You’ve probably heard the buzz about California’s trust laws for 2025, and maybe you’re wondering if that trust your neighbor keeps talking about is still worth it. Or perhaps you’re thinking, “Great! Now I don’t need to worry about estate planning at all.”

Hold on: let me share the real story with you.

What Actually Changed in 2025?

Here’s what’s new: Assembly Bill 2016 kicked in this year, and it raised California’s probate thresholds significantly. The old threshold was a measly $184,500 (which hadn’t been updated since the 1990s: can you believe that?). Now, you might not legally need a trust if:

• Your total estate is worth less than $934,500, OR
• Your primary home is worth less than $750,000

That’s a huge jump, right? The lawmakers finally recognized that what cost $184,500 in the ’90s costs way more today, especially here in California where a decent home can easily hit seven figures.

But Here’s the Thing: You Probably Still Want a Trust

Just because the law says you might not need one doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have one. Think of it like car insurance: you hope you’ll never need it, but you’re sure glad it’s there when life happens.

Let me tell you why trusts are still incredibly valuable for most California families, even with these new thresholds.

Your Privacy Matters More Than You Think

When you pass away with just a will, everything becomes public record. Your nosy neighbor, your estranged cousin, or anyone curious enough can walk into the courthouse and see exactly what you owned and who got what.

With a trust? Your family’s business stays private. Forever.

The “Multiple Beneficiaries” Problem

Here’s something most people don’t realize about the new simplified probate process: if you have multiple beneficiaries and real estate, all of them will be on the title to that property.

Imagine you have three kids and a family home. Under simplified probate, all three names go on that deed. What happens when one wants to sell and the others don’t? Or when one stops paying their share of property taxes? Or when one of them gets divorced and their spouse tries to claim a piece?

Trust me, you don’t want your kids dealing with that mess while they’re grieving.

When Life Throws You a Curveball

What if you become unable to manage your own affairs due to illness or injury? Without a trust, your loved ones might need to go to court to get a conservatorship just to pay your bills or manage your assets.

I’ve seen families spend $15,000-$30,000 and wait months for a court to give them permission to help their own parent or spouse. A trust allows someone you choose to step in immediately: no court, no delays, no drama.

You Definitely Still Need a Trust If…

Your Home is Worth More Than $750,000

Let’s be real: in most of California, $750,000 doesn’t buy you much. If your home is worth more than this threshold (and many California homes are), you’ll still face probate without proper planning.

You Have Minor Children

This is non-negotiable. If something happens to you and your spouse, who will manage the money for your kids? Without a trust, the court will appoint someone to manage those funds, and your children will get everything outright at 18.

Would you hand an 18-year-old a check for hundreds of thousands of dollars? A trust lets you control when and how your children receive their inheritance: maybe for college, maybe when they’re 25, maybe in installments. You decide.

You Have a Blended Family

If you and your spouse both have children from previous relationships, California’s intestacy laws might not distribute your assets the way you’d want. A trust ensures your wishes are followed, not the state’s default rules.

You Own Multiple Properties or Out-of-State Assets

Got a vacation home in Arizona? A rental property in Nevada? Without a trust, your family might face probate in multiple states. That means multiple lawyers, multiple court systems, and multiple headaches for your loved ones.

The Real Benefits Nobody Talks About

Flexibility for Life Changes

Life isn’t static. You might buy or sell property, start a business, get divorced, remarry, or have grandchildren. A properly structured trust grows and adapts with your life circumstances.

Professional Management

You can name a professional trustee or successor trustee who knows how to handle investments, manage rental properties, or deal with complex assets. Your spouse or children might not want or know how to handle these responsibilities.

Peace of Mind for Your Family

Here’s the heart of it: a trust isn’t really about you. It’s a gift to the people you love most. It’s saying, “I love you enough to make this as easy as possible for you when I’m gone.”

The Bottom Line

The 2025 law changes are good news: they mean fewer families will be forced into probate for smaller estates. But they don’t eliminate the many practical, financial, and emotional benefits of having a trust.

If you own a home in California, have minor children, value privacy, want to avoid potential family conflicts, or simply want to make things easier for your loved ones, a trust is still probably right for you.

The question isn’t really whether you need a trust under the new laws: it’s whether you want the benefits a trust provides for your family’s future.

Take the Next Step

Your family’s future security shouldn’t be left to chance or outdated legal thresholds. Whether the new 2025 laws apply to your situation or not, you deserve personalized advice about what works best for your unique circumstances.

Don’t let another year pass wondering if your family is protected. The peace of mind that comes from having a proper estate plan in place is priceless: and the process is easier than you might think.

Ready to protect your family’s legacy? Call 855-965-3666 or schedule a free 15-minute call at https://personallegacylawyer.as.me/schedule/6d7ffe2d to discuss your specific situation.

Visit us at personallegacylawyer.com to learn more about how we help California families create heart-centered legacy plans that truly protect what matters most.

Your family is counting on you to make the smart choice. Let’s make sure they’re protected, no matter what life brings.