Irrevocable Trust Attorney in Long Beach, CA
Long-term asset protection and tax planning through irrevocable trust structures. Serving Long Beach and surrounding communities.
What an Irrevocable Trust Does
An irrevocable trust is permanent. Once you put assets in, you cannot take them back out and you cannot change the terms. In exchange for giving up that control, you get things a revocable trust cannot offer — asset protection from creditors, reduction in taxable estate, and eligibility planning for government benefits like Medi-Cal.
Irrevocable trusts are not for everyone. They work for people with specific goals: protecting assets from lawsuits, reducing estate tax on large estates, or qualifying a loved one for long-term care benefits. We help Long Beach families figure out if one is the right fit.
What We Handle
- Irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs)
- Medi-Cal asset protection trusts
- Charitable remainder trusts
- Qualified personal residence trusts
- Special needs trusts (also irrevocable)
- Gifting trusts for large estates
California Rules for Irrevocable Trusts
California recognizes irrevocable trusts under the California Probate Code. Once the trust is signed and funded, the assets are legally owned by the trust — not by you. This is what creates the asset protection and tax benefits.
Medi-Cal has a 30-month look-back for trust transfers in California. If you transfer assets into an irrevocable trust and apply for Medi-Cal within 30 months, those transfers may still count against you. Timing matters and we help clients plan well in advance.
California does not have a state estate tax, but the federal estate tax still applies to estates above $13.61 million (2024 figure, adjusts for inflation). Irrevocable trusts can shift assets out of your taxable estate for families above that threshold.
Who Uses an Irrevocable Trust
Most Long Beach families do not need an irrevocable trust. But if any of these apply, one may make sense:
- You have a taxable estate above federal thresholds
- You are planning for long-term care and Medi-Cal eligibility
- You want to protect assets from future lawsuits or creditors
- You have life insurance you want to keep out of your estate
- You want to make large charitable gifts with tax benefits
Our Process
Step 1: Strategy Call
We talk through whether an irrevocable trust actually fits your goals. Often it does not — and we will tell you.
Step 2: Design the Trust
We design the trust around your specific asset protection or tax planning needs.
Step 3: Fund & Lock In
Sign the trust and transfer the assets. The protection begins immediately.
Irrevocable Trust Questions
Sometimes, through a legal process called decanting or through a court modification. But do not count on it. Assume the terms are permanent when you sign.
It depends on how the trust is structured. Some irrevocable trusts are “grantor trusts” where you still report the income. Others are separate taxpayers. We explain the difference before you sign.
Only if you transfer it well before you need benefits — typically more than 30 months in advance in California. Last-minute transfers do not work.
A special needs trust is one type of irrevocable trust. There are many others. The right one depends on your specific goal.
More than a revocable trust. Costs vary depending on your situation, including complexity and the assets involved.
Request a Free Consultation
Tell us about your situation. We will set up a free consultation within one business day.