021: Making Loans to an Irrevocable Trust Is Possible. Here’s How.
Release Date: 12/04/2018
157: Avoiding Probate Hassles: Understanding California's 2025 Law Change
Absolute Trust Talk
A significant shift in California probate law is on the horizon, promising to make estate transfers more accessible for many homeowners. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into a game-changing legislation effective April 1, 2025. This new law allows for a simplified transfer of primary residences valued up to $750,000 to heirs—without the need for probate or a formal estate plan. They discuss how this expansion of the small estate affidavit and petition procedures can ease the burden on families, making property...
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156: Probate Alternatives: Real Estate Affidavits and Succession Petitions Explained
Absolute Trust Talk
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155: Spousal Property Petitions: An Easier Alternative to Probate
Absolute Trust Talk
In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into the spousal property petition, a vital tool that offers a faster and more cost-effective way for surviving spouses to claim assets from a deceased spouse's estate. They break down the legal nuances, sharing practical examples of how this process works and how it can sometimes be used even after both spouses have passed away. With real-world scenarios and expert advice, this episode sheds light on probate alternatives that can ease the estate administration process for families. Whether...
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154: Unlocking Assets Without Probate: The Benefits of Using a Small Estate Affidavit
Absolute Trust Talk
Navigating the probate process can feel overwhelming, so what if there was a way to avoid it entirely? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, associate attorney Jessica Colbert and managing attorney Kirsten Howe introduce the small estate affidavit—an often overlooked yet highly effective tool for bypassing probate when certain conditions are met. Together, they break down what it takes to qualify for this process, explain how it works to transfer personal property without court involvement and point out some important details and potential challenges. Don’t miss this insightful...
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153: AB Trusts After 2013: What You Need to Do Now
Absolute Trust Talk
Welcome back to Absolute Trust Talk! In this exciting episode, associate attorney Jessica Colbert steps into the spotlight for the first time, accompanied by managing attorney Kirsten Howe. Together, they continue the series AB Trusts: Do You Have One? Do You Need One? This episode uncovers the surprising reason many couples have AB trusts without realizing it, and what steps you should take if you find yourself in this situation. You’ll also learn why it might be time to reconsider an AB trust, especially if you are the surviving spouse and want to make changes. Don’t miss out on this...
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152: The Truth About AB Trusts: Will Your Wishes Be Followed?
Absolute Trust Talk
Welcome back to Absolute Trust Talk with Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert! In this second episode of our AB Trust series, we dive into a vital question: Will your wishes truly be honored? While AB Trusts are a common estate planning tool for couples, they have potential challenges. One significant issue is when the deceased spouse's wishes are unintentionally—or even deliberately—overlooked or altered. Tune in as we explore how and why this happens and, more importantly, what steps you can take to ensure that your estate plan works exactly as intended. ...
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151: Is an AB Trust Right for You? Essential Insights for Married Couples
Absolute Trust Talk
Married couples, is your AB trust still serving your needs, or has it outstayed its welcome? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert take a closer look at AB trusts, a once-standard estate planning tool. They discuss when an AB trust makes sense and when it might just add unnecessary complexity and cost. Tune in as they explain the key benefits of asset control after death, while also considering the downsides, such as tax filing requirements and maintenance expenses. Whether you're revisiting an existing trust or planning for the future,...
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150: Third-Party Trustees: A Smart Choice for Your Estate Plan?
Absolute Trust Talk
In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert continue their in-depth discussion on selecting a successor trustee, with a focus on third-party options. They explore key considerations when choosing a licensed professional fiduciary, breaking down the advantages and potential drawbacks of this option. Additionally, they provide insights into other alternatives, such as corporate trustees. Whether you're making this decision for the first time or revisiting your estate plan, this episode offers practical advice to help you choose the best trustee...
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149: Choosing a Child as Your Successor Trustee: Key Factors to Consider
Absolute Trust Talk
Are you considering naming a child as your successor trustee? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert explore the pros and cons of selecting a child for this crucial role. They break down key factors, including whether to name one child or multiple children as co-trustees, and the potential challenges that can arise, from sibling dynamics to administrative complexities. Tune in to gain valuable insights and ensure you make an informed decision about your trust’s future. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:45...
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148: How to Choose the Right Successor Trustee for Your Trust
Absolute Trust Talk
Are you prepared to name a successor trustee in your estate plan? Don’t worry if you’re unsure—this episode of Absolute Trust Talk will guide you through the process. We’ll break down the most important traits to look for in a successor trustee, such as trustworthiness, reliability, and the ability to seek professional advice when needed. Plus, we’ll share common pitfalls to avoid so you can make the best choice for your family’s future. Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:50 What is a Successor Trustee, and why is naming one essential for your...
info_outlineDid you know it’s possible to make a loan to an irrevocable trust? Many people don’t know it is, and even though conventional lending firms might say they do it, they don’t truly understand and often force the borrower to take the loan out of the trust – negating the benefit. Jim O’Dea, a broker associate with Redwood Mortgage, a private money lender, has been with Redwood for over 14 years and has over 40 years of commercial real estate experience. Jim has made the irrevocable trust loan transaction a niche of sorts and, at Redwood alone, has originated and closed over $150 million in loans.
In today’s episode, Kirsten and Jim discuss why making loans to irrevocable trusts is such a difficult transaction, why it happens in the first place, how it is completed and why it is such a tremendous opportunity for families to take advantage of. This is an educational episode of Absolute Trust Talk not to be missed.
Top Takeaway From Episode #021:
- This type of loan transaction is a benefit, an opportunity, and an educational experience for many families, and many people don’t know that it’s out there as an option.
Time-stamped Show Notes:
3:11 – Jim discusses why making loans to irrevocable trusts is such a difficult transaction
7:06 – Jim talks about a typical scenario in which clients are referred to him and his business
13:28 – Kirsten asks Jim to give an example of how the loan amount is calculated
24:21 – Kirsten asks Jim to share an example of tax benefits to the family doing the loan to an irrevocable trust
25:38 – Jim shares how he got into this specific loan business
28:40 – Why families often miss this loan opportunity
31:28 – Are there other opportunities to make loans to irrevocable trusts?
33:35 – Could this type of loan transaction take place if there is another type of property, other than the family home?
Episode #021 Freebie: Excel Spreadsheet – Deriving Loan Amounts on Irrevocable Trusts
Didn’t know that making loans to an irrevocable trust was possible, but it is. Absolute Trust Talk guest Jim O’Dea has helped many clients make this difficult loan transaction possible, and he’s ready to help get you started too. Jim has developed a special Excel spreadsheet that lends a hand in determining the potential loan on an irrevocable trust loan. In addition, it serves as a handy checklist, taking into account the many variables that could impact the loan amount. Click here to download your copy of this specially developed spreadsheet.