An irrevocable trust is just like it sounds — irrevocable. In other words, once you create the trust and transfer assets to it, you can't dismantle the trust and take back the assets. In this sense, the trust cannot be changed, modified or taken apart by anyone,...
Trusts
The benefits of a living trust when compared to a will
When creating an estate plan, you'll come to find that there are many ways to pass on your assets upon your death. Although it's a big decision, with the right information guiding you, it won't be long before you have a clear idea of what to do next. One of the first...
4 benefits of leaving money in a trust
Deciding how to leave your money to your heirs is important. Many people assume that it simply involves writing a will stating who gets what assets, and that's the end of it.Certainly, you can do it this if you want, but you do have many other options. For example,...
Setting up a trust: Understand the process from the start
Adding a trust to your estate plan is a big decision, as this will alter the moves you make today and in the future. It also changes what happens to your estate upon your passing.If you're interested in setting up a trust, it's important to understand the process for...
Should I consider a spendthrift trust for an adult child?
Not all trust grantors need to fund spendthrift trusts for their heirs, but they can be ideal when the heirs have proven themselves to be less than fiscally responsible.For instance, suppose you have two adult children -- a son and a daughter. Your daughter has always...
Here are the top benefits of living trusts
There are many options when creating an estate plan and no one-size-fits-all solution. While that may complicate the process, it allows individuals to tailor their estate plans to meet their unique circumstances.Depending on your situation, you may come to realize...
What is an incentive trust, and do I need one?
Are you putting off your estate-planning efforts in the hope that one of your beneficiaries will develop some financial restraint or learn how to manage his or her fiscal affairs? There is a possible solution that will allow you to quit delaying your estate planning...
Do you have a durable financial power of attorney?
There is a lot to think about when creating an estate plan, including what will happen to you and your finances in the event you become incapacitated.There are many ways to protect yourself, with the use of a durable financial power of attorney at the top of the...
What do ‘joint tenancy’ and ‘tenancy in common’ mean?
"Joint tenancy" and "tenancy in common" are property ownership arrangements used when a property has two or more owners. In cases of joint ownership of a property, it will be established whether the multiple owners will hold the property as tenants in common or as...
Financial planning for a child with special needs: 1 man’s story
There's no way to predict that you're going to have a child with special needs. You simply decide to have a baby, and hope for the best. Then, on the off-chance a special needs baby is born, the parents respond in beautiful ways to make sure their child has best and...