Last week a question was asked that comes up often when I talk with someone regarding estate planning with a trust. The question usually begins with something like; “Can’t I accomplish the same thing …?” It’s a similar thought I had when I first learned about Trusts over two decades ago. Since then, with all…
Tag: Living Trust
#15 of 25 Common Estate Planning Mistakes – Pets
Forgetting About Man’s Best Friend Your estate plan can include provisions for your pet. Sadly, many pets end up living out their lives in shelters after their owner’s death because no plan was in place. You can plan for your pet by designating someone who will have custody and providing them with financial support to pay for the pet’s food…
#10 of 25 Common Estate Planning Mistakes
Not Discussing Your Estate Plan with Your Family Many people make the critical error of not discussing their estate planning, and why certain choices were made, with their family prior to their passing. Communication is especially important when your plan includes unequal asset distributions among your children. A failure to communicate often causes hurt feelings…
#7 of 25 Common Estate Planning Mistakes – Trustee/Representative
Naming the Wrong Successor Trustee / Personal Representative Your properly drafted and fully funded living trust may not achieve your goals if your successor trustee fails to follow (or understand) its provisions. Many people name one or more of their adult children as successor trustee without fully considering whether he or she is best suited…
#5 of 25 Common Estate Planning Mistakes – Not Funding
Not Funding Your Living Trust Living trusts must be funded to avoid probate and the need for guardianship. “Funding” a living trust means completing the process of retitling your assets from your individual name to the name of your trust. Funding includes both assets with titles (like real estate) and those without titles (like household…