San Mateo, CA estates & probate lawyer Jeffrey Loew talks about the advantages of having a revocable living trust. He expresses that many people mistakenly believe that a revocable living trust is only appropriate for the wealthy. In reality, it is an extremely powerful estate planning tool with broad benefits. Unlike probate—which requires a court to determine how assets or an estate should be distributed after a decedent’s death—a revocable living trust allows assets to pass outside of court, saving time, expense, and potential conflict.

A trust also provides flexibility in how gifts are distributed. For example, rather than transferring large sums to children immediately, a trust can stagger distributions over many years. A trustee may manage assets for decades, or even for the lifetime of a beneficiary, ensuring long-term oversight and protection.

Additionally, a revocable living trust offers continuity during incapacity. If the person who created the trust becomes ill or unable to manage their affairs, a designated trustee can step in to handle the trust’s assets without the need for court intervention.

Together, these features make the revocable living trust a powerful and versatile mechanism, useful for families of all sizes and financial circumstances.