Cop Logs

WHY YOU NEED A REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST

by Joan Grimes, Esq.

Over the years, I have written a lot of articles for the Brentwood Press. My goal in writing these articles has been to cover more estate planning issues. However, I realize some of you may be new to my articles. I often meet with clients who admit they were too embarrassed to ask: “What is a revocable living trust and why do I need one?” And my favorite question is: “Why did my parents not have a trust?” These are excellent questions!

First, your parents may not have had a trust, but rather had a simple will. Several decades ago, this was fine. After their passing, their will was probated and the assets were distributed to their beneficiaries. However, today the process of probating a will in court has become extremely time consuming and expensive.

Second, what is a Revocable Living Trust (RLT)? A RLT is a legal instrument that serves two important purposes: 1) the RLT controls how your assets are used and managed if you experience a period of incapacity prior to death; and 2) the RLT indicates how your assets will be distributed following your death without court supervision.

RLTs are called “living” because they are created and funded (i.e. your assets are transferred to your trust) while you are alive. RLTs are “revocable” because you may amend or revoke it at any time prior to your incapacity or death. Your RLT can be amended at any time to update the terms. You should review the terms of your trust regularly and should consider amending the terms following a divorce, marriage, death of a beneficiary or a significant change in your financial situation.

After funding your trust, you still have complete control and ownership over your trust assets. You can sell, gift or encumber all trust property. Assets in a RLT are treated the same as direct ownership of property for income tax purposes. There are no additional taxes, tax returns or any necessity for separate taxpayer identification.

Today, seniors are living longer than ever before. With medical advances, doctors are able to keep our bodies alive longer. Sadly, seniors sometimes “outlive” their minds. If you experience a period of incapacity, your RLT will indicate how your assets are to be managed during this time without court supervision. Your RLT will also indicate how you wish to be cared for.

While the RLT is the foundation to a good estate plan, you also need several other critical documents including: power of attorney, advance health care directive, and HIPAA authorization.

I see people Monday - Friday for a FREE 30 minute consultation in Walnut Creek and Brentwood.

This article provides only general legal information, and not specific legal advice. Information contained is not a substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney. LAW OFFICE OF JOAN M. GRIMES, PHONE 925939-1680, 191 SAND CREEK ROAD, SUITE 220, BRENTWOOD, CA 94513 © 2020 Joan Grimes – Advertisement

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CEMERGENCY SERVICES DISPATCH LOGS

op logs

A person called from their home on Pear Tree Court to report finding fresh blood in front of their garage. They said they did not know where it came from, but had seen a vehicle in the area at 3:50 a.m.

Brentwood – Dec. 18, 5:06 a.m.

The following is a selection of recent law enforcement activity.

BRENTWOOD

Dec. 17, 5:29 a.m. A person opening a business on Brentwood Boulevard called to report the lock on the door had been drilled out. They were unsure if anything had been taken but planned to do an inventory. Dec. 17, 9:53 a.m. A fight amongst family members was reported on Prominent Drive. Dec. 17, 10:07 a.m. A business on Sand Creek Road called to report an adult male subject took a pair of shoes and ran out of the store. Dec. 17, 11:23 a.m. A student found a wallet on Crawford Drive and brought it to the Brentwood Police Department. Dec. 17, 3:39 p.m. An employee from a business on Sand Creek Road called authorities to report a person who had taken merchandise on two previous occasions had come back into the store. Dec. 17, 5:46 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Lone Tree Way. Dec. 17, 9:01 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Sand Creek Road. Dec. 18, 5:06 a.m. A person called from their home on Pear Tree Court to report finding fresh blood in front of their garage. They said they did not know where it came from, but had seen a vehicle in the area at 3:50 a.m.

ANTIOCH

Dec. 20, 12:37 a.m. A warrant arrest was made on St. Frances Drive. Dec. 20, 2:23 a.m. Authorities received a report of a female with a gun on Manzanita Way. Dec. 20, 5:21 a.m. A traffic accident with injuries was reported on Delta Fair Boulevard. Dec. 20, 8:59 a.m. A stolen vehicle was reported on Cavallo Road. Dec. 20, 9:55 a.m. Petty theft from a vehicle was reported on Belle Drive. Dec. 20, 10:32 a.m. Vehicle theft was reported on Vista Grande Drive. Dec. 20, 11:28 a.m. A warrant arrest was made on West 18th Street. Dec. 20, 12:09 p.m. Property was found on L Street. Dec. 20, 2:23 p.m. A hit-and-run with no injuries was reported on Sycamore Drive. Dec. 20, 3:10 p.m. A residential burglary was reported on Cook Street. Dec. 20, 3:58 p.m. An abandoned vehicle was reported on Somersville Road. Dec. 20, 4:39 p.m. An armed robbery was reported on Lone Tree Way. Dec. 20, 5:11 p.m. An accident with no injuries was reported on Galenez Way. Dec. 20, 9:44 p.m. Authorities received a report of shots fired at a residence on Braemar Street. Dec. 20, 10:53 p.m. An complaint of an intruder was made on East 16th Street. Dec. 21, 8:27 a.m. Authorities received a report of shots fired on Horseshoe Circle. Dec. 21, 8:46 a.m. Vehicle theft was reported on Willow Avenue. Dec. 21, 10:14 a.m. A health and safety violation was reported on West 13th Street. Dec. 21, 11:04 a.m. A security check was made on Grimsby Drive. Dec. 21, 11:38 a.m. A complaint of an intruder was made on Cambry Road. Dec. 21, 12:43 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Gallier Loop. Dec. 21, 12:46 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Sunset Lane. Dec. 21, 4:50 p.m. Simple assault was reported on Hillcrest Drive. Dec. 21, 5:29 p.m. Grand theft auto was reported on Delta Fair Boulevard. Dec. 21, 7:44 p.m. A missing person was reported on Monterey Drive. Dec. 21, 9:50 p.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported on Lipton Street. Dec. 21, 10:41 p.m. A traffic stop was made on West 10th Street.

OAKLEY

Dec. 12, 1:43 a.m. A California vehicle code moving violation was reported on Empire Avenue. Dec. 12, 1:43 a.m. A warrant arrest was made on the 200 block of West Acme Street. Dec. 12, 2:33 a.m. A service to a citizen was performed at Big Break Marina. Dec. 12, 3:35 a.m. Reckless driving was reported at the intersection of Laurel and Neroly roads. Dec. 12, 6:12 a.m. A patrol request was made at Creekside Park. Dec. 12, 7:23 a.m. Suspicious circumstances were reported at an unavailable location. Dec. 12, 7:25 a.m. A California vehicle code moving violation was reported at the intersection of Main Street and Bridgehead Road. Dec. 12, 7:49 a.m. A property accident was reported on the 3000 block of Frandoras Circle. Dec. 12, 7:53 a.m. An abandoned vehicle was reported on the 700 block of Solitude Drive. Dec. 12, 8:52 a.m. A strongarm robbery was reported on the 4500 block of Main Street. Dec. 12, 12:15 p.m. Lost property was reported on Carol Lane. Dec. 12, 4:18 p.m. A patrol request was made at Gehringer Elementary School. Dec. 12, 4:34 p.m. A 911 hang-up call originated from the 1100 block of Donatello Way. Dec. 12, 6:16 p.m. A security check was made at Creekside Park. Dec. 12, 6:52 p.m. A domestic disturbance was reported on the 400 block of Beaulieu Lane. Dec. 12, 6:53 p.m. A public nuisance was reported at the intersection of Hemlock Drive and Callia Court. Dec. 12, 9:56 p.m. A traffic stop was made at the intersection of Live Oak Avenue and Main Street.