The correct strategy for you last will or living trust depends on your individual

circumstances and objectives. A last will determines how your assets pass to your heirs or others

at your death; whereas, a living trust is created in your lifetime and affects your property during

your lifetime and upon your death. If you establish a living trust, then it is advised that you have

a “pour-over will” for any assets that may not be in trust at the time of death.

A last will generally costs less and is very easily established, but cost should not be a

major factor in determining what is the best strategy to implement. A last will with a

testamentary trust should be used by persons with children. It allows the executor to fund the

trust with assets for the health, maintenance, welfare and support of minor children if you and

your spouse pass away together. Other irrevocable trusts may be established by your last will

depending on circumstances.

A living trust also called, “inter vivos,” or “revocable” allows you to maintain full control

of your assets during your lifetime. It allows you to name a successor trustee to manage your

affairs in the case of incapacity, and it allows you to control the distribution of your estate upon

death. A living trust is not a tax saving trust; although, it does allow an individual to avoid the

costly probate process. Probate establishes the validity of a person’s last will, discloses all of

your assets, makes your estate a public record and gives your executor or administrator the

authority to settle your estate.

Basically, after an attorney prepares your living trust document; your assets must get

re-titled to the trust, and by doing so your trust gets funded. This process may be time-consuming

and complicated, but it is absolutely essential to “fund” the trust, otherwise, it will not serve you

or accomplish your goals. Living trust terms may be changed or amended at any time or

completely cancelled. You maintain full control as trustee of your trust.

An irrevocable trust is generally used when advanced estate planning is needed. It is a tax

saving trust with its own tax identification number. It is established in your lifetime or sometimes

may be established by your last will at your death. In any case, you must name a person, or more

than one person or business entity as trustee. You cannot be trustee of your irrevocable trust

because essentially you are giving away assets to the trust and giving up ownership. Your

designated trustee is responsible for carrying out your wishes and distributing your estate upon

death. In addition, the trustee should be filing an income tax return for the trust each year.

The latest legislation, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” which became law this past December

2017 doubled the Federal Estate Tax Exclusion to $11.18 million per person ($22.36 million per

married couple). Federal estate taxes would only be due on estates greater than the exemption.

There are no taxes between spouses, but there are strategies that the people may implement to

preserve both exemptions. In past years, the exclusion amounts were much less, so people with

reasonably large estates often utilized an irrevocable trust to reduce or avoid Federal Estate

Taxes.

When a person establishes an irrevocable trust and re-titles assets placing them into trust;

the assets are removed from the estate. There is a 60-month look-back period for irrevocable

trust assets meaning that assets are not completely out of your estate until that period has

elapsed. If you believe you are in need of advanced estate planning, consider the counsel of an

experienced estate planning professional and tax advisor.

Why is it important to have a last will or living trust? Estate planning is an important part

of your overall financial management strategy allowing you to manage and control your assets in

your lifetime while also providing a distribution strategy for your assets upon death.

A last will prevents your estate or all that you own from going to unintended

beneficiaries. Instead of letting the court decide who gets your assets based on state law; you get

to designate your executor, guardians for children, trustee for any trust established by a will and

all the provisions are based on your wishes.

A revocable living trust allows you to control your assets during your lifetime as well as

disposition of assets upon death. In summary, the main benefits include:

❏ No relinquishment of ownership or control of assets;

❏ Management tool established and used in your lifetime;

❏ Avoids costly probate;

❏ Avoids making your estate assets a public document;

❏ Assists in the case of incapacitation, since a Successor Trustee that you designate

steps in to manage your affairs very easily.

❏ Assets continue to be in trust or are distributed at death by the successor trustee.