Morris & Morris | A Law Corporation

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Morris & Morris | A Law Corporation
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Your Trusted Partners In Legacy Planning

Southern California Pour-Over Wills Lawyer

Estate planning with a revocable living trust is one of the most effective ways to protect your assets even after your passing. However, even the most carefully prepared trust may not capture every asset, and that is where pour-over wills become essential. 

At Morris & Morris, we guide estate owners in Arcadia, Los Angeles County and Southern California in planning their estates. Our attorneys bring years of combined experience handling estate planning matters. We are known for our professionalism, local knowledge and personalized client service. When it comes to crafting effective pour-over wills, our estate planning lawyer will get you covered. 

What Is The Purpose Of A Pour-Over Will? 

A pour-over will is an essential estate planning tool, acting as a safety net to transfer any assets left outside the living trust into the trust upon the testator’s death. A pour-over will must meet the following requirements under California law: 

  • Must be in writing
  • The testator must sign or direct another person to sign it in their presence
  • Must be witnessed and signed by at least two people 

Our attorney can help craft or review your pour-over will to help ensure it is valid under California law.

Do You Need A Pour-Over Will In California If You Have A Living Trust?

Many clients ask us, “Do I need a pour-over will if I already have a living trust?” Yes, even with a properly funded living trust, it is easy to overlook assets or acquire new ones that are never transferred into your California trust. 

For the best protection, you should update your pour-over will whenever you amend your living trust. An amendment can occur when you experience major life changes such as marriage, divorce or acquire new assets. 

While assets transferred through a pour-over will must go through probate, the will ensures they are distributed according to your trust’s terms. If you need to amend the pour-over will, reach out to our office for guidance. 

Need Help With Drafting A Pour-Over Will? Reach Out Today

A well-crafted pour-over will is a critical component of a complete estate plan. At Morris & Morris, we will help you create or amend pour-over wills, whether you are in Arcadia, Los Angeles County or across Southern California. Call 626-802-4496 or reach us online to schedule your free initial case review.