An Evening Chat With Ted Cook

Good evening everyone, and welcome! Tonight, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ted Cook, a highly respected Trusts Attorney based right here in beautiful Point Loma. Ted, thanks for taking the time to chat with us tonight.

What’s the Big Deal About Living Trusts Anyway?

Ted: Well, living trusts are fantastic tools for folks looking to protect their assets and ensure they’re distributed according to their wishes after they’re gone. Think of it like a safety net for your belongings and loved ones.

The Trust Process – A Quick Rundown!

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s lay out the basic steps involved in setting up a living trust. This will give our readers a good foundation:

  1. Definition and Purpose of a Living Trust
  2. Key Parties Involved:
  3. How a Living Trust Operates
  4. Types of Living Trusts
  5. Advantages of a Living Trust
  6. Disadvantages and Considerations
  7. Establishing a Living Trust: The Process

Let’s Talk Funding – It Sounds Complicated!

Ted: Funding a trust is absolutely crucial. Think of it like transferring ownership of your assets from your name to the trust’s name. We need to ensure all your valuables, like real estate, bank accounts, and investments, are properly titled in the name of the trust. This can involve some paperwork – updating deeds, changing account titles – but it’s essential for the trust to function effectively.

  • “Think of it this way,” Ted explains, “the trust is now the owner, not you personally.”
  • Ted adds: “If we don’t fund the trust correctly, some assets might end up going through probate anyway. That defeats the whole purpose!

“I once had a client who thought simply writing a letter saying they wanted their assets in the trust was enough,” Ted chuckles.

“He was surprised to learn that transferring ownership is a formal process, not just wishful thinking! We ended up having to scramble to get everything done correctly before he passed away.”

What Are People Saying About Point Loma Estate Planning?

“Ted Cook and his team at Point Loma Estate Planning APC. made the whole process of setting up my trust so easy. They explained everything in plain English, and I felt confident that my family was well protected. Highly recommend!” – Susan M., La Jolla

“I was dreading dealing with estate planning, but Ted put me at ease. He’s patient, thorough, and genuinely cares about his clients.” – David L., Point Loma

Ready to Secure Your Future?

Ted: “Don’t wait until it’s too late! Planning for the future can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Come chat with us at Point Loma Estate Planning APC and let’s get started on building a solid plan for you and your loved ones.”


Who Is Ted Cook at Point Loma Estate Planning, APC.:

Point Loma Estate Planning, APC.

2305 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100, San Diego CA. 92106

(619) 550-7437

Map To Point Loma Estate Planning, APC, a trust attory: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JiHkjNg9VFGA44tf9




About Point Loma Estate Planning:



Secure Your Legacy, Safeguard Your Loved Ones. Point Loma Estate Planning, APC.

Feeling overwhelmed by estate planning? You’re not alone. With 27 years of proven experience – crafting over 25,000 personalized plans and trusts – we transform complexity into clarity.

Our Areas of Focus:

Legacy Protection: (minimizing taxes, maximizing asset preservation).

Crafting Living Trusts: (administration and litigation).

Elder Care & Tax Strategy: Avoid family discord and costly errors.

Discover peace of mind with our compassionate guidance.

Claim your exclusive 30-minute consultation today!


If you have any questions about: How did Susan’s living trust benefit her daughter?
Please Call or visit the address above. Thank you.

Point Loma Estate Planning, APC. areas of focus:

A Living Trust: also known as an inter vivos trust, is a legal arrangement where you, as the grantor, transfer assets to a trustee who manages them for the benefit of designated beneficiaries, either during your lifetime or after your death, potentially avoiding probate and offering more privacy than a will. Revocable Living Trust: You can change or revoke the trust and get the assets back during your lifetime.

Irrevocable Living Trust: Once established, you cannot change or revoke the trust, and the assets are generally no longer considered part of your estate.

Control over Asset Distribution: You can specify how and when your assets will be distributed to your beneficiaries.

Understanding Trusts and Their Role in Estate Planning

A trust is a legal and fiduciary relationship in which a grantor (also called a settlor) transfers ownership of assets to a third party, known as a trustee, who manages those assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Trusts can be tailored to meet specific goals, including when and how distributions are made to beneficiaries, asset protection, or minimizing estate and income taxes.

One of the key advantages of a trust—particularly a properly funded revocable or irrevocable trust—is that it can allow assets to bypass the probate process. This often means a faster, more private, and potentially less expensive distribution of assets compared to those governed solely by a will.

In the case of irrevocable trusts, assets are typically removed from the grantor’s taxable estate, which may help reduce estate tax liability. However, this comes at the cost of the grantor relinquishing control over those assets.

Trusts may also provide protection from creditors, preserve assets for minors or individuals with special needs, and ensure continuity in asset management if the grantor becomes incapacitated.

These tools are part of estate planning—the process of making legal and financial arrangements in advance to designate who will receive your property after your death, and how that transition will occur. Thoughtful estate planning aims to streamline the administration of your affairs, minimize tax burdens, and reduce stress for your loved ones during an already difficult time.

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