Schuyler V.V. Hoffman
Schuyler V.V. Hoffman
Shareholder
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Business Consulting
Trusts & Trust Administration
Using Trusts to Protect Assets and Avoid Probate
A trust is a flexible legal tool that allows a trusted person, called the trustee, to hold and manage your assets—such as property, accounts, or investments—for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries. In California, trusts are especially valuable because they often bypass probate court, making the transfer of wealth smoother, faster, and more private.
Whether you choose a revocable living trust, which can be adjusted during your lifetime and provides continuity if you become unable to manage your affairs, or an irrevocable trust, which cannot be altered once created but can offer tax and asset protection benefits, trusts provide tailored solutions for your estate planning needs. Specialized trusts, like special needs trusts or testamentary trusts, address unique goals such as preserving public benefits for loved ones or managing distributions through a will.
How We Help Structure and Administer Trusts
At Hoffman & Forde, we help you choose and structure the right trust for your situation. We take the time to explain how California law affects each option, ensure compliance with the Probate Code, and prepare a plan that reflects your values and priorities.
Our services include:
Drafting and customizing revocable and irrevocable trusts
Advising and guiding trustees in carrying out their duties
Establishing special needs and testamentary trusts for specific family needs
Coordinating trusts with wills, powers of attorney, and broader estate plans
Supporting families through trust administration and beneficiary notifications
With thoughtful planning, we help ensure your trust protects your loved ones, keeps your affairs private, and provides stability for the future.
Experienced Counsel for Complex Trust Decisions
At Hoffman & Forde, we see trusts as more than legal structures—they are a way to carry your legacy forward with care and precision.
Our attorneys listen closely, simplify the process, and provide the clear direction needed to protect what matters most to you. With us, you can feel confident that your trust will be structured, administered, and honored according to your wishes.
The Team Behind the Results
Our attorneys are trusted with complex matters because they bring more than credentials—they bring results.
This is a team built for clients who expect insight, action, and accountability at every turn.
Daniel R. Forde
Daniel R. Forde
Shareholder
Civil Litigation, Commercial Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, Business Consulting, …See More
Angela Elpers Barnes
Angela Elpers Barnes
Managing Attorney
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation
Amanda Allen
Amanda Allen
Senior Associate
Business, Real Estate, Civil Litigation
Dalia Astalos
Dalia Astalos
Associate
Landlord-Tenant Law, Commercial Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Trust & Estates Litigation, …See More
Alison Barry
Alison Barry
Senior Counsel
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation
Victoria Boynton
Victoria Boynton
Senior Counsel
Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Transactional and Litigation, Business Advisement
Jim Buche
Jim Buche
Of-Counsel
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation
Michael Dicks
Michael Dicks
Senior Trial Attorney
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Personal Injury
Christina Elhaddad
Christina Elhaddad
Senior Associate
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Immigration Law
Alanna Haefner
Alanna Haefner
Senior Associate
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate , Commercial Real Estate, Tax Advisory
Mia Kelly
Mia Kelly
Senior Counsel
Real Estate Litigation, General Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Employment Law, …See More
Nicholas Kritikos
Nicholas Kritikos
Of-Counsel
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Business Consulting, …See More
Matt LeFevre
Matt LeFevre
Junior Associate
Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation, Boundary Disputes, Business Consulting
Ian McKinley
Ian McKinley
Senior Associate
Eminent Domain/Inverse Condemnation, Business Torts, Boundary Disputes, Shareholder & Member Derivative Litigation, …See More
Joshua Morrison
Joshua Morrison
Junior Associate
Adam Reifman
Adam Reifman
Senior Associate
Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Corporate Law — Entity Formation & Planning, Easement & Land Use, …See More
William H. Sauls
William H. Sauls
Of-Counsel
Estate Planning, Tax Advisory, Business Consulting
Stefan Seper
Stefan Seper
Attorney
Civil Litigation, Landlord-Tenant Law , Commercial Real Estate, Habitability Issues, …See More
Shelly Ann Stewart
Shelly Ann Stewart
Junior Associate
Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation
Michael Stuart
Michael Stuart
Of-Counsel
Criminal Defense, Restraining Orders, Civil Litigation, Administrative Law
Vincent Russo
Vincent Russo
Senior Counsel
Trust & Probate Litigation, Business Law, Real Estate Law
Our Paralegals
Our dedicated paralegals are the behind-the-scenes experts who ensure our firm runs smoothly. They play a critical role in our client-focused approach, enabling our attorneys to deliver the highest quality service with precision and care.
What Our
Clients Say
Our Philosophy
Positive outcomes start with clear communication, practical solutions, and follow-through. That’s our philosophy—and what we deliver to every client who entrusts us with protecting what matters most.
Proudly Serving San Diego &
the North Coast
From Bankers Hill to La Jolla, Hoffman & Forde represents clients across Southern California with clear counsel, strategic insight, and results that hold up under pressure.