It’s really true: there is no such thing as a free lunch

FALLBROOK – Everyone has received colorful, slick invitations in the mail with a coupon for a free meal at one of the area's finer restaurants. Howerver, Fallbrook attorney James C. Alvord, who has written hundreds of wills and trusts for locals, says these meals aren't really free.

"You’ll be subjected to a hard-sell effort, not unlike the timeshare pitches we’ve all endured," explained Alvord. "You’ll be promised a free estate review and warned about the evils of the probate process. You might even be given a coupon for discounted legal services."

This is where the free part ends and the pitch for a living trust begins.

In most cases, the trust package being offered is perfectly fine. The problem is the buyer will pay hundreds of dollars more than he or she needs to.

“I would compare this process to buying a new car, a Mercedes or BMW, for example," said Alvord. "You’ll be getting a great ride, but do you really need to spend that kind of money to get from Point A to Point B? If a trust is right for you, why spend thousands when you can spend hundreds?”

According to Alvord, if an individual owns property in California, it is important to have a trust – the documents included in the trust package are designed to keep loved ones out of court and far away from the dreaded probate process. They can also assure that someone will make health care decisions for those who aren’t able to do so. In addition, the trust documents should help organize assets and arrange for an orderly distribution of an estate upon a person's passing.

As an added benefit, a person's estate plan can also greatly reduce family fights about who gets what after he or she is gone. Alvord’s 10 Point Trust Package does all of that, and more.

“Clients often ask me, 'What did my neighbors get that I didn’t when they paid thousands and I paid just hundreds?' 'Well,', I tell them, 'they did get a free lunch.'"

To schedule a free consultation, call James Alvord at (760) 728-1960.