A revocable living trust can hold property during a person’s lifetime and provide instructions for management after incapacity or death. In California, assets that are properly titled in the trust generally are administered under the trust terms rather than through a full probate proceeding. A trust does not work automatically: funding, beneficiary designations, and supporting documents matter. Some assets may still require probate or another transfer procedure. This general information is not individualized legal advice.
Living Trusts and Probate in California
How a properly created and funded living trust may help families manage assets and reduce probate exposure.
By CJ Fiorelli, J.D. · ·
This article is part of our Trusts & Wills legal services topic.
Sources and references
Related frequently asked questions
Does creating a living trust automatically avoid probate?
Not always. A trust generally must be properly signed and funded, and beneficiary designations and ownership records should be coordinated. Assets left outside the trust may require another transfer process.
This information is general education and is not legal advice. Every situation is different.