O que é um trust revogável na Califórnia?

Um trust revogável (Revocable Living Trust) é um documento jurídico que permite transferir bens para um trust enquanto você está vivo, evitando o processo de inventário (probate) após o falecimento. O Trust Brasil pode ajudá-lo a criar um trust personalizado na Califórnia.

O escritório atende brasileiros na Califórnia?

Sim. O Trust Brasil é especializado em atender brasileiros e a comunidade brasileira-americana na Califórnia, oferecendo serviços jurídicos de planejamento sucessório em português e inglês.

Qual a diferença entre testamento e trust na Califórnia?

O testamento é um documento que expressa seus desejos após o falecimento, mas precisa passar pelo processo de inventário (probate). O trust revogável evita o inventário e garante mais privacidade e agilidade na transferência de bens.

A advogada fala português?

Sim. A advogada Drielle Bennett é completamente bilíngue em português e inglês, e atende clientes de todas as nacionalidades na Califórnia.

Como agendar uma consulta com o Trust Brasil?

Você pode agendar uma consulta gratuita de 30 minutos diretamente pelo Calendly em calendly.com/trustbrasilinfo/call30 ou pelo telefone (925) 222-7921.

Trust or Will? Understand the Difference and What You Really Need in California

Drielle Bennett
Apr 8
2 min read

"Do I need a trust or a will?" This is one of the most common questions I receive from Brazilians starting to think about estate planning in California. The short answer is: probably both. Here's why.

Will: What It Is and How It Works in the U.S.

A will (last will and testament) documents your wishes for asset distribution after death and can designate a guardian for minor children. However, in California, a will must be validated through probate — which can take up to 2 years and cost a significant portion of your estate.

Living Trust: Planning That Avoids Probate

A living trust lets you transfer assets into the trust while retaining full control. When you pass away, assets go directly to your heirs without probate — faster, cheaper, and completely private.

Key Comparison: Trust vs. Will in California

Avoids probate: Trust (Yes) | Will (No)
Privacy: Trust (Yes, private) | Will (No, becomes public)
Incapacity protection: Trust (Yes) | Will (No)
Guardian for minor children: Trust (Not per se), a Guardianship Nomination Document must co-exist with the trust. Will (Yes) traditionally a will can designate a guardian
Cost at death: Trust (Low, no probate) | Will (High, probate fees)

Why Most Brazilians in California Need Both

A trust doesn't completely replace a will. You need a pour-over will to redirect any assets left outside the trust. While traditionally a will can designate a guardian for minor children, when you have a trust a Guardianship Nomination Power of Attorney may be part of your trust supporting documents, and reflect the guardian selection made in your pour-over will. A complete California estate plan includes: a living trust, a pour-over will, a durable power of attorney, and a healthcare directive.

Brazilians with Assets in Two Countries

For Brazilians with real estate, bank accounts, or investments in both Brazil and the U.S., planning requires special attention. Brazilian and American legal systems differ significantly, and Trust Brasil has experience guiding clients who need to plan across both jurisdictions simultaneously.

Every situation is unique. Schedule your free 30-minute consultation with Trust Brasil and find the best plan for you and your family.