In the ebb and flow of life, one fact remains constant: we must all secure the future. Estate Planning is crucial, particularly when managing and passing on assets in unexpected situations. As part of a comprehensive Estate Plan, a Living Trust is a reliable solution for effectively handling and distributing assets during and after a person’s lifetime.
This blog, from a knowledgeable and experienced Florida Trust Attorney, explains how to start a Living Trust. From Personal Representatives and family members to Trust Administration and Trust Beneficiaries, it provides an overview of the process. Continue reading to learn more, then contact us at to schedule a free consultation.
What is the Primary Purpose of a Living Trust?
A Living Trust is a carefully crafted legal document that allows you to maintain control over your assets even after you pass away, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted distribution of your assets to the Beneficiaries you have assigned. To create a Living Trust, you will need to draft a Trust agreement, appoint a Trustee and name your Beneficiaries. Seek the guidance of an Estate Lawyer who can help you navigate the process and address any estate tax implications and Probate procedures.
You can enjoy several tax advantages by establishing a Living Trust, such as:
- Avoid the Probate process for assets distributed by the Trust
- Manage your assets throughout your life
- Ensure a proper distribution to your Beneficiaries after your death
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The Trust Agreement
The Trust Agreement is a vital legal document that forms the basis of a Living Trust, establishing its rules and conditions. The Grantor, like an architect, expresses their intentions in the Trust documents.
The chosen Trustee is then responsible for managing the property for the Beneficiaries’ benefit. In the event of the Grantor’s passing, the Trust Agreement instructs the Trustee to either distribute the Trust property to the Beneficiaries or continue managing it for their benefit. The Trust takes effect immediately upon its creation and signing, establishing the roles and responsibilities of the Grantor and Trustee as outlined in the Trust Agreement.
Funding the Trust
The essential step in funding a Trust is transferring assets into its name, including real estate, personal property, financial accounts and business interests. Because a Living Trust is versatile, it can hold a wide range of assets, including business interests.
However, if a Living Trust is not adequately funded, any assets not included in the Trust or taxable estate will go through the Probate process after your death. Keep in mind that transferring specific assets, such as a 401(k) or IRA, into a Living Trust may have tax implications.
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What Assets Should Not Be In a Trust?
Although Trusts offer versatility for asset management, particular categories require special attention due to taxation, legal complexities or practical hurdles. The following assets should not be in a Trust:
- Retirement Accounts (401(k)s, IRAs, 403(b)s)
Transferring retirement accounts into a Trust could impact required minimum distributions (RMDs) and tax treatment. - Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs)
HSAs and MSAs often provide specific tax benefits, giving individuals the opportunity to contribute pre-tax dollars and withdraw funds tax-free for qualified medical expenses. Placing these accounts directly into a Living Trust is generally not permitted. However, individuals can designate the Trust as the primary or secondary Beneficiary so that the funds can move into the Trust upon the account holder’s death. - Foreign Assets
You may not include any assets held outside of the United States in your Trust because they may be subject to different laws and regulations than assets held in Florida. Individuals with foreign assets should seek Estate Planning services in the country where those assets are situated. - Cash
When held in a Trust, cash is challenging to track and manage. While you should not place physical cash into a Trust, you can deposit funds into bank accounts, which can be included in a Trust. - Vehicles
While the law does not strictly prohibit vehicles from inclusion in a Trust, they are usually titled in the name of the individual owner; therefore, transferring them to a Trust can be a complex and expensive process.
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Succession Planning
Succession Planning is crucial when establishing a Living Trust. The Successor Trustee is the designated individual responsible for overseeing the Trust if the original Trustee is unable to fulfill their duties or passes away. Their critical responsibilities include administering the Trust, managing Trust assets, distributing assets to Beneficiaries and ensuring the Trust’s terms are followed.
With a Successor Trustee, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that your Trust and financial affairs will be properly managed, and your wishes upheld. The Successor Trustee is named within the Trust document, where the Grantor identifies the initial Trustee who will take on the responsibility of managing the Trust when necessary.
After the Grantor’s death, the Trustee or successor Trustee is tasked with managing and distributing Trust assets to Beneficiaries, handling legal and financial matters, ensuring the Trust’s terms are followed, and maintaining open communication with Beneficiaries. All of these tasks can be completed without the need for Probate court proceedings.
Choosing Between Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts: Which is Right for You?
When it comes to planning your Living Trust, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is whether to opt for a revocable Trust or an Irrevocable Trust. Each option has its advantages and serves a different purpose. Your choice will depend on various factors, including your desired level of control, Asset Protection needs and tax implications.
The Appeal of Revocable Living Trusts: Control and Flexibility
Revocable Living Trusts offer a unique blend of control and flexibility that many find appealing. As the Grantor, you have the freedom to make changes and retain authority over your assets during your lifetime. In the event of incapacity, a Revocable Living Trust ensures that a Successor Trustee manages your assets according to your wishes.
However, not all assets are suitable for transfer into a revocable Living Trust. Certain assets may be better managed outside of the Trust to avoid potential estate tax consequences. For example, transferring a retirement account could have unintended tax implications. Additionally, upon your passing, a Revocable Living Trust typically becomes Irrevocable, with a Successor Trustee taking over the responsibility of fulfilling your wishes.
The Protection Offered by Irrevocable Living Trusts
On the other hand, an Irrevocable Living Trust acts as a protective shield for your assets. By transferring ownership of your assets to the Trust, you make them inaccessible to creditors who may try to settle your debts. This type of Trust can also provide tax benefits through an estate tax exemption, reducing your Estate taxes and lowering your overall tax liability.
However, there are trade-offs associated with Irrevocable Living Trusts. As the Grantor, you relinquish ownership and control of the assets transferred to the Trust. For those seeking a higher level of Asset Protection and tax benefits, this trade-off may be well worth it.
Make an Informed Decision for Your Living Trust
When deciding between a Revocable and an Irrevocable Trust, consider your specific circumstances and goals. Assess your desired level of control, Asset Protection needs and potential tax implications. By understanding the advantages and trade-offs of each option, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
The Siegel Law Group, P.A.: Your Boca Raton Estate Planning Lawyers
Have you been typing “Florida Trust lawyers” into your search bar? Look no further than The Siegel Law Group, P.A. in Boca Raton. For over 22 years, our boutique law firm has been helping families with their Estate Planning concerns, including establishing a Trust, managing Trust assets and making Trust modifications as life circumstances inevitably change. Call us at or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.
I also invite you to pick up a copy of my book, Caught in the Middle: Juggling Your Elderly Parents’ Affairs While Raising Your Own Family, for just 99 cents for information about Elder Care and Medicaid Planning.
Our law firm serves Boca Raton and South Florida. We are here for you and by your side 24/7.
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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
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