Areas of Practice

A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer ownership of your assets—such as your home, bank accounts, or investments—into a separate entity managed by a trustee. The trustee holds and manages these assets according to your instructions, for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries. Trusts are commonly used in estate planning to avoid probate, maintain privacy, and ensure your assets are distributed smoothly and according to your wishes.

A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. It allows you to name beneficiaries, appoint an executor to carry out your wishes, and designate guardians for minor children. While a will provides clear instructions, it does not avoid probate—a court process that can be time-consuming and costly. However, having a will ensures your intentions are known and legally recognized.

Powers of Attorney are legal documents that allow you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. There are two main types: a financial Power of Attorney, which lets your agent manage your finances, and a healthcare Power of Attorney, which allows them to make medical decisions for you. These documents are essential for ensuring your affairs are handled according to your wishes if you’re ever incapacitated.

A healthcare directive, also known as an advance healthcare directive or living will, is a legal document that outlines your medical wishes in the event you are unable to communicate them yourself. It allows you to specify the types of medical care you do or do not want and to appoint a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. This ensures your values and preferences are respected and helps guide your loved ones and doctors during difficult times.

A Certification of Trust is a summary document that proves the existence of your trust without revealing its full contents. It provides essential information—such as the name of the trust, the trustee, and the powers granted—so that financial institutions and others can verify and work with the trust. This helps maintain your privacy while allowing you to manage trust assets efficiently.

At Hays Law Group, we handle the entire process of transferring your home into your trust. We prepare a new deed that reflects your trust as the property owner and take care of filing it with the appropriate county recorder’s office. This ensures your home is properly titled in the name of your trust, helping you avoid probate and complete your estate plan with confidence and peace of mind.