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. Litigators, dealmakers, and planners who have spent their careers in Southern California courtrooms, escrow offices, and boardrooms, and who put all of it to work for you.
This is a team built for clients who expect insight, action, and accountability at every turn. Find the right attorney for you.
What Our
Clients Say
* Reviews and testimonials reflect the experiences of individual clients. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in your matter.
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.