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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some general answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions we receive from our clients. Keep in
mind, each situation is unique so the answer here may not apply to your unique circumstances.

What Is The Difference Between A Will And A Trust?

A will is a legal document that states your wishes for how your assets should be distributed after you die. The problem with a will alone is that it typically has to go through probate — a court process that can take 1-2 years and cost your estate 4–8% (about $30,000-50,000) in fees under California law.

A living trust also states your wishes and appoints people in charge, but avoids probate entirely. Your assets transfer directly to your beneficiaries without court involvement. For most California homeowners, a trust is the better option.

Do I Even Have An “Estate”?

Yes — if you own anything, you have an estate. That includes your home, car, bank accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance, and personal property. You don’t need to be wealthy to need a plan. If you own a home in California, your estate likely already exceeds the $208,850 probate threshold, meaning without a plan, your family may have to go through court.

Will My Estate Go Through Probate?

It depends on how your assets are titled and whether you have a trust. In California, estates over $208,850 in gross value generally must go through probate if there is no trust. Probate is public, slow, and expensive. Assets held in a living trust, joint tenancy, or with a named beneficiary typically avoid probate. An estate plan done right keeps your family out of court.

Do I Need A Trust?

If you own a home in California, probably yes. A living trust lets your family skip probate, keeps your affairs private, and makes the transfer of assets faster and cheaper. A will alone does not avoid probate. If you have minor children, a blended family, or property in multiple states, a trust is especially important. We can review your situation in a free consultation and tell you exactly what makes sense for you.

How Do I Plan For End Of Life Decisions?

A Will takes effect only when you die. But what if you are alive, but not able to take care of yourself physically or mentally? Our estate planning packages include Power of Attorney forms to work in these types of situations. The forms set out who you want to make your financial or healthcare decisions for you when you are alive but not able to do so. You can make these forms as detailed as you would like – describing your wishes as to end of life decisions (“pulling the plug”, organ donations, funeral arrangements, etc.). Writing out these wishes ahead of time can help your loved ones take the guess work out of making the tough decisions and the guilt and burden that is often associated with it.

I Have Minor Children – How Do I Make Sure They Are Taken Care Of When I’m Not Here?

The first step is to designate who the guardians of the children would be should both parents die. You may already know who you would want (or not want) to be the guardian. It is best to put things in writing to be clear and prevent family legal battles later on. You can also designate, for example, your financially savvy uncle as the guardian for the child’s finances, but your caring grandmother as the child’s guardian for health and personal matters.

You can also set up a Trust for the minor child to receive a portion of funds at interval ages (Example: a third of assets at age 25, another third at age 30, the rest at age 35). Otherwise, without a Trust or Will, a child could inherit the parents’ entire estate at age 18, when they are not mature or financially responsible enough to handle a large lump sum of money being handed to them. There are many different options to ensure your children, step children, nieces and nephews, are taken care of in the way you want them taken care of. Please talk to our attorneys to advise you in the best way to carry out your wishes.

Practice Areas

Estate Planning

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Testimonials

We had a great experience working directly with the attorneys, Sophia and Stephanie. We were hesitant to start the estate planning process but they made it so simple and easy. We were interested by what…

Bill & Pat L.

The difference between the will and living trust was well-explained. Sophia was very patient explaining the benefits of the living trust vs. will.

Manuel H.

I really appreciate that Sophia took so much time in listening to my wishes to the family trust.

Yvonne C.

Ease of communication through email was most helpful.

Diane M.

Setting up a trust is a daunting endeavor. Sophia was great in explaining and guiding us with advice on difficult choices. She is very approachable and helpful. Highly recommend.

Miguel C.

I had wanted to establish a living trust but I had no idea how to start or where to go. Sakamoto & Ruelas answered all my questions and set up a living trust that ensures…

Rick G.

I had tried to set up a trust with a different attorney, but did not feel comfortable until I found the law offices of Sakamoto & Ruelas. Stephanie answered all my questions and gave me…

Douglas A.

The initial meeting was very informative and the attorney explained things clearly. Everything was great.

Miguel V.

Sophia was on top of things, kept us well-informed of the process. She explained everything about our trust very thoroughly and answered all our questions to our satisfaction. Would highly recommend their services.

Ruben P.

I made many calls looking for the right trust lawyer. When I called Sakamoto & Ruelas, Sophia called me back herself, explained the process and we set up an appointment. She was so detailed in…

Maria V.

What we liked the most was that the attorney listened to us carefully and came back diligently with options and solutions. Progressing with each step, I started learning and felt more comfortable. Thanks for genius…

Kyung M.

This was my first time dealing with a will & living trust. The items needed and the process was more than I expected. Sophia helped me through the process. She explained every document and why…

S. Gutierrez

My first time engaging with this firm, and very impressed. Very professional yet comfortable, knowledgeable, and great communication. My questions answered promptly. Would work with them again in a heartbeat. I liked the ease of…

Wilson O.

I liked that I was able to meet in person, express my concerns and wishes, which were well taken care of. I was able to complete my will. I enjoyed working with Sakamoto & Ruelas.…

Anonymous

We liked how prepared, organized, reliable Sophia exhibited. She explained everything easily; followed through on every change requested by us. We feel relieved that our wishes have been thoroughly addressed and documented in our newly…

William Q.

Every step of the process was very positive. Sophia is very knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and very thorough. Before meeting with Sophia, I knew nothing about a living trust. But now I can talk to my…

Anonymous

We had talked about getting an estate plan for several years and finally selected Sakamoto & Ruelas to help us through the process. We only visited the office twice, once for the introduction and initial…

Keith & Sherry F.

I’m so fortunate to have found Sakamoto & Ruelas. Sophia and Stephanie made the process of creating a trust easy to understand, and easy to do. They promptly follow through with each step of the…

Sally K.

I liked the extent of Stephanie’s knowledge and the good advice regarding updating my trust. I also appreciated her listening to me and my daughters on the changes we requested. There was nothing to dislike.…

Mary P.

I gained insight and knowledge regarding estate planning. I felt security and satisfaction after working with the firm. Before, I felt insecure and stressed over the future and now I am able to sleep better…

Arnold G.

Sophia made a complex issue easy to understand; materials were top quality; wonderful, friendly service.

Greg G.

After putting it off for too long, I recently decided to update my trust, will, etc. I feel very blessed at finding local trust lawyers who were professional, friendly, and advised me according to the…

Reba N.

It has been a pleasure to work with this firm-personnel are knowledgeable and personable. Since my previous attorney passed away, I was delighted to be introduced to Sakamoto & Ruelas. I’d recommend the firm most…

Anonymous

I couldn’t have made a better choice in selecting Sakamoto & Ruelas to update my existing trust. I had the pleasure of working with both Sophia and Stephanie and was impressed with their in-depth knowledge…

Russell W.

Both Sophia and Stephanie were very professional and easy to work with. Thank you both. The service was very efficient. There are no improvements to be needed.

Anonymous

Sophia is very friendly and helpful. I was very pleased working with your team. I really learned a lot working with Sophia and I feel so much more at peace with all my arrangements made…

Sam R.

The services from Sakamoto & Ruelas were professional, thorough, complete, and affordable. Everything was completed within one month’s time and in only two visits. We now have peace of mind that our child will be…

Liz R.

What I liked the most is the way the attorney explained everything and answered our questions so we can understand better. You don’t need to improve as the firm has met our expectations.

Anonymous

Prior to our initial visit, we were “stalled” as to how to proceed with our living trust. After working with Sophia Sakamoto, we were motivated (and relieved) to have completed our trust.

Anonymous

Thanks for being so patient with us.

Anonymous

Every aspect of service provided was excellent. Very professional, exceptional follow-up, very thorough, complete confidence in final documents.

Anonymous

Sophia is very friendly, cordial, professional.

Anonymous

We met with Sophia to update our estate planning. She addressed our concerns thoroughly and provided excellent service.

Anonymous

I appreciated the understanding and friendliness. I have already referred 3 others, 2 who have already utilized your services.

Cheryl R.

Your corporation provides very detail-oriented and clear explanations of compiling the estate planning for us.

Anonymous

We like your friendly and professional customer service. We especially appreciate your directness with clear explanations.

Anonymous

Very convenient and friendly staff. We had a tragic accident happen in our family during the time we were working with Sakamoto & Ruelas, and the whole staff was very compassionate, helpful and understanding to…

Kathleen U.

Responsive to e-mail communications. Willing to accommodate inability to do stairs, helpful referrals.

Nancy R.

Very responsive, efficient, excellent explanations of everything in clear non-jargon terms.

Jessi H.

Sophia was able and willing to answer any questions we had.

Scott & Stacey E.

Very responsive to inquiries about the service and to our multitude of questions about the documents.

Gilbert & Georgina E.

It was a pleasure! I have given your name already to friends!

John & Shannon M.

A very professional and organized team who made very complex material easy to understand. Our questions were answered quickly, in a timely manner. We appreciate Sophia’s patience.

Anonymous

It was a pleasure working with Sophia and Wendy. Sophia took her time to get to know my family situation and clearly explained everything. Wendy was prompt in responding to all our questions.

Anonymous

I was concerned about how complex putting together a living trust would be-but Sophia made the process so easy. And Sophia and Wendy was so incredibly helpful with all the questions I had throughout the…

Anonymous

Stephanie and her team were extra accommodating with all of our questions and concerns. That level of care and attention carried through the entire estate planning process. Thank you!

Alessandro B.

Sophia was great to work with. She was easily reached at all times. We appreciated how thorough she was every time we met.

Wayne K.

I was very relieved to have completed the trust knowing that my daughter will be able to handle the distribution of the proceeds with very little effort. The legal expertise of the attorney was very,…

Robert R.

It was a pleasure working with Sophia and Wendy. Sophia took her time to get to know my family situation and clearly explained everything. Wendy was prompt in responding to all our questions.

Anonymous

The best part of our experience with Sakamoto & Ruelas is the peace of mind from the comprehensive work they completed for us.

Chris & Beth B.

It was a pleasure working with Sophia to update our trust. We had worked with two other firms in the past and although adequate, they weren’t as easy to work with and did not explain…

Mike P.

You made this process easier to understand and made us feel at ease.

Anonymous

Sophia took her time carefully explaining to us each section in our package. She was able to answer any questions that we had and was able to accommodate the necessary changes we made even at…

Anonymous

Communicating with Sophia and Wendy was always prompt and helpful.

Grace T.

Sophia and the entire staff have made this estate planning an easy process. Thank you for your professionalism and care!

Parijat & Madhuchhanda K.

Key benefits are learning about the trust process and various documents and also peace of mind knowing that our assets are protected from the lengthy probate process.

Anonymous

I can’t recommend Sakamoto & Ruelas highly enough. They were thorough, pleasant and skillful in addressing our needs. And they did it all in a way that was painless and easy to understand. I am…

Brian H.

I was uncertain of what I should do when the time comes. I have secured my decisions for my future.

Mary Anne P.

The ease of the process and the willingness of Stephanie to provide detailed information to ensure I understand every detail was very helpful and appreciated.

Camellia A.

It was very easy to understand everything in plain English, I do recommend this law firm. Also very helpful to Spanish speakers.

Salvador R.

Before working with the firm we were hesitant on the process and how overwhelming all the information may be. After working with Sophia Sakamoto we felt confident-she walked us through the process, answered every question,…

Juan & Bertha H.

Having the peace of mind that our finances and wishes are set out in advance is very reassuring! The team at Sakamoto & Ruelas made the process to collect everything, connect to ask questions, and…

Anonymous

Attorney Sakamoto is very thorough and will meet your needs.

Anonymous

We had peace of mind that years after my husband passed a trust was created. Sophia was thorough and explained the process, communicating every detail. It was a pleasure to work with a lawyer that…

Maria L

All work was done excellently and on time.

Paul G.

Timely response to requests for assistance and no pressure. Knowledgeable answers that were easy to follow.

Anonymous

The initial consultation with Attorney Sakamoto via ZOOM was comprehensive, reviewing her presentation of types of trusts and wills. She addressed our concerns and issues with kind and thoughtful answers. The trust and related documentation…

David S.

Thanks to Sakamoto & Ruelas we have peace of mind. I will recommend them to my friends.

Raul M.

Despite the pandemic, your office was able to accommodate us with thorough services.

Anonymous

Our entire trust was done with ease, professionalism, and expedience. The end product is a well put-together portfolio that reflects knowledge, expertise, and value in profession.

Helen S.

Sophia Kim Sakamoto and her team were very professional, passionate, and caring to her clients. She made us feel very comfortable during this uncomfortable process! Also, she has made the payments to her very flexible…

Alfred M.

Sakamoto & Ruelas made a daunting task much easier and I feel such a sense of relief. I appreciate their professionalism and quick turnaround in helping me with this legal matter.

Janet W.

Top notch professionals delivering top notch service.

Mike T.

It was a pleasure working with Sophia Sakamoto to prepare our estate planning documents. Preparing an estate planning portfolio is a delicate and complicated matter that requires much forethought and reflection to make sure we…

Robert G.

This very important task of planning for our future was daunting, but you relieved us of our fears and exceeded our expectations. Thanks to the extremely professional team of Sakamoto & Ruelas.

Basil D.

We appreciated the professionalism of Sophia and her team and their help to get our trust completed and executed despite Covid-19 complications and restrictions.

Anonymous

After having a horrible experience with an attorney who had no idea what they were doing it was so reassuring to work with a professional.

Sara R.

I had a terrific experience working with Sophia. She is so compassionate, professional, experienced, and was very patient answering questions…I would highly recommend Ms. Sophia’s services to anyone who would like to have their living…

Anonymous

Working with Sophia was easy and the peace of mind we have knowing our children will be taken care of is invaluable.

Kevin L.

We are better prepared for our care and in leaving a well-planned estate for our loved ones. This preparation enables us to live our lives carefree, knowing we are prepared.

Anonymous

We had worked to do our estate planning for years but we kept procrastinating fearing having to deal with all the legal process, but Attorney Stephanie Ruelas made the process very simple and easy to…

Gabriela C.

Easy explanations, friendly, polite, peace of mind; the children are provided for.

Terica F.

The process was straightforward and simple. Sophia made everything very easy to understand. Felt very comfortable creating our trust and will with her.

Linda T.

I had no idea what direction to take after seeing my parents’ trust in 2019. I felt I had to do a trust, but who would I trust and feel confident in working with? I…

Jill N.

From start to end, Sophia was a consummate professional and an expert in her field. She also impressed us with her personal touch and caring attitude. She immediately earned our trust and we are happy…

Alicia A.

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