When it comes to choosing a Trust, there is more than one option and the type you choose depends on your current life situation. This can make the process of creating an Estate Plan seem daunting.

 

Eileen and the associates at Kerlin Walsh Law guide you step-by-step through the Estate Plan process and choose the Trust that best protects your assets. We know the laws and will design a plan that addresses your needs.

 

Here’s a look at the basics of ten common Trusts. We hope this gives you an idea of which ones might fit into your Estate Plan.

 

  1. Bypass Trusts. Commonly referred to as Credit Shelter Trust, Family Trust or B Trust. Bypass Trusts do just that: bypass the surviving spouse’s estate to take advantage of tax exclusions and provide asset protection.

 

  1. Charitable Lead Trusts. CLTs are split interest Trusts that provide a stream of income to a charity of your choice for a period of years or a lifetime. Whatever’s left goes to you or your loved ones.

 

  1. Charitable Remainder Trusts. CRTs are split interest Trusts that provide a stream of income to you for a period of years or a lifetime and the remainder goes to the charity of your choice.

 

  1. Special Needs Trusts. SNTs allow you to benefit someone with special needs without disqualifying them for governmental benefits. Federal laws allow special needs beneficiaries to obtain benefits from a carefully crafted Trust without defeating eligibility for government benefits.

 

  1. Generation-Skipping Trusts. GSTs allow you to distribute your assets to your grandchildren, or even to later generations, without paying the generation-skipping tax.

 

  1. Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts. GRATs are irrevocable Trusts that are used to make large financial gifts to family members while limiting Estate and gift taxes.

 

  1. Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts. ILITs are designed to exclude life insurance proceeds from the deceased’s Estate for tax purposes. However, proceeds are still available to provide liquidity to pay taxes, equalize inheritances, fund buy-sell agreements or provide an inheritance.

 

  1. Marital Trusts. Marital Trusts are designed to provide asset protection and financial benefits to a surviving spouse. Trust assets are included in his or her Estate for tax purposes.

 

  1. Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trusts. QTIPs initially provide income to a surviving spouse, and upon his or her death, the remaining assets are distributed to other named beneficiaries. These are commonly used in second marriage situations and to maximize Estate and generation-skipping tax exemptions and tax planning flexibility.

 

  1. Testamentary Trusts. Testamentary Trusts are created in a Will. These Trusts are created upon an individual’s death and are commonly used to provide for a beneficiary. They are commonly used when a beneficiary is too young, has medical or drug issues or may be a spendthrift. Trusts also provide asset protection from lawsuits brought against the beneficiary.

 

There are many types of Trusts available, and although this may be confusing, Kerlin Walsh Law is here to help you select which Trusts, if any, are a good fit for you.

 

Call us today at 877.718.2701 to schedule a consultation, where you can share your goals and provide insight into your family and financial situation. From this information, we will design a plan that incorporates the best documents to address your circumstances.

 

We look forward to hearing from you!