Trusts

Trusts – An Effective Estate Planning Tool

When it comes to estate planning, wills are a familiar starting point, addressing property distribution and guardianship decisions. However, there are situations where a trust may serve as a more effective estate planning tool.

Understanding Trusts

in Wisconsin

A trust is a legal arrangement specifying how your assets are to be distributed, often without the need for a probate court’s involvement. Unlike wills, trusts can take effect during your lifetime, after your passing, or in the event of your incapacitation. They offer flexibility in achieving various estate planning goals, such as asset transfer, estate tax reduction, safeguarding assets for minors, or supporting charitable causes.

Benefits of Trusts

For Your Family

Trusts provide specificity and control over asset distribution, making them ideal for those with distinct wishes for their estate. They also offer solutions for tax planning and safeguarding assets in cases of incapacity. Specialized trusts can address unique estate planning goals.

The Reason to Choose a Trust Over a Will

in Wisconsin

Unlike wills, trusts offer flexibility in addressing incapacity concerns and allow you to specify how and when your assets are distributed. Wills, on the other hand, only take effect after death and may require probate, which can be costly and time-consuming.

A revocable living trust is one of the most common estate planning tools, allowing you to retain control over your assets while specifying their management upon your passing or incapacitation. An irrevocable trust, once established, cannot be altered, and can serve to reduce estate tax liability. Trusts can be tailored to various needs, such as providing for beneficiaries with financial challenges, protecting assets from creditors, or preserving the generation-skipping tax exemption.

Trust Considerations and Misconceptions

To Avoid

While trusts offer many advantages, there are trade-offs to consider. Establishing a trust can be more expensive and complex than creating a will, especially if extensive discussions are needed with an attorney. However, these front-end costs can often save heirs money by avoiding probate. Additionally, trusts can be beneficial regardless of the size of your estate, dispelling the misconception that they are only for the wealthy. Communicating the existence and purpose of a trust to heirs can foster responsible stewardship.