• Trusts can avoid probate court

• Certain Trusts help reduce Estate taxes

• Trusts provide more control over your assets

• They are low maintenance

• Trusts can protect your loved ones in worst-case scenarios

• The structure of Trusts can assist children with special needs

• Complex assets can be properly divided using Trusts

• Ensure everyone in your family is taken care of with a Trust

Avoid Probate Court

One of the biggest reasons for Estate Planning is that it can prevent your loved ones from lengthy proceedings in probate court. Trusts help ensure your Estate avoids this process. This saves your loved ones from the difficulties of court during what will already be a challenging time. There are also numerous costs associated with the probate court, such as attorney costs and court fees, that you can avoid with a thorough Estate Plan.

Reduce Estate Taxes

Trusts are a great way to reduce, and in some cases eliminate hefty Estate taxes. Essentially, by transferring assets into Trusts you can reduce your overall taxable estate. Though there are various types of Trusts to choose from, they almost all take tax planning into account.

Maintain Control Over Your Assets

A Trust allows you a certain level of control over your Estate that Wills cannot provide. The structure of Trusts allows you to decide how and when your assets will be distributed. If you have young children, this can be a great way to ensure they do not receive their inheritances in one lump sum. Trusts can be created with certain life milestones in mind, allowing children to receive funds after graduating high school or college or even after marriage.

Low Maintenance Estate Planning

Once you take the time to create a Trust, they are relatively low maintenance. While you may need to update your Estate Plan after new life events (such as the birth of a child, or purchase of a new asset), Trusts rarely need to be amended.

Plan For Worst-Case Scenarios

While no one wants to think about the worst-case scenario, life can sometimes get in the way. Estate Planning is a crucial step in protecting yourself and your loved ones in the event you were unable to make decisions near the end of your life. Trusts can help ensure your loved ones are taken care of in the event you became incapacitated.

Provide Extra Care to Children With Special Needs

If you have children with special needs or long-term medical challenges, the creation of a Trust can help offer extra protection after your death. Trusts can be set up to provide long term financial assistance to your child. There are also numerous types of Trusts that can help you plan differently for the needs of each child.

Divide Assets Fairly

As you begin Estate Planning, you may realize that certain assets are more difficult than others to split up among your beneficiaries. Trusts are one way to designate how more complex assets will be distributed after your death. For example, if you have a family business that needs to be split up or a vacation home that you don’t want to leave to one person Trusts can be a good way to do that.

Add Family Protections

Trusts are one way to ensure your spouse and children remain cared for after your death. What I mean by this is, distributing assets can become more complicated after divorce or remarriage. Creating a Trust can ensure your spouse or children receive their rightful inheritance, no matter if they remarry or if their family structure changes later in life.

Commonly Asked Questions about Trusts

Now that we have discussed the various reasons to have a Trust, you may still be wondering if they are right for you. Read through the following commonly asked questions for more insight on why you may need a Trust.

Do I need a Trust if I have a Will?

You may need a Trust even if you have a Will, depending on your legal and financial needs. While a Will names your beneficiaries and how assets will be distributed, Trusts can provide you with more control over these components. Trusts can also allow for more complex Estate Planning structures, particularly for those with large or blended families.

Do Trusts Avoid Probate?

Depending on how they are structured, most Trusts avoid probate entirely. Trusts allow assets to smoothly transfer from one person to another, thus circumventing probate court proceedings and the associated costs.

How Does the Secure Act of 2020 Affect my Trust?

The Secure Act of 2020 established several rules on Trusts and their designated beneficiaries. The new law specifically designates how IRA accounts can be distributed. It is not uncommon for individuals to create a Last Will and Testament and never think about Estate Planning again. Unfortunately, this can leave your Estate vulnerable to probate court and various Estate taxes. The creation of a Trust can provide much more control over the distribution of your assets, and can even provide tax benefits. That being said, there are numerous reasons to have a Trust that you should consider when making an Estate Plan. The best part is, our team is here to help you through every step of the process. If you have any questions we didn’t answer: Reach out to us today.