Funding Your Trust

The internet offers all the information and tools we need at our fingertips to create our own estate plan, right? For most people, this is simply not true. Several years ago, Consumer Reports®, an independent nonprofit consumer watchdog group, created wills using the forms provided by DIY websites and asked three law professors to review them. Although the professors found that the wills drafted using the DIY services were better than wills drafted by non-lawyers on their own, they were inadequate to fully meet the needs of most consumers. Although your DIY “estate plan” may initially cost only $49.95, it may end up being much, much more expensive than an estate plan designed by an experienced estate planning attorney.
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Over the years, we’ve discovered that many people make a BIG mistake, catapulting their assets and loved ones right into the court system.  Most of our clients want to avoid probate because it has a reputation for being expensive, time consuming, stressful - and public, meaning anyone anywhere can see who got what and how to contact them. Beneficiaries may become victims to nosey neighbors, predators, and unscrupulous “charities.”

Q:  What’s the one mistake that causes all these problems? 

A:  An unfunded trust.

In this issue you will learn:

• What it means to fund your trust
• What happens to assets left out of your trust
• Which assets should, and should not, be funded into your trust
• How funding your trust will ensure your final wishes are carried out and save your loved ones valuable time, money, and the frustration of going to court – while preserving privacy

Farming or ranching is more than a means of livelihood – it is about preserving a legacy and unique way of life.  Unfortunately, many farmers and ranchers don’t fully protect their legacy with an up to date estate plan. An out of date or inadequate estate plan could result in a farm or ranch that has been passed down for generations ending up being sold and converted into non-agricultural use.

Sadly, farmers and ranchers are not the only ones who avoid making or updating an estate plan – many others, including business owners and parents, also avoid planning, which can cut their legacy short.  In this issue you will learn about three common estate planning mistakes farmers, ranchers, and others make and how you can avoid them.

Planning ahead has obvious benefits. Whether you’re planning a vacation or researching for a job interview, it’s always smart to outline your priorities and anticipate potential challenges that may arise. Planning your estate has similar benefits. With plans clearly established, your wealth and assets are protected should you pass away or become incapacitated. It’s important to be aware, however, that simply meeting with an attorney and signing a trust does not mean your estate planning process is complete.
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A scary health diagnosis can be emotionally and logistically challenging for many reasons. For instance, how can you take care of your family if you’re physically incapacitated? In addition to working closely with your medical providers, consider these three legal tips:

1. Check your estate plan with your attorney to make sure it is up to date.

Do you count yourself among the Read more . . .