Estate Planning for California Families
Trust Services Tailored to Your Family's Needs
A revocable living trust is a legal document that holds your assets during your lifetime and transfers them to your beneficiaries after death—without the costly, time-consuming probate process. At Bordeaux Legacy Law, we create attorney-drafted trusts customized to your family's unique situation.
According to the California Judicial Council:
"Probate can take 12-18 months. Statutory fees under Probate Code §10810 follow a sliding scale—for a $1 million estate, that's approximately $46,000 in combined attorney and executor fees."
A properly funded trust avoids probate entirely.
Who We Help
Blended Families
Protect children from previous relationships while providing for your current spouse—clearly and fairly.
Learn moreSpecial Needs
Provide for a child with disabilities without jeopardizing government benefits through carefully structured trusts.
Learn moreVulnerable Children
Protect assets from children with mental health concerns, substance abuse issues, or financial immaturity.
Learn moreSpouse Protection
Ensure your assets go to your children, not your spouse's future partner if you pass away first.
Learn moreMilitary Families
PCS-proof planning, SGLI coordination, and deployment readiness from someone who understands military life.
Learn moreProbate Avoidance
Keep your estate out of costly, time-consuming probate court and get assets to beneficiaries faster.
Learn moreLegacy Planning
Build and preserve generational wealth with strategic trust structures that protect assets across generations.
Learn moreEstate Privacy
Keep your assets, beneficiaries, and estate plan completely private by avoiding public probate records.
Learn moreComparison Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a living trust and why do I need one?
A living trust is a legal document that holds your assets during your lifetime and transfers them to beneficiaries after death without going through probate court. You need one to avoid the costly, time-consuming probate process, maintain privacy, and ensure your wishes are followed exactly.
How much does a trust cost in California?
At Bordeaux Legacy Law, most family trusts start at $3,500 with flat-fee pricing. This includes the trust document, pour-over will, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Complex situations like special needs trusts or business succession may cost more.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will goes through probate court (public, costly, time-consuming) while a trust avoids probate entirely (private, faster, less expensive). A trust also provides protection if you become incapacitated, while a will only takes effect after death.
How long does it take to create a trust?
With our self-guided Start Now process, most families complete their trust in 2-3 weeks. The traditional consultation-first approach typically takes 4-6 weeks. Either way, you work directly with an attorney throughout the process.
What's Included in Every Trust Package
Last updated: January 2026