Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning
Estate Planning Attorney Miami
Estate planning can be difficult to think about, but it’s something everyone should do. While you have probably heard the terms “will” and “trust,” many people do not know what they are and the appropriate uses for each document. Wills and trusts are both used to plan for what happens to your assets after you are gone, but they serve different purposes.
A will is a legal document that states what you want to happen to your assets and who will raise your minor children after you die.
A trust is a different tool. There are two basic types of trusts; a living trust and a testamentary trust. A living trust is an agreement you make with a trustee who holds legal title to your property. It is created and goes into effect while you are still alive. A testamentary trust is a trust that goes into effect upon your death and is often embedded in a will.
Wills and living trusts have some basic similarities: They both distribute property to beneficiaries. In both a will and a trust, you can provide instructions on how to distribute your property upon your death. Both can be revised. If you wish to make changes, wills and revocable trusts both can be revised any time prior to your death as long as you remain mentally sound.
The differences include that a will requires the appointment of an executor. This person, who is under court supervision, will be in charge of administering your estate after you die, including resolving any claims from creditors, finalizing any legal matters, and distributing your remaining assets to beneficiaries. A will goes into effect only after you die. If you become disabled, physically or mentally, a guardianship may need to be established to manage your estate. A will allows the appointment of a guardian for minor children. A will also requires probate. Probate is a legal process, supervised by the court, where your will is validated, all of your debts are settled, and your remaining assets are distributed to your beneficiaries. The probate process may take several months to complete. And lastly, a will is generally easier to set up than a trust.
Wills and trusts are both legal documents that the firm will use to help you and your family achieve your estate planning goals. Often, they are used together. For example, a trust may be drafted within a will to provide for minor children. And, a will is often used to make sure that any assets not transferred to a living trust during your lifetime are transferred to your trust upon death. Wherever you may be in the process of planning for your estate, it is best to educate yourself and stay informed. Tax and probate laws vary from state to state. Our Miami estate planning attorneys are here to guide you through this process and to give you peace of mind that your loved ones will be properly protected.
In contrast, a living trust takes effect immediately. As soon as you create and transfer your property into it, a living trust is in effect. It requires transfer of property into the trust. Property is not transferred directly to your beneficiaries, it must first be transferred into the trust you have created. Typically, for personal property, you can do an assignment of your property to the trust. However, assets such as real estate, automobiles, and non-tax-qualified financial accounts may need to be retitled into the name of the trust. If you do not transfer assets into your trust during your lifetime, the assets may still need to go through probate court. Trusts are a good way to avoid probate. If property is properly transferred to the trust during your lifetime, it will generally avoid probate upon death, which can often expedite the administration process. Trusts require the appointment of a trustee. This person is in charge of the assets held in the trust and distributes them after your death. The position is similar to an executor of a will. To maintain control of your property while you are still alive, you may serve as the initial trustee. You should name a successor trustee to carry out your wishes if you become disabled or upon your death. A trust also maintains privacy after death. Since a will typically goes through probate, it becomes a public document. A living trust usually does not, and can be used to keep your affairs private. Trusts also offer estate planning flexibility. Because a living trust does not require ongoing court oversight, a trust is often used in situations where an outright distribution of assets to the beneficiaries may not be desirable. This can be for a number of reasons including: age of beneficiary, poor financial management, unstable marriage, or substance abuse or gambling problems.