Navigating Special Needs Trusts and Avoidable Probate Pitfalls in California

Summary:

Attorney Aaron Feldman discusses the critical intersection of estate planning and special needs, emphasizing how a "third-party special needs trust" protects inheritance while maintaining a recipient's eligibility for needs-based benefits like SSI (which has a strict $2,000 asset limit). The episode outlines the complexities of California probate, including "Heggstad petitions" used to move omitted assets into trusts post-mortem. Agents will gain insights into the role of professional fiduciaries and the necessity of reviewing preliminary title reports immediately upon listing to identify liens or title issues.