types of trusts
Some types of trusts we administer:
- Living Trust – This is established during your lifetime and may continue after your death. This strategy is often used to provide financial management in the event that you become incapacitated.
- Testamentary Trust – These trusts are created by your will to assure longer-term fulfillment of your wishes. They are commonly used to support and protect your family. These trusts can provide whatever level of flexibility you desire.
- Charitable Trust – A charitable trust can be established during your lifetime or upon your death. This trust can benefit a charity of your choice and can provide significant tax advantages.
- Supplemental Needs Trust – A trust set up for a person with a disability to supplement any benefits the person with the disability may receive from government programs.
Getting Started
The first step to sound estate planning is to have a will or trust, or possibly both, in place, even if you don’t have substantial assets. These documents ensure that your property is passed on according to your wishes. Wills and trusts may also limit estate taxes and legal challenges. Other important documents you should have as you build your estate plan include a durable power of attorney, beneficiary designations and a healthcare power of attorney, among others. Our knowledgeable advisors are sensitive to your needs and are determined to serve you exceptionally well.
We suggest you familiarize yourself with the following estate planning-related terms and definitions.
- Trustee: When you create your living trust, you will be the initial trustee. This permits you to maintain control over your assets.
- Successor Trustee: The person who assumes control of the trust in the event you are unable to continue with your responsibilities.
- Co-Trustee: A trustee of a trust when there is more than one trustee serving at the same time, usually with the same powers and obligations.
- Special Needs Trust: A trust set up for a person with special needs to supplement any benefits the person with special needs may receive from government programs.
- Custodian: A financial institution that holds customers’ securities for safekeeping to minimize the risk of theft or loss.
- Conservator or Executor: A person named to carry out the instructions of a will.