Irrevocable Trusts in California

What is Irrevocable Trusts?

An irrevocable trust is a trust the grantor cannot freely amend or revoke after creation. The trade-off is significant: the grantor gives up control in exchange for tax benefits, asset protection, or eligibility for needs-based programs. Common types include life insurance trusts, qualified personal residence trusts, charitable remainder trusts, and special-needs trusts.

When you might need this service

• Estate tax planning requires removing assets from the taxable estate.
• Asset protection is a priority and assets need to be shielded from future creditors or judgments.
• A beneficiary has special needs and a third-party special-needs trust will preserve benefits eligibility.
• A charitable giving plan needs structure (charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust) for tax and income purposes.

How Sari Law Firm helps

We evaluate whether an irrevocable trust is the right tool for the goal (often the answer is no, the cost of losing control is high), and when it is, we draft and fund the trust with the appropriate trustee, distribution, and tax provisions. We coordinate with the client's CPA and financial advisor so the tax planning actually works.