Trust & Estate Law FAQs

What is a trust and how does it work?

A trust is a legal relationship in which one person (the trustor, settlor, or grantor) transfers ownership of property to another person (the trustee) to hold and manage for the benefit of a third party (the beneficiary). Trusts are often used as a way to manage assets, protect property, and ensure that assets are distributed according to the wishes of the trustor.

There are many types of trusts, including revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, charitable trusts, and living trusts. The specific terms of a trust will depend on the type of trust being created and the goals of the trustor.

To create a trust, the trustor must transfer ownership of their property to the trustee. This is typically done through a written document called a trust agreement or trust deed. The trust agreement outlines the terms of the trust, including the responsibilities of the trustee, the rights of the beneficiary, and the purpose of the trust.

Once the trust has been established, the trustee is responsible for managing the assets in the trust according to the terms of the trust agreement. This may involve investing the assets, distributing income or principal to the beneficiary, or making decisions about the use of the assets.

The beneficiary of the trust has the right to receive the benefits of the trust, as outlined in the trust agreement. This may include the right to receive income from the assets in the trust, or the right to receive the assets outright at a later date.

Trusts can be a useful tool for managing assets, protecting property, and ensuring that assets are distributed according to the wishes of the trustor. They can be particularly useful for those who want to ensure that their assets are distributed to their intended beneficiaries in a tax-efficient manner or who want to protect their assets from creditors or lawsuits. However, trusts can be complex and it is important to seek legal advice when creating or managing a trust.

What is the difference between a trust and a will?

A trust is a legal arrangement in which one person, called the trustee, holds legal title to property for the benefit of another person, called the beneficiary. A trust can be created during a person’s lifetime or it can be created in a will, which takes effect after the person’s death.

A will, on the other hand, is a legal document that specifies how a person’s assets will be distributed after their death. A will also appoints a personal representative, also known as an executor, who is responsible for carrying out the provisions of the will.

There are several key differences between trusts and wills:

1. Timing: A trust can be created at any time, while a will only takes effect after a person’s death.
2. Property ownership: In a trust, the trustee holds legal title to the property for the benefit of the beneficiary. In a will, the personal representative is responsible for distributing the deceased person’s assets according to the provisions of the will.
3. Administration: A trust is administered by the trustee, who is responsible for managing the trust property and distributing it according to the terms of the trust. A will is administered by the personal representative, who is responsible for carrying out the provisions of the will.
4. Probate: Property that is held in trust does not have to go through the probate process, which is the legal process of transferring a person’s assets to their beneficiaries after their death. In contrast, property that is not held in trust may have to go through probate before it can be distributed to the beneficiaries.
5. Privacy: Because trusts are not subject to the probate process, they are generally considered to be more private than wills.

It’s important to note that trusts and wills can be used together in an estate plan to achieve a variety of goals, such as minimizing taxes, protecting assets, and providing for loved ones. An attorney or financial advisor can help you determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

How do I create a trust?

Creating a trust requires some careful planning and legal documentation. Here are the general steps involved in creating a trust:

1. Determine the purpose of the trust: The first step in creating a trust is to determine what you want the trust to achieve. Do you want to protect your assets, provide for your loved ones, or minimize taxes? Understanding the purpose of the trust will help you determine the type of trust that is best for your needs.
2. Choose a trustee: The trustee is the person or entity responsible for managing the trust and carrying out its provisions. You should choose a trustee who is trustworthy, responsible, and capable of managing the trust property.
3. Choose a beneficiary: The beneficiary is the person or entity that will receive the benefits of the trust. You can choose one or more beneficiaries, and you can specify the terms under which they will receive the trust property.
4. Identify the trust property: The trust property is the assets that will be held in the trust. This can include things like real estate, stocks, and personal property.
5. Create the trust document: The trust document is a legal document that outlines the terms of the trust, including the purpose of the trust, the trustee and beneficiary, and the trust property. It is important to have the trust document prepared by an attorney who is experienced in trust law.
6. Fund the trust: Once the trust document is complete, you will need to transfer ownership of the trust property to the trustee. This can be done by transferring ownership of the assets to the trust or by designating the trust as the beneficiary of certain assets, such as life insurance policies or retirement accounts.
7. Manage and maintain the trust: Once the trust is created and funded, the trustee will be responsible for managing the trust property and distributing it according to the terms of the trust. It is important to review the trust periodically to ensure that it is still meeting your needs and achieving your goals.

Creating a trust can be a complex process, and it is important to seek the advice of an attorney or financial advisor to ensure that your trust is properly structured and meets your needs.