Irrevocable Trusts in California Estate Planning
Understanding Irrevocable Trusts
An irrevocable trust is different from the revocable living trust most families know. Once created, you can’t easily change it — but that permanence is what gives it power. It moves assets out of your personal estate, reducing taxes and adding legal protections.
Common Types of Irrevocable Trusts
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)
Keeps insurance proceeds out of taxable estates.
Charitable Trusts
Provide lifetime income while benefiting a charity later.
Special Needs Trusts
Protect benefits for loved ones with disabilities.
Asset Protection Benefits
Because you no longer control the assets, they’re legally separate from you. This means creditors, lawsuits, and even some nursing home costs cannot easily reach them. These strategies must be put in place long before a claim arises.
Tax Benefits & Considerations
Irrevocable trusts can remove millions from your taxable estate. They also provide control over how heirs receive money, such as staggered distributions instead of lump sums. However, you must be comfortable with giving up direct ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an irrevocable trust be changed?
Generally no, though courts or special provisions may allow limited changes.
Why give up control of assets?
Because the trade-off is powerful: tax savings, lawsuit protection, and long-term security for your heirs.
Do irrevocable trusts help with Medi-Cal?
Yes. Transferring assets early into a trust may protect them while still allowing Medi-Cal eligibility later.
Secure Your Assets & Legacy
Irrevocable trusts require precision, but the payoff can be huge for your family.
