Southland Credit Union has partnered with Affinity Trusts to provide Members with discounted estate planning documents prepared by experienced attorneys! Ensure long-term support for the people you love and causes you believe in.
Learn how to leave a lasting legacy
Why set up a trust or estate plan? There are a few reasons: to provide support for future generations, to ensure the care of someone with special needs, or to ensure that your family can function if you're unable to do so.
It's all about taking control of tomorrow
Living trusts and estate plans ensure proper management of your assets should you become incapacitated, and after you pass. Estate plans are for adults of all ages, and are not just reserved for the wealthy. Our partners at Affinity Trusts can provide Southland Credit Union Members with discounted estate planning documents prepared by experienced attorneys that:
- Provide for effective financial management and healthcare decisions upon incapacity
- Ensure the orderly, cost-effective and private transferring of your property upon your passing
- Care for children and dependents
- Direct assets to charitable causes or nonprofit groups
- Minimize federal estate taxes
- Avoid probate and its related expenses, publicity and delays
Getting started
It’s important to have an estate planning strategy in place as soon as you have acquired assets or are legally responsible for minor children. Your specific plan may begin with a simple will and develop into a full-fledged strategy that includes a living trust. As a valued Member of Southland Credit Union, you have access to free estate planning consultations and discounted living trusts, prepared by experienced attorneys. We proudly partnered with the reputable group, Affinity Trusts, to bring these services to our Members. Learn more about Affinity Trusts.
Comprehensive estate plan for Southland Members
| Law Firm Pricing | Southland Credit Union Member Pricing (California Residents) | |
| Individual | $2,500 | $1,695 + $25 title search |
| Married | $3,500 | $1,995 + $25 title search |
Estate Plan Includes:
- Detailed estate planning
- Revocable living trust
- Summation of relevant trust provisions declaration of intent
- Pourover will
- Advance health care directive
- HIPAA
- Durable power of attorney for asset administration
- Deed transferring primary residence into the trust
- Detailed successor trustee manual
- Individual bequest sheets
- Personal message guide
- Two sets of notarized originals
- Letters of instruction for financial institutions
Want to learn more about the responsibilities of caring for another person's financial wellbeing? View our "Financial Caregiving" playlists to learn more. Start Financial Caregiving playlist>>
Schedule a free, no obligation consultation
It's likely that you have some questions about creating trusts. Complete the form to schedule a free consultation.
Natalie Spiwak
President
Affinity Trusts
Schedule a Trust Consultation
Frequently asked questions
- Having a plan to manage your health, and financial decisions should you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to do so (“incapacitation”); and
- Being able to ultimately distribute your property to chosen “heirs and beneficiaries” in a manner you so wish —quickly, privately and cost-effectively.
Everyone! You do not need to be wealthy to have an estate plan; you simply need to have possessions or money, even the smallest amount, to be passed on. Additionally, estate planning refers to medical and health procedures and power of attorney documents that make sure your wishes are carried out if you are unable to make decisions on your own behalf.
"As many as 120 million Americans do not have up-to-date estate plans," said Clark McCleary, President of the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC). "That makes it one of the most overlooked areas of personal finance, but it's also one of the most important. Estate planning protects you, your family and your family's future, so it shouldn't be put off."
A revocable living trust is a legal document that holds title or ownership to your real property and other assets. When you create a revocable living trust, you transfer ownership of your assets to the trust. Transferring assets is typically called "funding." When you transfer title, you do not relinquish any control. You can still buy, sell, borrow or transfer.
It includes the details and instructions for how you want your estate to be handled at your death, and who will have the authority to do so. However, unlike a Will, a properly funded trust:
- Does not go through probate.
- Prevents the courts from controlling your assets at incapacity.
- Gives you control over the assets you leave to your minor children or grandchildren.
Revocable living trusts are most commonly created for the following reasons:
- To avoid probate
- To have control
- To reduce estate taxes