Estate and Property Fraud
What is a living trust mill and why should I avoid one?
Short answer
A scam where salespeople — often posing as financial planners or estate attorneys — pressure grieving or elderly people into buying expensive living trusts they may not need, or substandard trusts that do not accomplish the stated purpose. In California, only licensed…
What this usually means
A scam where salespeople — often posing as financial planners or estate attorneys — pressure grieving or elderly people into buying expensive living trusts they may not need, or substandard trusts that do not accomplish the stated purpose. In California, only licensed attorneys can draft legal documents. If someone who is not an attorney offers to "draft your trust," walk away.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.