Understanding legal documents can be complicated especially when you’re making important decisions about your estate. But what if there’s a language barrier?
In Southern California — especially in San Diego — estate planning should be accessible to everyone, no matter what language you speak. However, if your living trust is written in Spanish, you may encounter difficulties when dealing with banks and other financial institutions. If you have a living trust in Spanish or are considering creating one, it’s essential to have your estate documents in English to prevent delays, extra costs and legal misunderstandings
Same document, different language
Whether you prefer Español or English as your native language, all estate planning documents remain the same powerful family protection tool. However, creating an estate plan in Spanish can lead to various legal and practical challenges, particularly when dealing with third parties.
For example, banks, financial institutions and insurance companies require an English copy — even for basic actions like transferring an account into a trust or updating a beneficiary. Although a Spanish version may be valid, translation is often required in practice:
- Courts: California courts require official translations. If a probate case arises or a trust is contested, a last-minute translation can delay proceedings and add extra expense.
- Notaries: California law permits notaries to witness documents in other languages but the notary must be able to communicate directly with the signer. This limits options if the notary is not fluent in Spanish.
- Banks and financial institutions: Most require English-language documentation to fund or access accounts, retitle assets or name beneficiaries.
- Real estate transactions: Transferring titles or recording deeds through a trust also requires an English version.
- Insurance companies may require trusts in English to change beneficiaries or re-title policies.
If you need to change a living trust in Spanish to English, our Spanish-speaking clients will bring a trusted translator to meetings. This makes it easier to coordinate with family members or co‑trustees, as legal terms can be explained and discussed face-to-face. This way you get the full legal strength of a trust, plus an added layer of transparency for your loved ones.
Speaking to an attorney
Worried your estate planning wishes will get lost in translations? When you’re ready to draft or sign a living trust in Spanish, partner with a San Diego living trust attorney for expert legal guidance you can rely on.
At California Living Trust, we work with bilingual clients alongside their translators. We’ll walk you through the trust step-by-step, explain your legal options clearly and help you make confident decisions about your estate. Contact us today to secure your estate with an attorney who truly understands your needs.