Naming a trust as the beneficiary of an IRA can be a powerful planning tool. It can also create unintended tax consequences if it’s done incorrectly. This is an area where coordination between estate planning, tax planning, and beneficiary designations is essential - especially in California, where many families use revocable living trusts as the foundation of their plan. Let’s break down what actually happens. First: IRAs Do Not Pass Through Your Will or Trust (Automatically

(A Practical Guide for Trustees — and the Advisors Who Support Them) Most trustees do not get into trouble because they are dishonest. They get into trouble because they are overwhelmed, under-informed, or overly confident. Serving as a trustee is a fiduciary role governed by the California Probate Code. It carries legal duties - not just family expectations. For CPAs, financial advisors, and trustees themselves, understanding the common pitfalls can prevent expensive and unn

Choosing a trustee is often more emotionally complicated than drafting the trust itself. Most people focus on who gets what. But in practice, the more consequential question is: Who will be in charge? Your trustee will control assets, make distribution decisions, interpret your instructions, communicate with beneficiaries, and, in many cases, manage family dynamics during a period of grief. That role deserves careful thought. First: Understand What a Trustee Actually Does A t