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Complete Guide to Pour Over Wills in Pleasant Hill
A pour over will is an important element of many estate plans in Pleasant Hill, California, acting as a safety net to ensure assets not transferred into a trust during life are ultimately moved into that trust after death. This document helps keep your estate plan unified by directing property into your living trust so that distribution follows your broader instructions. For many residents, the pour over will reduces uncertainty about what happens to newly acquired items or belongings that were inadvertently left out of trust funding. Understanding how this document works with a living trust can provide families greater clarity and reduce administrative burdens for those who handle the estate.
Planning for the future in Pleasant Hill often includes coordinating wills and trusts to avoid unintended gaps in asset transfer. A pour over will complements a living trust by capturing assets that were not formally retitled or assigned before death, creating a single path for property distribution according to the trust terms. This arrangement can simplify estate settlement for loved ones and help preserve your intentions for distribution. Knowing the role a pour over will plays in a complete plan will help you make confident decisions about document updates, asset inventories, and regular reviews to keep your plan aligned with life changes and California law.
Why Pour Over Wills Matter for Your Estate Plan
Pour over wills serve as a practical protective measure within a comprehensive estate plan by ensuring assets not already placed in a living trust are captured and transferred into that trust at death. This reduces the risk of assets being distributed outside your intended plan and can limit the scope of probate for your family. The pour over mechanism supports consistency across documents and helps maintain the privacy and direction established in your trust. For those who acquire property later in life or who manage multiple accounts, a pour over will provides a fallback that preserves the overall structure of estate distribution and can ease the administrative duties for heirs.
About LA Estate Plans and Services in Pleasant Hill
LA Estate Plans assists Pleasant Hill residents with wills, trusts, and probate matters, providing clear guidance to shape reliable estate plans. The firm focuses on creating documents that reflect client intentions while aligning with California requirements, including pour over wills paired with living trusts. Clients receive practical explanations of their options and assistance in organizing asset lists and coordinating beneficiaries. The team works to make the process straightforward, helping households understand the benefits of integrated planning and what to expect during estate administration. Contact information and local availability are provided to support timely consultations and document preparation tailored to individual circumstances.
Understanding How Pour Over Wills Work
A pour over will is a testamentary instrument designed to transfer assets into a living trust if those assets were not already retitled or assigned prior to death. When properly drafted, it names the trust as the beneficiary of any residual property and directs that such property be distributed according to the trust’s terms. In practice, the will remains subject to probate procedures for affected assets, but it centralizes administration by funneling discoveries into the trust structure. For many individuals in Pleasant Hill, this arrangement preserves the continuity of their estate plan and reduces the possibility of inconsistent distributions that could undermine intended outcomes.
Because the pour over will functions as a fallback, it is most effective when paired with a living trust that has clear distribution instructions. Assets commonly captured include newly acquired property, personal items, and accounts that were not formally funded into the trust. The pour over will is carefully coordinated with other estate documents so that ownership and beneficiary designations align with the overall plan. Regular reviews of property titles and account beneficiaries help maintain the intended coverage, and understanding the interplay between the will and trust can prevent surprises for loved ones during administration.
What a Pour Over Will Is and How It Operates
A pour over will is a legal document that names a living trust as the recipient of any assets remaining outside that trust at the time of death. Its primary role is to direct leftover assets to the trust so they are distributed under the trust’s terms rather than by separate provisions or intestate rules. The will does not replace proper trust funding during life, but it ensures that anything overlooked will ultimately be governed by the trust. In California, the pour over will must meet formal signing and witnessing requirements to be effective, and it is often used alongside other documents to create a comprehensive plan.
Key Components and the Typical Administration Process
Key elements of a pour over will include a declaration of intent, identification of the trust as beneficiary, and directions for the handling of residual assets. When someone passes away with a pour over will, assets covered by the will may be subject to probate to validate the document and allow transfer into the trust. Once validated, the assets are moved into the living trust and administered according to its terms. Proper drafting ensures the will coordinates with trust provisions and beneficiary designations. Careful attention to funding, titling, and periodic reviews helps reduce the probate workload and supports consistent estate administration.
Glossary: Terms to Know About Pour Over Wills
Familiarity with common estate planning terms can make decisions about pour over wills and living trusts easier to navigate. The following definitions explain frequently used phrases and procedures related to estate administration and trust funding. Understanding these concepts helps residents of Pleasant Hill determine how documents fit together and what to review when updating plans. Clear terminology also assists those handling an estate during a difficult time, reducing confusion about what each document accomplishes and how assets move from an estate into a trust once the proper legal steps have been taken.
Pour Over Will
A pour over will is a testamentary instrument that directs assets not previously transferred into a living trust to be added to that trust after the testator’s death. The document names the trust as a beneficiary for residual property and ensures the trust terms govern final distribution. While it functions as a safety net, the will typically requires probate for affected assets so the court can validate the transfer. Regular attention to asset titling and beneficiary designations reduces reliance on this mechanism, but the pour over will remains an important component in preserving unified estate administration when gaps occur.
Probate
Probate is the court-supervised process that confirms the validity of a will, determines assets, and oversees their distribution under legal rules when a person dies. Assets covered by a pour over will often pass through probate so they can be transferred into a living trust as directed. Probate can involve document filings, creditor notifications, and court approvals, and its length and cost vary depending on estate complexity. Effective planning, including trust funding and clear documentation, can limit the probate estate and simplify transfer procedures for surviving family members and fiduciaries handling administration.
Living Trust
A living trust is an arrangement where property is held and managed for the benefit of named beneficiaries during and after the creator’s lifetime. It provides a framework for distributing assets according to the creator’s instructions and can reduce the need for probate for assets properly funded into the trust. The trust document sets out management terms, successor trustees, and distribution plans. To achieve the intended benefits, assets should be retitled in the trust’s name or otherwise designated to the trust, with the pour over will acting as a backup for items that remain outside the trust at death.
Testator
The testator is the individual who creates a will and sets forth instructions for how property should be distributed after death. In the context of a pour over will and trust-based plan, the testator’s decisions determine which assets are intended for the trust and how residual property should be handled. The testator must execute the will according to California formalities, including proper signing and witnessing, for it to be effective. Clear documentation from the testator helps executors, trustees, and beneficiaries understand the plan and follow the desired process for distribution and trust administration.
Comparing Wills, Trusts, and Integrated Plans
There are several approaches to estate planning, and understanding their differences helps determine whether a pour over will and living trust combination fits your needs. A standalone will directs asset distribution but may leave property subject to probate and public administration, while a living trust can avoid probate for funded assets and provide private administration. Combining a trust with a pour over will offers the advantage of centralized management while providing a safety net for assets not retitled during life. Evaluating the complexity of your holdings, privacy concerns, and wishes for successor management will guide the choice of documents that best align with your goals.
When a Simple Will May Be Appropriate:
Small Estates and Simple Asset Profiles
For individuals whose estates consist of a limited number of straightforward assets, a basic will may provide adequate direction for distribution without the need for a trust or pour over will. When holdings are easily transferable and beneficiaries are clearly identified, the administrative work after death may be minimal. In such cases, parties often prefer the simplicity of a will and fewer ongoing management steps. Still, it is important to review the potential for future asset changes and to confirm whether a basic will will meet family needs and minimize unnecessary probate expense or delay under California procedures.
Low Probate Concerns or Minor Estates
When probate costs and timelines are unlikely to have a significant impact because an estate is modest or consists mainly of nonprobate transfers, a simple will can still serve as an effective planning device. Estates with few creditors, straightforward beneficiary designations, and minimal real property typically require less complexity in document structure. Even in these situations, keeping beneficiary forms up to date and confirming account designations helps avoid unintended outcomes. Periodic review ensures the will continues to reflect current intentions and accounts for life events that might alter the most appropriate planning choice.
Why an Integrated Trust and Pour Over Will Plan May Be Advisable:
Protecting Newly Acquired or Overlooked Assets
A comprehensive approach that includes a living trust and a pour over will helps ensure assets acquired after trust creation are still captured by the overall plan when titles and account designations are not immediately updated. Life often brings purchases, inheritances, or property transfers that are not promptly added to a trust. The pour over will functions as a backstop so that these items will be moved into the trust at death and distributed according to the trust’s terms. This helps avoid fragmentation of the estate and reduces the risk that important assets will be distributed outside your intended plan.
Reducing Administrative Burden for Heirs and Fiduciaries
When estate plans are coordinated and assets are largely held in a trust, the responsibilities of heirs and fiduciaries can be substantially reduced because administration is handled under the trust’s terms rather than through extended probate. A pour over will minimizes surprises by funneling overlooked assets into the trust, which often leads to lower administrative effort and clearer instructions for distribution. This unified approach benefits families during a difficult time by streamlining processes, reducing potential disputes, and providing a single framework for handling the decedent’s property and wishes.
Advantages of Combining a Pour Over Will with a Living Trust
Combining a pour over will with a living trust offers several practical advantages, including more consistent distribution of assets, privacy for beneficiaries, and a reduction in the complexity of estate settlement for items already funded into the trust. The pour over will ensures any items left outside the trust during life are still directed into it at death, supporting a unified plan. This reduces uncertainty for family members and helps preserve the intent set out in trust documents. A coordinated plan also facilitates more efficient asset management during incapacity and after death, improving continuity of care and transfer.
A comprehensive plan also promotes careful recordkeeping and review of titles, accounts, and beneficiary designations so that assets intended for the trust are consistently treated. This attention to detail lessens the likelihood of disputes and streamlines the administration process. For households with mixed asset types or multiple accounts, the combined approach helps preserve instructions for distribution while offering a path to address oversights. Regular check-ins and updates to documents maintain alignment between intentions and actual holdings, supporting smoother transitions for loved ones when the time comes.
Complete Asset Coverage
Complete asset coverage means ensuring that every item intended to be governed by your trust ultimately ends up there, even if it was not retitled during life. A pour over will captures overlooked property and directs it to the trust, reducing the possibility that assets are distributed outside your established plan. This approach aligns personal property, financial accounts, and newly acquired items with your overall distribution scheme. Maintaining careful records and periodically reviewing intake procedures for new assets makes the pour over mechanism more effective and helps families feel confident that the trust’s terms will be followed.
Streamlined Administration for Beneficiaries
Streamlined administration results from consolidating assets under a trust so that fewer matters require separate probate proceedings. When assets pass into the trust through a pour over will, they can be handled within the trust framework, which often simplifies distribution tasks and reduces the number of court filings. This can save time and reduce the administrative burden on trustees and family members, allowing them to focus on carrying out the decedent’s intentions rather than navigating multiple, disjointed legal processes. Clear documentation and communication with successors further smooth the transition.
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Practical Tips for Pour Over Will Planning
Review Your Estate Plan Regularly
Regular review of your pour over will and related trust documents helps ensure that new assets, life events, and changes in family circumstances are reflected in your plan. Periodic checks reduce the risk of unintended omissions and provide an opportunity to update beneficiary designations and account titles. Planning reviews are especially important after marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, significant financial transactions, or relocation. By maintaining current records and confirming coordination between the will and trust, you can keep the intended coverage up to date and provide clarity for those who will administer your affairs in the future.
Coordinate Your Will and Trust Carefully
Keep an Updated Asset Inventory
Maintaining a current inventory of assets, including bank accounts, investment holdings, real property, and personal items, helps identify what has been funded into a trust and what remains vulnerable to oversight. An updated list makes it easier to determine whether a pour over will is likely to be needed and lets you take steps to fund key assets into the trust during life. Clear records also assist successors and fiduciaries in locating accounts and ensuring smooth transfers. Regularly documenting changes to holdings minimizes surprises and strengthens the overall reliability of your estate plan.
Reasons to Choose a Pour Over Will for Your Estate Plan
A pour over will offers a dependable method to ensure assets are ultimately governed by your living trust when they are not retitled during life. This approach provides continuity of distribution, preserving the intentions you set out in trust documents and reducing the risk of property being administered under different terms. For many families, the safety net of a pour over will reduces administrative stress and helps avoid unexpected probate for assets that might otherwise be overlooked. It is particularly valuable when estate holdings change over time or when multiple accounts are involved.
Another reason to consider a pour over will is the protection it provides to heirs by helping centralize the process of asset transfer and distribution. By directing residual property into the trust, the pour over will supports a more efficient transfer system and offers clearer instructions for fiduciaries. This can help minimize family disputes and provide a predictable path for property distribution. Regular coordination of account designations and document reviews enhances these benefits and makes it easier to maintain a consistent plan that aligns with your personal and financial objectives.
Common Situations Where a Pour Over Will Is Helpful
There are several common scenarios where a pour over will serves an important role, such as when new assets are acquired after the trust is created, when items are unintentionally left out of trust funding, or when account designations change over time. The pour over will functions as a safety net that captures these items and directs them to the trust for distribution. This reduces the chance that property will be governed by default rules or separate probate proceedings, and it supports a more consistent administration experience for family members who are responsible for settling the estate.
Acquiring New Assets After Trust Creation
When you acquire property after establishing a living trust, there is a risk those assets will remain outside the trust unless they are retitled or designated properly. A pour over will captures newly acquired assets and directs them to the trust at death, ensuring they are administered according to the trust terms. This is particularly useful for purchases made later in life or unexpected inheritances. Routine reviews of newly acquired items and timely retitling where appropriate help limit reliance on the pour over mechanism, but the will remains a helpful fallback for unanticipated holdings.
Unintentional Omissions from a Trust
Sometimes assets intended for a trust are unintentionally left out due to oversight or delays in retitling accounts. A pour over will reduces the negative impact of these omissions by ensuring such assets are transferred to the trust after death. This helps preserve the overall plan and avoids separate distributions that could conflict with the trust’s directions. Regular document reviews and an organized approach to trust funding minimize the chance of omission, but having a pour over will provides reassurance that oversight will not cause assets to be distributed outside your intended plan.
Simplifying Probate for Heirs
By funneling residual assets into a living trust, a pour over will can help simplify the probate process for heirs, limiting the number of separate matters that must be administered through the court. Although assets covered by the pour over will typically require probate validation, once transferred they become part of the trust and are handled within its framework. This consolidation can lead to more efficient distribution and less administrative friction for family members at a difficult time, reducing the number of parallel proceedings and clarifying the path for asset transfer.
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Why Choose LA Estate Plans for Pour Over Wills in Pleasant Hill
Clients choose LA Estate Plans for practical, local guidance in creating pour over wills and matching trust documents that comply with California law. The firm emphasizes clear explanations of options and careful coordination between wills and trusts to reduce the likelihood of gaps in asset transfer. Assistance includes reviewing existing documents, preparing drafts, and advising on account titling and beneficiary designations so the plan functions as intended across changing circumstances. This approach helps individuals and families achieve more predictable outcomes for their estate plans.
The practice focuses on helping clients understand the steps involved in pour over will preparation and the complementary role of living trusts. Attention is given to documentation, signing formalities, and procedures that protect the integrity of the plan. Clients are guided through reviews and updates to keep documents aligned with life events, property changes, and beneficiary needs. The goal is to create a plan that minimizes unnecessary administration and delivers clear instructions for successors when the time comes to manage the estate.
Support from LA Estate Plans includes practical recommendations for storing documents, maintaining an asset inventory, and scheduling periodic checkups so the pour over will and trust remain current. Clear communication about what to expect during probate for affected assets and how transfers into the trust occur helps families prepare for transitions. The firm provides local availability in Pleasant Hill for consultations and document finalization, making it easier to keep plans up to date and consistent with California legal requirements.
Contact LA Estate Plans to Discuss Your Pour Over Will
Our Pour Over Will Process in Pleasant Hill
The process begins with an initial information-gathering meeting to understand your family, assets, and planning goals. We review existing wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations to identify any gaps and determine which assets need attention. Based on this review, a draft pour over will is prepared that names your trust as the recipient of residual assets and coordinates with other documents in your plan. After client review and revisions, the will is executed following California formalities, and guidance is provided on document storage and future updates to preserve the plan’s effectiveness.
Initial Consultation and Document Review
During the initial phase we gather detailed information about your assets, family relationships, and planning objectives. This includes taking an inventory of financial accounts, real property, and personal belongings to determine what has been funded into a trust and what remains outside it. We also review any existing wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations to identify inconsistencies or omissions. This step forms the basis for drafting a pour over will that integrates with your living trust and aligns with your overall estate administration strategy.
Initial Consultation
The initial consultation focuses on understanding your priorities, family dynamics, and the types of assets you hold. We discuss the role of a pour over will alongside a living trust and explore potential gaps that might leave assets outside the trust. Clear communication during this meeting helps identify immediate actions, such as retitling accounts or updating beneficiaries, and sets expectations for the drafting and execution timeline. The goal is to create a personalized plan that addresses your needs and provides a roadmap for the next steps.
Review of Existing Documents
A careful review of any current wills, trusts, deeds, and account beneficiary forms identifies potential conflicts or items that require attention. This review helps us advise on what should be retitled or updated to reduce reliance on probate and make the pour over will more effective. Noting inconsistencies early prevents later complications and ensures the pour over will complements the trust. We provide clear recommendations for document changes and for maintaining alignment across all estate planning materials.
Drafting, Review, and Compliance
After gathering information and reviewing existing papers, a customized pour over will is drafted to name the trust as the destination for any residual assets. The draft is prepared with attention to California legal formalities and client intentions, and it is reviewed with you to ensure clarity and accuracy. Revisions are made as needed to align with the trust and other documents. The goal during this stage is to produce a will that functions as intended and integrates seamlessly into the overall estate plan while complying with state requirements.
Drafting the Pour Over Will
Drafting includes preparing clear provisions that identify the trust as the beneficiary for residual assets and setting out any necessary personal directions. The document is written to coordinate with the trust’s terms and to reflect your distribution preferences. Care is taken to avoid ambiguous language and to ensure the will meets California’s formal signing and witness requirements. The draft is then provided for your review with explanations of each important clause and suggested edits to match your intentions precisely.
Legal Review and Compliance
A legal review verifies that the draft pour over will complies with California law and aligns with the trust document and other estate planning materials. This review addresses formalities such as signature, witnessing, and executable language so the document will stand up to probate validation when necessary. We also confirm that beneficiary designations and account titles do not conflict with your intended plan. Ensuring compliance reduces the risk of disputes and makes administration clearer for those responsible for settling the estate.
Execution, Storage, and Ongoing Updates
Once the will is finalized, it must be executed according to California requirements, including proper signing and witnessing, to be legally effective. After execution, guidance is provided for secure storage and for sharing necessary information with designated fiduciaries. Clients are encouraged to schedule regular reviews to keep documents current with life events or changes in assets. Ongoing maintenance helps ensure the pour over will continues to perform its intended role as a backup for assets not funded into the trust during life.
Signing and Witnessing the Will
The signing process follows California formalities, which typically include the presence of required witnesses and proper acknowledgment of signatures. These steps are necessary to create a valid testamentary document that a probate court can recognize. We provide direction during execution to ensure formalities are met and that the will’s language clearly identifies the trust as the beneficiary for any residual property. Proper execution helps prevent avoidable obstacles during later probate validation and transfer of assets into the trust.
Document Storage and Future Updates
After execution, secure storage of the pour over will and associated trust documents is important, along with clear instructions for successors about where to find them. Clients are advised to maintain an updated asset inventory and to review estate documents periodically, especially after major life events. Recommendations include safe physical storage, where appropriate notification to trustees or family members is provided, and a schedule for checking beneficiary designations and account titling. Regular updates ensure the documents remain aligned with changing circumstances.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pour Over Wills in Pleasant Hill
What is the main purpose of a pour over will?
The primary purpose of a pour over will is to ensure that any assets not previously transferred into a living trust during life are directed into that trust at death, helping preserve a unified distribution plan. It acts as a safety net for newly acquired items or property that were not retitled, ensuring they receive the same treatment as assets already in the trust. This reduces the chance of conflicting distributions and provides a clearer path for administration. By naming the trust as the recipient of residual property, the pour over will helps ensure consistency across estate documents and supports a cohesive approach to distribution. While assets covered by the pour over will often require probate validation before transfer, the ultimate goal is to consolidate transfers under the trust and simplify the long-term administration for beneficiaries.
How does a pour over will work with a living trust?
A pour over will works alongside a living trust by directing any assets not already included in the trust into it after death, so those items are administered under the trust’s terms. The will names the trust as the beneficiary for residual property and provides a mechanism to move overlooked items into the trust for distribution. This coordination helps preserve the integrity of the overall plan and aligns final distribution with the trust’s instructions. Although assets directed by the pour over will may need probate validation, once transferred they become part of the trust estate and are handled according to the trust agreement. This combined approach supports consistent distribution and reduces the likelihood of separate, conflicting proceedings for assets that were unintentionally left outside the trust.
Do I still need a pour over will if I have a trust?
Yes, even with a living trust it is generally advisable to have a pour over will as part of a comprehensive plan. The pour over will acts as a backup to capture assets that were not properly funded into the trust before death, including newly acquired property or items unintentionally omitted. This safeguard helps ensure that the trust’s directives ultimately apply to as much of the estate as possible. Without a pour over will, assets left outside the trust could be distributed under separate terms or through intestate succession rules, which might not reflect your intended plan. Including a pour over will helps maintain a single distribution framework and reduces the risk of unintended outcomes for heirs and fiduciaries.
What types of assets are covered by a pour over will?
A pour over will typically covers assets that were not transferred into a living trust prior to death, such as recently acquired real property, bank or investment accounts that were not retitled, personal belongings, or other items that remain titled in the decedent’s name. It is particularly useful for property acquired after trust creation or when account ownership was unintentionally left unchanged. The will directs these assets into the trust so they will be administered under the trust document. It is important to maintain an updated inventory and review account designations to reduce reliance on the pour over mechanism. Proper titling and beneficiary forms for financial accounts can minimize the number of assets needing probate and make administration smoother for successors.
Do assets under a pour over will go through probate?
Assets covered by a pour over will usually must go through probate because the will is the vehicle used to transfer those items into the trust after death. Probate allows the court to validate the will and permit the transfer of assets into the trust as directed. However, once the assets are transferred into the trust, they are administered under the trust’s terms and may avoid further probate for those items in future distributions. Effective trust funding during life reduces the number of assets that must pass through probate under a pour over will. Regular reviews and retitling of key accounts can decrease probate exposure and simplify the overall administration process for heirs and fiduciaries.
How often should I update my pour over will?
It is advisable to review your pour over will and related trust documents periodically, especially after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or major changes in assets. Regular reviews help ensure documents reflect current intentions and that account titles and beneficiary designations align with your plan. Keeping documentation current reduces the potential for assets to be left out of the trust unintentionally. A recommended practice is to schedule reviews whenever a substantial change occurs in your financial situation or family structure, and at regular intervals otherwise. This proactive approach helps preserve the intended coverage of your trust and reduces administrative complications for those who will manage your estate.
Can I amend my pour over will after it is created?
Yes, you can amend a pour over will if your circumstances or intentions change. Amendments can be made by creating a codicil, which is an amendment to the existing will, or by drafting a new will that replaces the previous one. Any changes must follow California formalities for wills to be valid, including proper signing and witnessing where required. When making changes, it is also important to review the living trust and related documents so that the entire plan remains coordinated. Clear documentation of updates and proper execution helps avoid confusion during probate and ensures assets are transferred according to your latest wishes.
What happens if I die without a pour over will or trust?
If you die without a pour over will or a living trust, your assets will be distributed according to California’s intestate succession laws, which determine heirs and property division when no valid will exists. This process may result in distributions that differ from your personal wishes and can involve court-supervised probate, which may be more time-consuming and public. Without a coordinated plan, families may face delays and potential disputes over property distribution. Having a pour over will and living trust provides clarity about your intended distributions, reduces the likelihood of intestate outcomes, and offers a more predictable process for handling assets and supporting heirs according to your preferences.
Can LA Estate Plans assist with pour over wills in Pleasant Hill?
Yes, LA Estate Plans assists Pleasant Hill residents with preparing pour over wills and coordinating them with living trusts to achieve cohesive estate plans. Services include initial consultations, document review, drafting of pour over wills, and guidance on retitling assets and updating beneficiary forms. The aim is to create clear documents that reflect client intentions and comply with California requirements. The firm also provides recommendations for secure storage of documents and regular reviews to keep plans current. Assistance is available for assembling asset inventories and explaining the probate implications of residual assets so clients can make informed decisions about their estate planning strategy.
Are pour over wills recognized in California?
Yes, pour over wills are recognized and enforceable under California law when they are properly executed in accordance with state requirements. They operate as part of a comprehensive estate plan by directing assets not previously transferred into a living trust to that trust at death. The will must meet formalities such as signing and witnessing to be valid for probate purposes. When drafted and executed correctly, a pour over will provides a reliable method for consolidating assets under a trust and helps ensure that distribution follows the trust’s terms. Coordination between the will and trust and periodic reviews help maintain effectiveness under California procedures.