Estate Planning and Living Trusts for Simi Valley Residents
Carmen B. Marquez has practiced since 2001. CBM Estate & Trust Law was founded in 2012. This is the firm's office page for Simi Valley families. It is general information, not legal advice.
La abogada Carmen B. Marquez habla español.
Office: 2655 First Street, Suite 110, Simi Valley, CA 93065, (805) 915-4793.
How CBM serves Simi Valley clients
The office is in Simi Valley, so a meeting can be in the suite, by video, or by phone. The first conversation is a complimentary 60-minute consultation. Call (805) 915-4793 or contact the firm to book it.
In Ventura County, probate, trust, conservatorship, and guardianship matters are filed and heard at the Superior Court's Juvenile and Probate Courthouse, 4353 E. Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard. A court petition about a living trust is generally filed in the county where the trust is administered (California Probate Code section 17005). Most trust administration happens without court. We do not handle probate matters.
Living trusts for Simi Valley homeowners
A revocable living trust can hold a Simi Valley house only when the deed names the trustee. A properly funded trust may help avoid probate for assets titled in the trust. The signature on the trust does not transfer the house. The deed does. Compare the documents in Living Trust vs Will in California, then read How to fund a California living trust. The service overview is Living trusts.
Proposition 19 changed the parent-child rules for a home's property tax base. Whether a Simi Valley homeowner should revisit an older trust depends on the deed, the trust, and who is meant to keep the house. This page does not say that an update is required. The longer explanation is the Prop 19 parent-child exclusion guide.
Trust administration when a Simi Valley parent passes
The person named to step in is the successor trustee. The work is to follow the trust: notice, an inventory of what the trust owns, debts and taxes, and distribution when the document allows it. Most trust administration happens without court. We do not handle probate matters. The service page is trust administration.
Wills, powers of attorney, health care directives
Many Simi Valley plans use more than one document. A will can name an executor and a guardian for minor children. A pour-over will can catch assets left outside the trust. A durable power of attorney and an advance health care directive cover decisions if you cannot act during life. Those pieces are described on the wills page. Deeds and account titles are covered on trust funding.
Local questions
Where is your Simi Valley office?
2655 First Street, Suite 110, Simi Valley, CA 93065.
Do you offer evening or video consultations?
Video and phone consultations are available. Office meetings are at the Simi Valley address above. Ask which times are open when you call (805) 915-4793 to book. This page does not promise an evening appointment.
Do Simi Valley homeowners need to update their trust after Prop 19?
Proposition 19 changed how a transfer of a parent's home to a child can be taxed. Whether your trust should change depends on the deed, the trust terms, and your plans for the house. This page does not say that every Simi Valley trust must be rewritten. Read the Prop 19 guide and bring the documents to a consultation.
Does a living trust help my family avoid probate in Ventura County?
A properly funded trust may help avoid probate for assets titled in the trust. Assets left outside the trust may still need a court process. We do not handle probate matters.
Do you accept ARAG or MetLife legal plans?
CBM also accepts ARAG legal plan members. CBM Estate & Trust Law accepts MetLife Legal Plans for most estate planning services, including coverage for a spouse and dependents where the plan includes it (specific coverage depends on your employer's plan; Private Clients can add uncovered services). MetLife members can also upgrade to CBM's Private Client package at a reduced rate if they want services beyond what's covered. Mention MetLife when booking.
About Carmen B. Marquez
Carmen B. Marquez has practiced since 2001. The firm was founded in 2012. She meets Simi Valley clients at the First Street office and by video or phone. La abogada Carmen B. Marquez habla español.
Book your complimentary 60-minute consultation: (805) 915-4793
Call (805) 915-4793 or use the contact page.