For some people, estate planning is synonymous with drafting a will. Wills are certainly important documents that help protect dependents, establish a beneficiary's right of inheritance and allow a testator to choose the personal representative of their estate....
Trusts
Irrevocable trusts can help to protect assets
Creating an estate plan is one of the most important things adults can do to help provide for their loved ones. If you’re setting up an estate plan, it’s critical that you fully understand the options you have available to pass your assets to your beneficiaries. For...
Trusts as a means of maximizing a beneficiary’s inheritance
Adults who are putting together estate plans often begin either by identifying the assets they need to address or by considering who they want to inherit from their estates. Someone's selected beneficiaries can receive financial resources, real property and business...
Should you set up an educational trust for your child?
The ever-rising cost of education is a concern for many parents. With college tuition outpacing inflation, planning for your child's future education can feel overwhelming. One option to consider is establishing an educational trust. But are trusts right for everyone?...
3 ways a trust can help your kids preserve their inheritance
Leaving an inheritance to your children is a way to express your love and support them in building a secure future. However, simply handing them a lump sum might not be the most prudent decision. This is where trusts come in; these powerful legal tools can help ensure...
How to use trusts to avoid or limit probate
Probate is the legal process wherein a deceased person’s assets are distributed to their heirs or beneficiaries and any outstanding debts are settled. Probate can be a time-consuming and costly process for families after the passing away of a loved one. Fortunately,...
What should you know about medical bills and trusts?
Creating an estate plan must be a priority for all adults. These plans have many components that help to ensure the creator’s affairs are taken care of if they’re incapacitated and that they’re able to pass down assets to their loved ones. One component of these plans...
Do you need a trust for your business?
When you have a small business, one of the things you should think about is obtaining a trust for your business. A trust is helpful because it will help your business continue its normal functions even if you are not there to run it yourself. Trusts have other...
What can trusts accomplish?
Creating an estate plan is a way to pass on your legacy. When you create a trust, it can be another way to transfer your assets to your loved ones. There are many types of trusts. While some transfer your assets after you pass away, others shelter your assets while...
When do revocable and irrevocable trusts actually end?
Creating a trust allows you to plan for the long-term future or your needs as you get older. A trust can also allow your instructions to continue affecting your property long after your death. There are many different kinds of trusts, but one of the most basic...