Money and accounts
What is a living trust and does it help me now?
Short answer
A living trust lets assets pass to beneficiaries without probate. If they had one, a successor trustee — named in the trust — takes over and distributes assets. Find the trust document and contact an estate attorney if you are not sure…
What this usually means
A living trust lets assets pass to beneficiaries without probate. If they had one, a successor trustee — named in the trust — takes over and distributes assets. Find the trust document and contact an estate attorney if you are not sure what it says.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.