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Golden State Trusts
An Estate Planning Law Firm
Our Expertise: Trusts, Probate, Special Needs, & Trust Administration
Our Experience: Nearly Two Decades
Our Service Area: All of California
Our Locations: San Francisco Bay Area, Orange County, & San Diego
Our Licenses: California Attorney & Paralegal Certified & Licensed
Our Philosophy: Compassion, Authenticity, & Transparency
Learn More About Our Services
Our Services
01.
Trusts
Revocable Living Trusts
Irrevocable Trusts
IRA Trusts
Spendthrift Trusts
Lifetime Protection Trusts
Special Need Trusts
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02.
Probate
Full Probate Administration
Spousal Property Petitions
Heggstad Petitions
Small Estate Affidavits
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03.
Special Needs Planning
Stand Alone Special Needs Trusts
Testamentary Special Needs Trusts
Lifetime Trusts with Standby Special Needs Option
Benefit Coordination
Limited Conservatorships
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04.
Trust Administration
Trustee is personally liable and we will ensure complete compliance throughout the process
Work within the statutory timeline and deadlines
Certification of Trust preparation
Family Agreements & Releases
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Our People
Jessica Kiely, Attorney & Founder
Casey Wolff, Chief Paralegal
This firm is special. The care, time, and clarity they gave me and my family was nothing short of extraordinary.
Jason B. -Golden State Trusts' Client
Golden State Trusts, PC
© 2024 by Golden State Trusts
California Trust Attorneys
Email:
[email protected]
The Bay Area: 650-600-1773
Orange County: 949-899-8993
San Diego County: 760-683-8887
Initial Consult Here
Pay Here (clients only)
◈ Interior Pages — 8 pages crawled--> Book Online | Golden State Trusts top of page Golden State Trusts Home About Services Trusts Probate Special Needs Planning Trust Administration Resources Contact Book Online More... Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Home Services Our Services Service Information Initial Consult for Estate Planning 1 hr Complimentary Complimentary Book Now Initial Consult for Special Needs Trusts 1 hr 30 min Complimentary Complimentary Book Now Initial Consult for Trust Administration 1 hr Complimentary Complimentary Book Now Initial Consult for Probate 1 hr Complimentary Complimentary Book Now Initial Consult For Conservatorship 1 hr Complimentary Complimentary Book Now Golden State Trusts, PC © 2024 by Golden State Trusts California Trust Attorneys Email:
[email protected] The Bay Area: 650-600-1773 Orange County: 949-899-8993 San Diego County: 760-683-8887 Initial Consult Here Pay Here (clients only) bottom of page --> Special Needs Planning | Golden State Trusts top of page Golden State Trusts Home About Services Trusts Probate Special Needs Planning Trust Administration Resources Contact Book Online More... Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our Services Special Needs Planning At Golden State Trusts, we know the unique challenges that families with special needs face. That's why we offer comprehensive special needs planning services that are designed to protect your loved one's financial future and ensure that they receive the care and benefits they require . This type of planning is not something we like to "sell". Our goal is to provide you with the best documents, coordination and guidance possible. We get it. This particular area of planning is less of a luxury and more of a requirement. Therefore, we offer longer payment arrangements and sensitivity when it comes to our families with special needs. The stress of keeping it all together can be overwhelming. We want to help you move forward and succeed with peace of mind, not hinder it. "I don't need easy. I just need possible." - Bethany Hamilton Our Special Needs Planning Pakages 01. Special Needs Family Trust Plan Revocable Living Trust Special Needs Trust Pour Over Will General Power of Attorney Health Care Power of Attorney Deeds for Real Estate 02. Minor Child Emergency Plan Medical Power of Attorney Nomination of Temporary Guardian Form Letter of direction for caregiver or sitter in the event of an emergency Letter to First Responders Important Healthcare Information Form Instructions to Caregiver Instructions to Guardian 03. Third Party Special Needs Plan Stand Alone Special Needs Trust Pour Over Will General Power of Attorney Health Care Power of Attorney Deeds for Real Estate 04. Limited Conservatorship Qualification Petition Filing Developmental Disability Confirmation Limited Powers Best Interests Standard Notice to Relatives Investigation by the Court Legal Representation Court Fees Timelines Golden State Trusts, PC © 2024 by Golden State Trusts California Trust Attorneys Email:
[email protected] The Bay Area: 650-600-1773 Orange County: 949-899-8993 San Diego County: 760-683-8887 Initial Consult Here Pay Here (clients only) bottom of page --> Trust Administration | Golden State Trusts top of page Golden State Trusts Home About Services Trusts Probate Special Needs Planning Trust Administration Resources Contact Book Online More... Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our Services Trust Administration We provide trust administration services to ensure that your trust is being properly managed and your loved one's wishes are being carried out. Sometimes you may just need some direction, other times, the trust and family dynamic require more skill and legal ability to administer and complete. Mainly, we don't want to overcomplicate the point of having an estate plan created. Your close ones left you assets this way so that you did not have to go through the pain and long suffering of a complicated distribution process. All of that being said, California has specific timelines and legal procedures that trust administration requires. Our transparent and clear communication will empower you to decide how much legal help you need after someone has passed. As trustee, you have a fiduciary duty and legal responsibility to administer the trust. We offer monthly trustee training and Q&A's to our existing clients to take the mystery out of the expectations of trusts and their administration. "The truth is, you leave this world with nothing. What you are is a temporary administrator, and you must administer well... the wealth in your care, and generate more. The surplus can be used to do many things for people." -Carlos Slim Trust Administration 01. General Guidance Information on statutory timeline and deadlines Address and guide you on the 4 taxes: Income, Property, Capital Gains, and Estate Tax Advise on process and procedures Phone calls and check ins. 02. Full Trust Administration Send out notices to heirs and beneficiaries Notify SSA, DHCS, and Credit Bureaus of death Obtain taxpayer identification numbers Assist the accountant with final tax Assist trustee with complete inventory Coordinate appraisal and tax professionals Send out notices of distribution Trustee is personally liable and we will make sure you are in complete compliance throughout the process Assist with completing forms from various institutions Deal with assessor issues Administer, create, and guide your testamentary or continuation trusts Deeds, county transfer documentation Family agreements, disclosure and releases Certification of Trust preparation and authority to access accounts Golden State Trusts, PC © 2024 by Golden State Trusts California Trust Attorneys Email:
[email protected] The Bay Area: 650-600-1773 Orange County: 949-899-8993 San Diego County: 760-683-8887 Initial Consult Here Pay Here (clients only) bottom of page --> About | Golden State Trusts top of page Golden State Trusts Home About Services Trusts Probate Special Needs Planning Trust Administration Resources Contact Book Online More... Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The Law Firm Golden State Trusts is an Estate Planning law firm that is committed to our clients. We have years of legal experience and provide services that are personal. Our practice spans the entire state of California and we have locations in both the San Francisco Bay Area and Orange County. We have a heritage of excellence and our promise to you is that we will always be compassionate, authentic, and transparent. Golden State Trusts Our Vision is You Our mission is to empower. We believe in educating and not selling to the people who reach out to our firm. We want to provide comprehensive and personalized estate planning solutions. Sure, we love documents and the law, but we love people more! We can do well by doing good, and believe in acts of service, compassion, and being mindful of our responsibility to the public as legal professionals. Our firm is committed to providing accessible, transparent, and expert guidance to help our clients navigate the complexities of trust and estate law with confidence. We combine innovative technology with a human touch, we strive to simplify the process without forgetting that people are more than policy. We have processes for excellence and world class client service for the human experience. Our dedication to integrity, empathy, and excellence drives us to be the trusted partner in empowering individuals to take control of their legacy and shape a more secure tomorrow. Our Professionals This is us! Sure we are professionals, but we are also people with rich histories, fun personalities, and have a story to tell, just like you. President & Founding Attorney Jessica Kiely Jessica grew up in Novato in the 80s, as a true Gen x kid, getting herself and her younger brother to school and back alone, riding bikes until sundown, and making her own school lunch at age 9. She learned the value of hard work from a young age, joining the workforce at just 14. Jessica worked her way through college at CSU Chico, where she graduated with honors and then went on to attend Golden Gate University School of Law on a merit scholarship. Jessica has practiced law for nearly two decades, her first 7 years were spent as a litigator specializing in products liability and catastrophic personal injury cases. Although arguing with opposing counsel and picking juries was fun and exciting, after the death of her beloved mentor, the inside of the courtroom lost its luster. Quite coincidentally, right at the time she needed a little direction, Jessica received a call from a friend about how to help someone who was in the hospital with no medical directive and no guardian for her children. So began her journey into Estate Planning. Since recognizing the critical need to educate people about preparing for the inevitable, Jessica has made it her mission to truly counsel people about death – it is an undeniable part of life, and without a plan, your fate is left in the hands of others. While proselytizing about estate planning is Jessica’s main priority, you can also find her volunteering countless hours at her children’s school, trying to figure out how to use her Cricut, re-learning how to ski for the tenth time, planning a party, catching up on all franchises of the housewives and more likely than not, carpooling kids around for baseball, basketball, or lacrosse. Chief Paralegal Casey Marie Wolff Casey Wolff serves as our Trust & Estate Paralegal at Golden State Trusts, offering invaluable support in estate planning, trust administration, and probate processes. Demonstrating exceptional patience and compassion, Casey extends a comforting presence to our client families during times of distress or loss. Her attention to detail ensures that our clients not only receive impeccable work but also enjoy an exceptional service experience. A graduate of San Diego State University, Casey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences and earned her teaching credential from California State University, Fullerton. With a challenging job market in 2008, fate led her to discover a rewarding career path in estate planning - a field she has embraced and loved ever since. With over thirteen years of dedicated service in the Estate Planning and Administration field, Casey brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team. Born and raised in Orange County, Casey finds joy in spending time with her family, which includes her husband, Stephen, and daughters, Stevie and Maggie, forming her close-knit "Wolff" pack. Outside of her professional pursuits, Casey enjoys party planning, Disney trips, and backyard BBQs with friends. Make it Simple, But Significant Golden State Trusts, PC © 2024 by Golden State Trusts California Trust Attorneys Email:
[email protected] The Bay Area: 650-600-1773 Orange County: 949-899-8993 San Diego County: 760-683-8887 Initial Consult Here Pay Here (clients only) bottom of page --> Resources | Golden State Trusts top of page Golden State Trusts Home About Services Trusts Probate Special Needs Planning Trust Administration Resources Contact Book Online More... Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Resources All Posts Search Navigating Estate Planning: UTMA/UGMA vs. Lifetime Asset Protection Continuation Trusts for Your Children Recently, our firm had the pleasure of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with one of our clients, an engineer with a heart set... jonathan0456 May 14, 2024 2 min read Navigating Legacy Planning: Understanding the Impact of California's Prop 19 on Investment Property Introduction: In November 2020, California voters passed Proposition 19, a ballot measure that significantly impacted property tax rules... jonathan0456 Mar 1, 2024 2 min read Understanding the Secure Act and Its Impact on IRA Accumulation Trusts Introduction: The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, signed into law in December 2019, brought about... jonathan0456 Mar 1, 2024 2 min read Golden State Trusts, PC © 2024 by Golden State Trusts California Trust Attorneys Email:
[email protected] The Bay Area: 650-600-1773 Orange County: 949-899-8993 San Diego County: 760-683-8887 Initial Consult Here Pay Here (clients only) bottom of page --> Trusts | Golden State Trusts top of page Golden State Trusts Home About Services Trusts Probate Special Needs Planning Trust Administration Resources Contact Book Online More... Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our Services Trusts At Golden State Trusts, we specialize in creating trusts that are personal. We tailor each document to meet the individual needs of our clients. Whether you need a revocable living trust or an irrevocable trust, we can help you create a plan that will protect your assets and your loved ones. Oftentimes we reference your family trust as the "money parent"; some beneficiaries can handle the responsibilities left to them by their relatives and some are more vulnerable. Whether it is the prodigal child that hasn't returned yet, the one that is having trouble launching, the kid that loves to be in love, but is open to people taking advantage of them, or the "perfect, responsible" ones. You have a plan for them and we would be honored to help make that a reality for you! Not sure what to do or which direction to go? That is where we come in! We guide you every step of the way, and will be real with you. We are not here to upsell you, we are here to educate and empower you to make the best decision for you and your family. "A will is a wish and a trust is a legal contract." Our Estate Planning Packages 01. Revocable Trust Plan Revocable Living Trust Pour Over Will General Power of Attorney Health Care Power of Attorney Deeds for Real Estate 03. Special Needs Plan Revocable Living Trust Stand Alone Special Needs Trust Pour Over Will General Power of Attorney Health Care Power of Attorney Deeds for Real Estate 02. Will Based Plan Traditional Will General Power of Attorney Health Care Power of Attorney 04. Asset Protection Plan Irrevocable Trust IRA Trust Pour Over Will General Power of Attorney Health Care Power of Attorney Deeds for Real Estate Golden State Trusts, PC © 2024 by Golden State Trusts California Trust Attorneys Email:
[email protected] The Bay Area: 650-600-1773 Orange County: 949-899-8993 San Diego County: 760-683-8887 Initial Consult Here Pay Here (clients only) bottom of page --> Contact | Golden State Trusts top of page Golden State Trusts Home About Services Trusts Probate Special Needs Planning Trust Administration Resources Contact Book Online More... Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Submit Inquiry Thank You for Reaching Out!
[email protected] The Bay Area: 650-600-1773 Orange County: 949-899-8993 San Diego County: 760-683-8887 Redwood City, CA Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Vista, CA Golden State Trusts, PC © 2024 by Golden State Trusts California Trust Attorneys Email:
[email protected] The Bay Area: 650-600-1773 Orange County: 949-899-8993 San Diego County: 760-683-8887 Initial Consult Here Pay Here (clients only) bottom of page --> Probate | Golden State Trusts top of page Golden State Trusts Home About Services Trusts Probate Special Needs Planning Trust Administration Resources Contact Book Online More... Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our Services Probate We understand that the probate process can be overwhelming and confusing, especially in California! Our state is a wonderful place to live and a very complicated place to pass away. That's why we're here to hold your hand. Our team of experienced attorneys and paralegals will guide you through the probate process and ensure that your loved one's assets are distributed according to their wishes and the law. Probate is a court and administration process that can take quite a while to complete. When choosing a law firm to help, it is not only imperative that they have expertise, but that the experience is as pleasant as possible. In other words, choose a law firm you like, you will be spending a lot of time with them! “Death is not the end. There remains the litigation over the estate.” – Ambrose Bierce. Probate Calculator The calculator below shows an estimation of the fees and commissions your loved ones may incurr if your estate were to enter probate. Enter the total value of your estate to see the breakdown of the potential costs. Enter The Total Value Of The Estate *Estate value must be between $184,500 and $25,000,000 **Fees for estates larger than $25,000,000 are determined by the court Total Fees Attorney's Fee Executor's Commision $0 $0 TOTAL FEES $0 Fee Breakdown CALCULATION 4% of the first $100,000 3% of the next $100,000 2% of the next $800,000 1% of the next $9,000,000 .5% of the next $15,000,000 VALUE AMT $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 FEE $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Probate 01. Full Probate Administration Petition for Probate Publication Notice to Heirs and Creditors Inventory and Appraisal Debts and Expenses Sale of Estate Property Distribution of Assets Final Accounting Petition for Final Distribution Court Approval Closing the Estate Probate Fees 03. Spousal Petitions Qualification Community Property Filing the Petition Probate Code Sections Legal Documentation Inventory of Assets Value Assessment Debts and Expenses Notice to Heirs and Beneficiaries Court Hearing Approval and Distribution Legal Representation Consent of Other Heirs Spousal Property Petition Limitations Court Fees 02. Small Estate Affidavits Confirm Eligibility Confirm Thresholds Affidavit Preparation Complete the Affidavit, Providing Accurate & Detailed Information Legal Documentation Notarization Waiting Period Distribution of Assets 04. Heggstad Petitions Qualification Preparation and Filing of the Petition California Probate Code Section Legal Documentation Identification of Assets Value Assessment Notice to Beneficiaries Court Hearing Approval and Inclusion Legal Representation Consent of Beneficiaries Heggstad Petition Limitation Court Fees Timeline Golden State Trusts, PC © 2024 by Golden State Trusts California Trust Attorneys Email:
[email protected] The Bay Area: 650-600-1773 Orange County: 949-899-8993 San Diego County: 760-683-8887 Initial Consult Here Pay Here (clients only) bottom of page