As a Ventura County estate planning law firm specializing in living trusts, our firm commonly receives questions about living trust fundamentals. We have a team of experts with the legal knowledge to answer questions about the process of estate planning, and what the benefits of a living trust can be.

Our firm can provide expert legal services as living trust attorneys. We are a Southern California based law firm in business since 1985. We specialize in living trusts and estate planning matters.

To learn more about living trusts, or if you would like a free consultation to learn if a living trust is right for you, please do not hesitate to contact us at (805) 482-2282, or e-mail us.

Why does joint tenancy cause income tax problems for a couple?

In short, if a couple holds appreciated property, such as real estate, as joint tenants and one of them passes away, the surviving spouse will have income taxes to pay if the property is sold.

This occurs because only half of capital gains are eliminated at death under joint tenancy. The cost may be tens of thousands of dollars or even more.

On the other hand, if the same couple were to set up a living trust and transfer the appreciated asset to the trust as community property, on the death of the first spouse the survivor could sell the asset and have no income tax to pay.

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It is our privilege to guide clients through estate planning decisions

Estate Planning Attorneys

Valued Client Reviews

    
 
 
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   Lisa Vertz 
 March 14, 2022.
 
 
  I worked with Brandon Johnson and he was very thorough and excellent to work with on a living trust and will.
  
 
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   Roman Kisz 
 December 21, 2021.
 
 
  Antonio is great. I work in a related industry, but my wife does not. He sat down with us and helped to get our estate in order by walking us through the trust process. My wife was very happy we took the time to protect our family and to get this crucial step in life accomplished. Thanks again!
  
 
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   Don Houle 
 August 13, 2021.
 
 
  A great place to place your trust for a trust
  
 
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   Mike Ricci 
 December 5, 2020.
 
 
  
  
 
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   Kathy Locklear 
 October 3, 2020.
 
 
  
  
 
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   Kyle T 
 September 22, 2020.
 
 
  Kevin is very knowledgeable, professional, and easy to work with. Highly recommend for Tax and Estate planning.
  
 
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   Joan Riley 
 January 16, 2018.
 
 
  I have just completed my trust work with Mr. Staker and I could not. be happier.  I was referred to him by a prominent San Fernando  Vally commercial realtor so I had high hopes when I met with him and I was not disappointed.  Now I am insisting that my children go to him to make certain that their trusts are in order.  Joan Riley
  
 
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   Bryan Freeberg 
 May 2, 2017.
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 9 reviews