California AB 565 Virtual Representation Lawyer 2026: Trust Modifications Without Guardian Ad Litem

California AB 565 virtual representation lawyer helps trusts avoid costly guardian ad litem appointments. Modifications, decantings, and accountings streamlined under new 2026 law.

“Key Takeaways”

• AB 565 modernizes California trust notice rules for MIUUs. Effective January 1, 2026, California Probate Code § 15804 allows one beneficiary to represent another who is a minor, incapacitated, unborn, or unknown (MIUU). This eliminates the need for guardian ad litem appointments in many routine matters .
• Virtual representation requires “substantially identical interests.” If the representor and represented person have any conflict of interest regarding the matter, representation is prohibited. A California AB 565 virtual representation lawyer evaluates family dynamics to ensure conflicts do not undermine the representation .
• Virtual representation only applies to MIUUs, not competent adults. You cannot use this law to give notice to one adult sibling and claim it binds another adult sibling. Competent adults must still receive individual notice .
• Holders of powers of appointment can represent potential appointees. AB 565 includes a provision allowing a power of appointment holder to virtually represent all potential appointees. This makes flexible estate planning tools more practical for California trusts .
• San Diego Superior Court requires a declaration of virtual representation. Because there is no Judicial Council form, we draft a custom declaration explaining the basis for representation and attesting to the absence of conflict. We e‑file these documents under Local Rule 2.1.19 at the Hall of Justice (330 W Broadway) .

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California AB 565 Virtual Representation: The 2026 Revolution in Trust Administration

Introduction: The $25,000 Notice Problem That Just Disappeared

When the Johnson family trust reached its third generation, it had 45 beneficiaries: 15 adults, 18 minor great‑grandchildren, 8 unborn descendants, and 4 beneficiaries whose locations were unknown. Every time the trustees needed to modify the trust or file an accounting, they faced a nightmare: serving individual notice on every single beneficiary. The cost just for notice procedures on a routine accounting exceeded $20,000 .

For decades, California law offered only one solution: appoint a guardian ad litem for each minor, unborn, or incapacitated beneficiary. The process was slow, expensive, and often required court appearances. Some families moved their trusts to Nevada or Delaware just to escape California’s complexity.

All of that changed on January 1, 2026. Assembly Bill 565, signed into law on July 14, 2025, introduced virtual representation to California . Now, in many cases, a parent can represent a minor child, a trustee can represent trust beneficiaries, and a holder of a power of appointment can represent potential appointees.

At Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp. , we have studied AB 565 inside and out. This guide will walk you through how virtual representation works, when you can use it, and how to avoid the conflicts that can destroy its effectiveness—all with an eye to San Diego Superior Court procedures.

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Part One: The Old System – Why California Trusts Were So Expensive

The Guardian Ad Litem Requirement

Before AB 565, California had no statutory virtual representation. If a trust beneficiary was a minor, incapacitated, unborn, or unknown, the trustee had no one to whom they could give legally binding notice. The only option was to petition the court to appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to represent that person’s interests .

The Costs of the Old System:

Cost Category	Typical Expense
GAL attorney fees	$2,000 – $5,000 per GAL
Court filing fees	$435 – $1,000
Notice publication	$500 – $1,500
Delays in administration	3 – 12 months
Total per minor/unborn beneficiary	$3,000 – $8,000

For a trust with a dozen minor beneficiaries, the GAL costs alone could exceed $50,000. Families often avoided trust modifications or distributions simply because the administrative costs outweighed the benefits.

California’s Competitive Disadvantage

Before AB 565, California was one of only three states without a virtual representation statute. Trust settlors routinely moved assets to Nevada, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Delaware—states with streamlined administration and favorable tax treatment . AB 565 is California’s answer: reduce administrative friction and make California trusts competitive again.

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Part Two: The New Law – How Virtual Representation Works

The Statute: Probate Code § 15804 (2026 Version)

AB 565 completely rewrites California Probate Code § 15804. The new law establishes two types of virtual representation:

1. Fiduciary Representation (Section 15804(e)):

Certain fiduciaries may represent those under their care. This authority is permissive, not automatic. The statute specifies:

Representor	Represented Person
Parent	Minor children and children subsequently born
Conservator of the estate	Conservatee
Guardian of the estate	Minor ward
Guardian ad litem (with authority)	Ward
Agent under power of attorney	Principal
Trustee	Trust beneficiaries
Personal representative	Persons interested in the estate

2. Substantially Identical Interest Representation (Section 15804(f)):

If no fiduciary relationship exists, a person can represent another who is a minor, incapacitated, unborn, or unknown if they have a “substantially identical interest” in the matter .

The Binding Effect: When virtual representation applies, notice to the representor is notice to the represented person. The represented person is bound by the representor’s consent or agreement, unless they later object before the consent becomes effective .

Important Limitation: Virtual representation applies only to minors, incapacitated persons, unborn persons, or unknown persons (often called MIUUs). Competent adult beneficiaries must still receive individual notice—you cannot use this law to serve one adult sibling and claim it binds another adult sibling.

Example: Five adult siblings inherit equally from their parents’ trust. Each is a competent adult. Virtual representation does not apply; all five must receive individual notice.

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Part Three: The Conflict of Interest Trap – When Virtual Representation Fails

The Statutory Prohibition

Virtual representation is not available if the representor and represented person have a conflict of interest with respect to the particular matter . This is not a technicality—it is a complete bar. The court may also reject representation if it finds the representor’s advocacy inadequate.

What Creates a Conflict?

Scenario	Is Representation Allowed?	Why
Routine accounting, all beneficiaries share equally	Yes	Interests are identical
Parent and minor child both receive equal shares	Yes	No conflict on timing or amount
Parent’s share decreases if child’s share increases	No	Direct financial conflict
Distribution timing: parent receives now, child later	No	Time value of money creates conflict
One branch of family versus another branch	No	Different interests in trust assets
Trustee representing beneficiaries in a dispute with themselves	No	Trustee cannot represent both sides

Strategic Note: At Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp., we conduct a conflict of interest analysis before relying on virtual representation. We examine the trust terms, the proposed action, and the family dynamics. If any conflict exists, we do not use virtual representation—we seek a guardian ad litem or other court protection.

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Part Four: The Power of Appointment Provision – A Hidden Planning Tool

What Is a Power of Appointment?

A power of appointment allows a designated person (the “holder”) to decide who receives trust assets from a specified group of potential recipients (the “appointees”). Powers of appointment are powerful estate planning tools because they provide flexibility while keeping assets within the trust structure.

How AB 565 Changed the Game

Before AB 565, a trustee had to give notice to every potential appointee—sometimes dozens of people—when administering a trust with a power of appointment. This made powers of appointment impractical for many California trusts.

Under new Section 15804(g), a holder of a power of appointment may represent and bind potential appointees . This means:

• Notice to the power holder satisfies notice requirements for all potential appointees
• The power holder’s consent binds all potential appointees
• Trust modifications and distributions can proceed without locating or notifying every potential recipient

Real‑World Impact: A grandparent creates a trust giving their child a power to appoint trust assets among grandchildren. Before AB 565, the trustee needed to locate and notify every grandchild (including newborns and those not yet born) before making any administrative decision. After AB 565, notice to the child (the power holder) is sufficient .

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Part Five: Practical Applications – When to Use Virtual Representation

Trust Modifications (Probate Code § 15400 et seq.)

If a trust becomes outdated or no longer serves its purpose, virtual representation can streamline modification. For example, a trust created in 1985 may have outdated investment provisions or distribution terms that no longer reflect family circumstances. With virtual representation, the trustee can obtain consent from representing beneficiaries without tracking down every minor, unborn, or unknown descendant.

Decanting (Probate Code § 19530)

Decanting is the process of pouring assets from one irrevocable trust into a new trust with different terms. Under Estate of Jones (2025), trustees may decant without court approval if the trust instrument permits. Virtual representation ensures that all beneficiaries are properly represented in the decanting process—even those who cannot represent themselves.

Trustee Accountings

Trustees must provide regular accountings to beneficiaries. With virtual representation, a trustee can provide a single accounting to a parent or guardian who represents minor beneficiaries. This reduces administrative costs and speeds up the accounting process.

Distribution Decisions

When a trustee must decide how to distribute trust assets among multiple MIUUs, virtual representation can simplify the process. If all beneficiaries in a branch of the family have identical interests, notice to one representative beneficiary may be sufficient.

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Part Six: San Diego Superior Court – Local Procedures for Virtual Representation

Venue: Hall of Justice, 330 W Broadway

Trust matters in San Diego are filed at the Hall of Justice, 330 West Broadway. The Probate Division handles petitions for trust modifications, accountings, and other proceedings where virtual representation may apply.

Mandatory E‑Filing – Local Rule 2.1.19

Under San Diego Local Rule 2.1.19, all trust filings must be e‑filed. This includes any petition or motion that relies on virtual representation. We ensure all documents are filed correctly through the court’s portal.

No Judicial Council Form – You Must Draft a Declaration

There is no standardized Judicial Council form for virtual representation. Instead, practitioners must prepare a custom declaration explaining:

• Who is representing whom
• The statutory basis for representation (Section 15804(e) or (f))
• A description of the matter and the parties’ interests
• An affirmation that no conflict of interest exists
• A statement that the representor understands the duty to protect the represented person’s interests

At Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp. , we draft these declarations to comply with the Probate Code and the expectations of San Diego probate judges.

Proof of Service – Form SDSC PR‑001

A standard Proof of Service (Form SDSC PR‑001) must accompany the filing. We attach the declaration of virtual representation as an exhibit to the proof of service, clearly showing how notice to the representor satisfies notice to the represented MIUUs.

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Part Seven: 2025‑2026 Transition – What About Pending Trust Matters?

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

AB 565 took effect on January 1, 2026. For trust proceedings initiated before this date, the old version of Section 15804 applies . For proceedings initiated on or after January 1, 2026, the new virtual representation rules apply.

Practical Guidance

If you have a pending trust matter that was initiated before January 1, 2026, you cannot automatically apply the new virtual representation rules. However, you may be able to:

• Seek court approval to use virtual representation under the new law
• Start a new proceeding for the same matter (if procedural deadlines allow)
• Obtain consent from all affected beneficiaries to bypass the old notice rules

At Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp. , we evaluate each pending matter individually to determine the best path forward.

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Part Eight: Client Checklist – Using Virtual Representation Safely

If you are a trustee or beneficiary considering virtual representation, use this checklist:

• Identify all beneficiaries who are minors, incapacitated, unborn, or unknown (MIUUs)
• Determine if a fiduciary relationship exists (parent, guardian, conservator, trustee)
• If no fiduciary relationship, confirm “substantially identical interests” and that the represented person is an MIUU
• Conduct a conflict of interest analysis – if any conflict exists, DO NOT use virtual representation
• Document the representation in a custom declaration, signed under penalty of perjury by the representor
• Prepare a Proof of Service (Form SDSC PR‑001) with the declaration attached
• E‑file the documents under Local Rule 2.1.19 at the Hall of Justice
• If in doubt, seek court appointment of a guardian ad litem

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Contact Our California AB 565 Virtual Representation Lawyer

If you are a trustee facing costly notice requirements, or if you need to modify a trust with minor or unborn beneficiaries, AB 565 virtual representation can save your family thousands of dollars and months of delay.

At Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp. , we help trustees and beneficiaries navigate the new virtual representation rules. We analyze conflicts, draft the required declarations, and handle e‑filing with the San Diego Superior Court. We serve clients throughout San Diego County, from Mission Bay to La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe to Chula Vista.

Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp.
4501 Mission Bay Dr. #3c
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 436-7544

Call today for a free consultation. Let us help you streamline your trust administration with California’s new virtual representation law.

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Sources:

• California Probate Code § 15804 (Virtual Representation)
• Assembly Bill 565 – Legislative History
• San Diego Superior Court Probate Division Local Rules
• California Rules of Court, Rule 2.251 – Electronic Service

• California AB 565 Trust Lawyer | Leeran S. Barzilai, APLC
• California Conservatorship and Guardianship Dispute Lawyer
• Estate Planning Explained: Who’s Who in Your Circle of Trust (Executor, Trustee, or Power of Attorney?)
• California Estate Planning Lawyer: Secure Your Legacy Today
• California Durable Power of Attorney: The Critical Estate Planning Document You Need

Chinese Subpages

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1. 《利益冲突分析清单：虚拟代表何时失效》

当代表人与被代表人存在利益冲突时，虚拟代表将被禁止。本指南提供一份详细清单，帮助受托人识别潜在冲突——包括分配时间差异、不同受益分支、以及受托人自身利益与受益人利益冲突的情形。

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2. 《委托权持有人的虚拟代表权》

根据《遗嘱认证法典》第15804(g)条，委托权持有人可以代表并约束所有潜在的被指定人。这意味着信托管理不再需要向每一位潜在受益人送达通知。本页解释如何有效利用委托权进行虚拟代表。

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3. 《如何起草虚拟代表声明书》

圣地亚哥高等法院没有专门的虚拟代表表格。受托人必须自行起草一份声明书，说明代表的法律依据、各方利益关系、并确认不存在利益冲突。我们提供声明书范本及逐项填写说明。

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4. 《虚拟代表与监护人的任命》

即使有虚拟代表，法院在某些情况下仍可能要求为未成年人或丧失行为能力者指定诉讼监护人。本指南说明何时需要监护人、如何申请、以及虚拟代表与监护人之间的关系。

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5. 《信托修改中的虚拟代表》

当信托条款过时或不再符合家族需要时，虚拟代表可以简化修改程序。本页详细说明如何利用虚拟代表获得未成年人、未出生及未知受益人的同意，从而顺利修改信托。

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6. 《信托“倒酒”（Decanting）中的虚拟代表》

根据《遗嘱认证法典》第19530条，受托人可通过“倒酒”将资产从不可撤销信托转移至新信托。虚拟代表确保在此过程中，未成年人、未出生及未知受益人均得到适当代表，无需另行指定监护人。

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7. 《信托账目报告中的虚拟代表》

受托人需定期向受益人提供账目报告。虚拟代表允许向一位代表受益人（如父母）提供一份账目，即可视为已向所有由其代表的未成年受益人送达。本页说明操作流程及需附的声明文件。

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8. 《虚拟代表的证明文件与电子归档》

在圣地亚哥高等法院，所有信托文件必须通过电子归档系统提交（本地规则2.1.19）。本指南详细介绍如何准备虚拟代表的相关证明文件，包括声明书、送达证明（表格SDSC PR‑001）以及附件说明，确保法院顺利接受。

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9. 《生效日期过渡：2026年1月1日之前的信托事项》

AB 565自2026年1月1日生效。对于在此日期之前已启动的信托程序，仍适用旧法。本页解释如何处理过渡期事项，包括如何申请法院允许使用新法，以及何时需要重新启动程序。

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10. 《成年受益人为何不能适用虚拟代表》

虚拟代表仅适用于未成年人、丧失行为能力者、未出生者或身份不明者（MIUU）。成年、有行为能力的受益人必须单独收到通知。本页澄清这一重要限制，避免受托人误用法律。

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Hebrew Subpages

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1. רשימת בדיקה לניגוד עניינים – מתי ייצוג וירטואלי אינו חוקי

ייצוג וירטואלי אסור כאשר קיים ניגוד עניינים בין המייצג למי שהוא מייצג. מדריך זה כולל רשימה מפורטת לזיהוי ניגודים פוטנציאליים – הבדלי עיתוי בחלוקה, אינטרסים שונים בין ענפי משפחה, וניגודים בין האינטרסים של הנאמן לבין האינטרסים של המוטבים.

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2. סמכות בעל מינוי (Power of Appointment) בייצוג וירטואלי

סעיף 15804(g) לחוק הירושות מאפשר לבעל מינוי לייצג את כלל המוטבים הפוטנציאליים. בכך נחסך הצורך במסירת הודעה לכל מוטב אפשרי בנפרד. ההסבר כולל כיצד להשתמש בכלי זה בתכנון עיזבון.

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3. איך לנסח הצהרת ייצוג וירטואלי

בבית המשפט של סן דייגו אין טופס ייעודי לייצוג וירטואלי. על הנאמן לנסח הצהרה (declaration) המפרטת את הבסיס החוקי, את זהות הצדדים ואת העדר ניגוד עניינים. אנו מספקים תבנית והנחיות למילוי.

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4. ייצוג וירטואלי לעומת אפוטרופוס לדין (Guardian Ad Litem)

גם כאשר קיים ייצוג וירטואלי, בית המשפט רשאי למנות אפוטרופוס לדין במקרים של ספק לגבי נאותות הייצוג. המדריך מסביר מתי נדרש מינוי, כיצד מבקשים אותו, וכיצד מתקיימת מערכת היחסים בין האפוטרופוס למייצג הווירטואלי.

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5. ייצוג וירטואלי בשינוי תנאי נאמנות

כאשר תנאי הנאמנות התיישנו או אינם עונים עוד לצורכי המשפחה, ייצוג וירטואלי מאפשר להשיג את הסכמת הקטינים, הלא‑נולדים והלא‑ידועים באופן יעיל. הדף מסביר כיצד לשלב ייצוג וירטואלי בבקשה לשינוי נאמנות.

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6. ייצוג וירטואלי בהעברת נאמנות (Decanting)

במסגרת הליך ה‑decanting (סעיף 19530 לחוק הירושות), ייצוג וירטואלי מאפשר לפעול בשם קטינים, חסרי יכולת, לא‑נולדים ולא‑ידועים ללא צורך במינוי אפוטרופוס לדין. מוסבר כיצד לשלב את הייצוג במסמכי ההעברה.

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7. ייצוג וירטואלי בדוחות חשבון נאמנות

נאמן חייב להגיש דוחות חשבון תקופתיים. באמצעות ייצוג וירטואלי ניתן להגיש דוח אחד להורה או לאפוטרופוס, וזה יחשב כמסירה לכל הקטינים שהוא מייצג. ההסבר כולל את המסמכים הנדרשים ואופן הגשתם.

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8. הגשת מסמכי ייצוג וירטואלי בבית המשפט בסן דייגו

בבית המשפט המחוזי של סן דייגו (Hall of Justice) יש להגיש את כל המסמכים באמצעות e‑filing (תקנה מקומית 2.1.19). המדריך מפרט את הרכיבים: הצהרת ייצוג, אישור מסירה (טופס SDSC PR‑001) והסבר כיצד לצרף אותם לתיק כדי להבטיח קבלה.

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9. הוראות מעבר: נאמנויות שהוחל בטיפולן לפני 1 בינואר 2026

AB 565 נכנס לתוקף ב‑1 בינואר 2026. עבור הליכים שהחלו לפני מועד זה חלים הכללים הישנים. המדריך מסביר כיצד לפעול – בקשת אישור מבית המשפט להשתמש בכללים החדשים, או פתיחת הליך חדש במידת האפשר.

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10. מדוע ייצוג וירטואלי אינו חל על מוטבים בוגרים

ייצוג וירטואלי מוגבל לקטינים, חסרי יכולת, לא‑נולדים או לא‑ידועים (MIUU). מוטבים בוגרים וכשירים חייבים לקבל הודעה אישית. דף זה מבהיר את ההגבלה החשובה כדי למנוע טעויות בשימוש בחוק.