Estate Planning in Encino

Encino is one of the more affluent, established parts of the San Fernando Valley, with a lot of longtime owners sitting on homes worth well into seven figures. When there is that much equity in the house and the owners have held it for years, the estate is exactly the kind that gets stuck in probate without a plan. A funded trust is what keeps the home moving to your family instead of through the court.

I’m Eric Ridley, an estate planning attorney since 2010. I work with Encino area families on flat-fee plans, in person and by video, with clear advice and no upselling.

Probate in the Encino area

Encino is part of the City of Los Angeles, so an estate here is handled by the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Probate is a matter of public record and typically takes more than a year to finish. The statutory fees are set on the full value of your home, not the equity you hold in it, so a large mortgage does not lower the cost. With Encino home values where they are, that bill is substantial. A funded living trust avoids probate altogether. To see the exact dollar amount, use our California probate fee calculator.

What your plan should cover

A solid Encino plan usually starts with a living trust that actually holds the home and your other significant assets, backed by a pour-over will, a durable power of attorney for finances, and an advance health care directive. If you have minor children, you name their guardian in the will. And because so much of the value here is in the home, we include Prop 19 planning so you can decide how the house passes to your kids on your terms.

Encino Estate Planning FAQs

Which county handles probate for Encino?

Encino is a neighborhood within the City of Los Angeles, so probate goes through the Los Angeles County Superior Court. It is a high-volume court, which is one reason the process is slow and why keeping your estate out of it with a funded trust makes sense.

Do I need a living trust if I own a home in Encino?

For most Encino homeowners, yes. With home values well into the $1 million-plus range, the house alone is more than enough to send your estate into Los Angeles County probate. A funded living trust keeps the home out of court and passes it to your family privately.

How does Prop 19 affect the home I leave my kids?

Prop 19 generally lets a child keep your low property-tax basis only if they move into the home as their primary residence, and even then a cap can apply on higher-value homes. If your kids intend to rent it out or keep it as a second home, expect a reassessment. Planning ahead lets us look at the numbers before anything is decided.

Can we handle this without multiple office visits?

Yes. Most Encino plans I handle by video, with a single signing visit if you prefer to sign in person. It is a flat fee, quoted up front, so there are no surprises on cost.

Related

See also Living Trusts, Wills, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, and Prop 19 Planning.

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Written by Eric D. Ridley: Estate Planning Attorney, Ridley Law. Serving Ventura County since 2010. Learn more about Eric →