Frequently Asked Questions - Stockton Living Trusts
⚠️ Where is the probate court for Stockton residents in 2025-2026?
IMPORTANT: As of February 2025, San Joaquin County probate cases (Department L2) have RELOCATED from the main Stockton courthouse to 315 W. Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240. This adds significant travel burden for Stockton families. The court reports a "voluminous backlog" with cases taking 18-24 months. A living trust bypasses this court entirely - no Lodi trips required.
Do I need to come to an office in Stockton?
No. The entire process is completed online from your Stockton home. You answer questions through our secure platform, we prepare your documents, and our attorney reviews them. You receive everything electronically within 24 hours. However, we're available by phone at (818) 291-6217 if you have questions or prefer to speak with someone.
How do I transfer my Stockton home into the trust?
We provide a deed template and detailed instructions specific to San Joaquin County. You'll prepare a new deed transferring the property from your name to your trust (e.g., "John Smith" becomes "John Smith, Trustee of the Smith Family Trust dated 1/1/2025"). Then record it with the San Joaquin County Recorder's Office. We guide you through every step. You can do it yourself or hire a title company to help.
Will my mortgage or property taxes be affected?
No. Transferring your Stockton home into your revocable living trust does NOT trigger property tax reassessment in California (confirmed by Revenue and Taxation Code §62(d)). Your mortgage remains the same. Your property taxes don't change. Banks and lenders recognize trust transfers. Everything stays exactly the same - except now your home avoids probate.
Can I make changes after creating my trust?
Yes. A revocable living trust can be amended or revoked anytime during your lifetime while you have mental capacity. As your life changes (births, deaths, divorce, new assets, moving within Stockton, etc.), you can update your trust. We provide instructions for making amendments. You maintain complete control throughout your life.
What happens if I become incapacitated?
Your designated successor trustee automatically takes over managing your trust assets without court involvement. This avoids conservatorship, which costs Stockton families $10,000-$15,000+ just to establish, plus ongoing fees. Your successor can pay your bills, manage your Stockton property, and handle financial matters according to the instructions in your trust.
How long does it take?
Most Stockton clients complete the questionnaire in 20-30 minutes. After you submit your information, documents are prepared and reviewed by our attorney within 24 hours (usually same day). You receive your complete trust package electronically. Then you sign, notarize, and fund the trust on your own timeline.
Is this really legally valid in California?
Yes. Our living trusts are prepared by and reviewed by Rozsa Gyene, a licensed California attorney (State Bar #208356) with over 25 years experience. They comply with all California Probate Code requirements. Our trusts are used throughout Stockton, San Joaquin County, and all of California. When properly executed and funded, they're fully enforceable under California law.
What if I have questions after receiving my documents?
We provide lifetime support. Call (818) 291-6217 to speak with our team. We can answer questions about signing, notarizing, funding, or updating your trust. While we can't provide ongoing personal legal advice (that would require a traditional attorney-client relationship), we help ensure your trust is properly executed and funded.
Do I still need a will if I have a living trust?
Yes, and it's included. Your trust package includes a "pour-over will" that acts as a safety net. If you forget to transfer any asset into your trust, the pour-over will directs it to the trust after your death. This ensures nothing is accidentally left out. However, the goal is to fund your trust completely during your lifetime so the pour-over will isn't needed.
