be administered through the will. What are the Advantages of a Living Trust? A revocable living trust allows an estate to avoid the probate process. In California, estates not controlled by a trust must go through probate which tends to be costly and can take a long time. Extending the process of settling a loved one’s estate and adding unnecessary legal costs can add to the stress and emotional strain of families who are already dealing with loss. Assets in a living trust are eligible to be disbursed soon after a loved one’s death. However, it can be an advantage for the trustor to identify specific dates for distribution, such as choosing a later date or determining a significant birthday for a beneficiary to inherit the assets. Another benefit of a living trust is that the records are private. Because the estate does not have to complete the probate process, the privacy of the trustor is safeguarded. In addition, the trustor has the ability to alter or dissolve the trust at any time during their life. Can a Will or Trust be Contested? In California, an individual who “has standing,” or a legal interest, has the right and a limited amount of time to contest a will or trust. Because wills and trusts serve very different purposes, there are different ways to move forward with a will or trust dispute. There also are many reasons to legally contest a will or trust, including: • The will wasn’t lawfully signed. • The individual lacked testamentary capacity. • Undue influence was involved in the document’s creation. • Fraud or duress was involved. • The will or trust contains technical flaws. • The will or trust was forged. A beneficiary can also bring legal action if they believe the estate is not being administered properly. This may include the failure of a trustee to provide an accurate accounting, distribute assets, or invest trust assets. A trust litigation attorney can provide skilled guidance to resolve trust and will contests. Contact Our Skilled Monrovia Trusts Attorney Mr. Mishler has been offering trusted, experienced legal advice and representation to estate, trusts and probate clients in the city of Monrovia and throughout Los Angeles County since 1991. He represents clients throughout California, and clients who live out of state and are involved in estate matters in California. Please complete our Case Evaluation Form and Monrovia Trusts Lawyer Timothy Mishler will contact you to schedule a free in office consultation. For immediate assistance, call (626) 357-3223 today!