Create your California living trust online in 30 minutes with our DIY living trust software. Best online living trust service with attorney review. Revocable living trust documents starting at $400. Avoid probate court, save $27,000-$68,000+ in fees, and protect your family.
A living trust in California is a legal document that allows you to transfer ownership of your assets into a trust during your lifetime. You maintain complete control over these assets while you're alive, and upon your death, they transfer directly to your chosen beneficiaries—without going through probate court.
Unlike a California will, which must go through the expensive and time-consuming probate process (18-24 months in California), a living trust allows your loved ones to receive their inheritance immediately, privately, and without court intervention. Learn more about how to avoid probate in California and living trust vs will.
In California, where the median home price exceeds $700,000, avoiding probate can save your family tens of thousands of dollars in attorney fees, executor fees, and court costs. The probate fee schedule in California is based on the gross value of the estate—typically 4-6% of your total estate value.
California probate is expensive and time-consuming. For a $1 million estate, probate fees alone can be $46,000 ($23,000 for attorney fees + $23,000 for executor fees). The process takes 18-24 months on average. A living trust bypasses probate entirely, allowing your assets to transfer immediately to your beneficiaries.
Wills become public record when filed with the probate court. Anyone can see what you owned, who inherited, and how much. A living trust remains completely private—your financial affairs stay confidential within your family.
If you become incapacitated due to illness or injury, your successor trustee can manage your affairs immediately—no court proceedings needed. With only a will, your family would need to petition the court for a conservatorship, which is expensive and time-consuming.
If you own property in multiple states, a will requires probate proceedings in each state. A living trust avoids probate in all states—saving significant time and money.
Traditional estate planning attorneys charge $3,000-$6,000 for a living trust. Our attorney-reviewed online service costs $400 for a single trust or $500 for a joint trust—saving you thousands while providing the same legal protection.
If you have minor children, a living trust allows you to control when and how they inherit. You can specify distributions at certain ages (like 25, 30, 35) rather than giving everything at age 18, protecting their inheritance from poor decisions or predators.
→ See our complete step-by-step guide
You (the "grantor") create a trust document that specifies how your assets should be managed and distributed. You name yourself as the initial trustee, maintaining full control over your assets.
Transfer ownership of your assets into the trust. This includes real estate (deed changes), bank accounts (retitling), investment accounts, and personal property. Properly funding your trust is essential—unfunded assets may still go through probate.
As trustee of your own trust, you maintain complete control. Buy, sell, refinance, or manage assets exactly as before. The trust is revocable—you can modify or cancel it at any time while you're alive and competent.
When you pass away, your successor trustee distributes assets to your beneficiaries according to your instructions—no probate needed. This happens immediately, privately, and without court involvement.
→ Read our complete comparison guide
| Feature | Living Trust | Will |
|---|---|---|
| Avoids Probate | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Privacy | ✓ Private | ✗ Public Record |
| Time to Distribute Assets | Immediate | 18-24 months |
| Cost (for $1M estate) | $400-$500 | $46,000+ |
| Incapacity Protection | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Court Involvement | ✓ None | ✗ Required |
California Probate Code §10810 sets the statutory fees for probate. Here's what your family would pay:
→ See complete cost breakdown and comparison
Living Trust Cost: $400-$500 ✓
Living Trust Cost: $400-$500 ✓
Living Trust Cost: $400-$500 ✓
If you own a home in California or have assets worth over $184,500, you need a living trust. Without one, your estate will go through probate, costing your family 4-6% of your estate value and taking 18-24 months. A living trust avoids probate entirely.
Traditional attorneys charge $3,000-$6,000. Our online attorney-reviewed living trust costs $400 for a single trust or $500 for a joint trust—saving you thousands while providing the same legal protection. Learn why our service is affordable without sacrificing quality →
Yes. Our guided online process helps you create a California living trust in 30 minutes. Every document is reviewed by licensed California attorney Rozsa Gyene (State Bar #208356) to ensure it complies with California law.
Real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, business interests, and valuable personal property. Generally, don't put retirement accounts (IRA, 401k) in a trust—name the trust as beneficiary instead. Life insurance can be owned by the trust or name the trust as beneficiary.
A simple revocable living trust doesn't reduce income or estate taxes—it's tax-neutral. However, it saves your family thousands in probate fees and court costs. For couples with estates over $13.61 million (2024), specialized trust planning can reduce estate taxes.
Yes. A revocable living trust can be modified or cancelled at any time while you're alive and competent. You maintain complete control. The trust becomes irrevocable only after your death.
California law doesn't require a lawyer to create a valid living trust. However, attorney review is highly recommended. Our service includes review by licensed attorney Rozsa Gyene, ensuring your trust is legally valid and properly structured.
A will goes through probate (18-24 months, expensive, public). A living trust avoids probate (immediate, affordable, private). A will only takes effect after death. A living trust protects you during incapacity too. Everyone with a trust should also have a pour-over will as backup.
Our online questionnaire takes 30 minutes. Attorney review is completed within 24-48 hours. You'll receive all documents ready to sign and notarize—typically within 2-3 business days.
Your successor trustee takes over, following your instructions to distribute assets to beneficiaries. No court involvement needed. For simple estates, distribution can happen within weeks. No 18-24 month probate delay.
Create your California living trust online in 30 minutes with our DIY living trust software. Best online living trust service. Attorney-reviewed. Avoid probate. Save thousands.
✓ Attorney-Reviewed ✓ 25+ Years Experience ✓ California State Bar #208356