La Quinta Trust Administration Attorney

Second homes in gated communities

La Quinta has a lot of golf and gated communities, and many owners are part-time residents. When one passes, the trustee may be managing a desert house from Seattle or Calgary. Gate access, HOA dues, and keeping the home maintained through summer all land on the trustee right away.

Property in more than one state

If the person also owned a home in another state, the trust may hold both. California's steps apply to the La Quinta property, and the other state has its own rules. If the other home was never put in the trust, a probate may be needed there. I'll help you sort out which is which.

The first steps

Secure and insure the home, gather the trust and statements, send the trustee notice, record an affidavit of death, and file the change in ownership statement with the Riverside County assessor within 150 days after the death.

For the full step-by-step list, see my trust administration overview.

How I work with trustees

Most of this can be handled by Zoom, phone, and email, so you don't have to fly in for every step. Most of the work is handled for a flat fee, quoted up front before you hire me. If something out of the ordinary comes up, like a dispute or a court petition, we'll talk about it before any extra work starts.

Common questions

Do I have to be in California to serve as trustee?

No. Many trustees for La Quinta homes live in another state or country.

Should we sell the house or keep it?

That depends on the trust, the family, and the market. I'll help you understand the options and the tax side before you decide.