OC Wills & Trust Attorneys

OC Wills & Trust Attorneys Professional legal estate planning services including Living Trusts, Wills, Power of Attorneys, Health Care Directives, and Long Term Care.

Estate Planning - Elder Law - Asset Protection - Veterans Benefits

We help families make sure their loved ones and assets are protected in case something tragic happens by preparing living trusts, wills, power of attorneys, healthcare directives and special needs trusts

06/18/2026

What Happens With Life Insurance?

A life insurance mistake shows how beneficiary choices can change where funds go after death and create unexpected legal outcomes. Brian Chew explains that when a spouse is named and then passes shortly after the policy holder, the payout can shift into the estate process, leading to probate delays, higher costs, and a longer wait for heirs to receive funds that could have been directed through a trust.

Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

06/18/2026

Do Beneficiaries Override Wills?

Beneficiary designations control where money goes from accounts like bank accounts even if a will or trust says something different. Brian Chew explains that financial institutions follow the named beneficiary first and that person can claim the funds by proving identity and death of the account holder. The instructions given directly to the bank determine who receives the assets.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

06/17/2026

What If Beneficiary Dies First

A life insurance beneficiary designation can control where funds go even in unexpected timing situations when deaths occur close together. Brian Chew explains that if the named beneficiary passes shortly after the policyholder the payout may shift to the beneficiary estate which can force probate and delay distribution. Properly naming a trust can help ensure funds move directly according to instructions and reduce court involvement.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

A beneficiary form can override even the most carefully written estate plan. Brian Chew explains why small details today...
06/17/2026

A beneficiary form can override even the most carefully written estate plan. Brian Chew explains why small details today can create major problems tomorrow.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

Many estate planning mistakes happen because beneficiary forms are never updated. Brian Chew encourages regular reviews ...
06/16/2026

Many estate planning mistakes happen because beneficiary forms are never updated. Brian Chew encourages regular reviews to keep plans on track.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

06/16/2026

What Is a Beneficiary Designation?

A beneficiary designation determines who will receive funds from a financial account after the account owner passes away. Brian Chew explains that many accounts, including checking, savings, investments, retirement plans, and life insurance policies, allow beneficiaries to be named, with some people choosing a trust as the recipient.

Click the bio link to watch the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

06/15/2026

What Happens When a Probate Case Is Contested?

Brian Chew explains why contested probate cases can arise, especially when heirs feel promises weren’t honored or allege lack of capacity or undue influence. He emphasizes that unequal treatment of children or heirs increases the likelihood of legal challenges, and while strategies can reduce disputes, there’s no way to fully prevent someone from contesting a case once it reaches court.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

06/15/2026

How Long Does Probate Take And What Can Executors Do?

Brian Chew explains that probate usually takes one to two years to fully resolve. Once an executor is approved, they gain control of the assets and can handle bills, property maintenance, and essential expenses, but cannot fully distribute the inheritance. Proper estate planning and trust funding help avoid these delays and give families faster access to their assets.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

06/14/2026

Which Planning Strategies Truly Avoid Probate?

Brian Chew explains that the most impactful strategy for avoiding probate is creating a revocable living trust and properly funding it with your assets. Proper funding ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, with the right people in charge, while providing peace of mind and protecting minor children. For clients with homes or other significant assets, a funded trust is often the most effective tool to bypass probate.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

06/14/2026

Which Estate Planning Strategies Make The Biggest Difference?

Brian Chew explains that the most effective strategy to avoid probate is creating a revocable living trust and properly funding it with assets. This approach ensures that the right people are in charge, assets are distributed according to your wishes, and families, especially those with homes or minor children, can avoid the delays and costs of probate.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/brianchew

Address

15635 Alton Parkway, Ste 125
Irvine, CA
92618

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

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