OC Wills & Trust Attorneys

OC Wills & Trust Attorneys Professional legal estate planning services including Living Trusts, Wills, Power of Attorneys, Health Care Directives, and Long Term Care.

Estate Planning - Elder Law - Asset Protection - Veterans Benefits

We help families make sure their loved ones and assets are protected in case something tragic happens by preparing living trusts, wills, power of attorneys, healthcare directives and special needs trusts

06/05/2026

How Does Probate Work In Orange County California?

Brian Chew explains that probate is the court-supervised process of transferring assets from a deceased person to their heirs. Even with a valid will, someone usually must go to court to become the executor, often hiring an attorney. Legal fees can reach tens of thousands of dollars based on the gross value of the assets, and the process involves filing paperwork and attending hearings. Proper estate planning can help avoid these complications.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

06/04/2026

What Would Probate Fees Look Like for a $1.2 Million Home in Orange County?

Brian Chew explains how statutory probate fees work in California using a $1.2 million home and additional bank accounts as an example. With graduated fees, the total legal cost can reach roughly $28,000 even for an unopposed case. Properly funding a revocable trust can help families avoid probate, save time, and prevent unnecessary legal fees.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

06/04/2026

How Probate Transfers Assets And Why It Can Be Expensive

Brian Chew explains that probate is the court-supervised process of transferring control of assets from a deceased person to their heirs. Even with a valid will, the executor must go to court and often hire an attorney, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Probate involves filing paperwork, attending hearings, and following legal procedures, making proper estate planning and trust funding essential to avoid delays and high costs.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

06/03/2026

How Much Could Probate Cost On A $1.2 Million Home In Orange County?

Brian Chew breaks down statutory probate fees in California using an example of a $1.2 million home and additional bank accounts. With graduated fees, the total legal costs could be around $28,000, which is often unnecessary. He emphasizes that creating and properly funding a revocable trust can help avoid probate and protect family assets.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

Probate can drain tens of thousands from a family’s estate before loved ones ever see a dime. Brian Chew explains why a ...
06/03/2026

Probate can drain tens of thousands from a family’s estate before loved ones ever see a dime. Brian Chew explains why a simple trust can save families years of stress and delay.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

One house in Orange County can trigger massive probate fees. Brian Chew shares how fees are based on gross value, not wh...
06/02/2026

One house in Orange County can trigger massive probate fees. Brian Chew shares how fees are based on gross value, not what is actually owed on the property.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

06/02/2026

What Does The Probate Process Actually Involve In California?

Brian Chew explains that probate in California is a court process to determine who manages assets after someone passes and how those assets are distributed. The process can be expensive and time-consuming, often costing tens of thousands in legal fees based on the value of the assets. Understanding probate highlights the importance of proper estate planning and trust funding.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

06/01/2026

How Does A Trust Handle S Corp Shares After Death?

Brian Chew explains that while alive, individuals keep ownership of their S Corp shares, so nothing changes for IRS or legal purposes. At passing, control of the shares transfers to the trustee of the trust, helping avoid probate and ensuring someone can take over the business smoothly. Proper planning protects both the business and heirs.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

06/01/2026

Why Not Putting Property In Your Trust Can Cost Thousands

Brian Chew explains that one of the biggest mistakes people make is not retitling property into their trust. Even with a trust, unfunded property can end up in probate, costing families tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and tying up the property for years. He emphasizes why proper funding is essential and how his firm helps ensure trusts are fully effective.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

05/31/2026

What Are The Three Steps To Properly Fund A Trust?

Brian Chew outlines a three-step process for a successful estate plan: create the trust and estate plan, fund the trust, and manage the logistics. Proper funding ensures that whoever is in charge can access assets easily without going through probate. Clients should know their assets and confirm the trust is listed as owner or beneficiary, with the right paperwork completed to avoid complications.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

Address

15635 Alton Parkway, Ste 125
Irvine, CA
92618

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Website

https://ocwillsandtrusts.com/blog/

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