Trust Planning Attorney in Dallas

It feels overwhelming enough to plan for the future, a home, children, college, even retirement. There is always something on the horizon to worry about or plan for. While many people are wrapped up in “what comes next,” they tend to neglect thinking about the inevitable. As the saying goes, nothing is certain except for death and taxes, and although many of us don’t want to think about death, building a solid strategy for our passing is a must. Don’t leave your loved ones in limbo or battling it out in the courts. Planning for the inevitable, no matter how far down the road it may be, is a smart move for you and your family.

A trust can be an effective estate planning tool that allows you to distribute your property and assets as you see fit and ensure that your family and beneficiaries are taken care of. Not sure where to start? The Dallas trust planning lawyers at Staubus and Randall can help. We have over 100 years of combined experience in estate planning, probate, and litigation. This powerful knowledge, combined with our detailed, strategic planning, means that your estate and your family’s future are in good hands.

Contact our office today at 214-691-3411 to schedule a consultation. We can review your situation and help you find the best solutions to fit your trust planning needs.

What Is a trust?

A trust is a legally binding agreement that allows for a third party, called a trustee, to hold and oversee the distribution of assets to named beneficiaries. The individual who establishes the trust is known as the grantor or the settlor. One of the main benefits of establishing a trust is the fact that trusts typically avoid probate, a sometimes lengthy process. By avoiding going through probate, beneficiaries have the ability to gain access to the assets of the trust more quickly. Not only does this method save time, but it may also save in court fees and can potentially reduce estate taxes as well.

Different Types of Trusts

There are a variety of different trust options that an individual may establish for the distribution of their estate. Determining which one is right for you can seem like a complicated and daunting task. Talking about your options with an experienced estate attorney is the best way to determine what option is right for your needs. Having the help of an estate lawyer now also means that your family may be able to avoid lengthy and costly court battles down the road.

Unfortunately, after the passing of a loved one, there are many ways in which a trust can be disputed, especially if it was ill-prepared. In order to feel secure in the knowledge that your loved ones are provided for, it is important to establish your trust with the help of an attorney you can trust.

To help you get started, here is a breakdown of some of the more common types of trusts:

Living Trust

A living trust is created by the grantor during their lifetime. Typically, the grantor will keep the power to change or revoke the terms of the trust until their passing. At the time of passing, the trust becomes irrevocable and can no longer be changed in any way. After the grantor’s death, the trustee takes charge of managing and distributing the assets of the trust.

Testamentary Trust

A testamentary trust is one that is outlined in a will. The trust is created by the will after the grantor dies. Since the trust is created through the will itself, the assets and funds will be subject to probate.

Charitable Remainder Trust

Also known as a CRT, this form of trust allows for an income stream for a certain period of time and stipulates that any remaining funds go to a charity of the grantor’s choosing. With appreciated assets, donors are able to sell the assets without facing capital gains taxes.

Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust

An ILIT trust is designed to exclude life insurance proceeds from the grantor’s taxable estate. It also provides liquidity to the estate or the beneficiaries of the estate. This form of trust can be used to give estates of certain sizes or value a tax savings.

Crummey Trust

This form of trust is primarily used to make gifts of assets to children over a period of time. This provides children with funds while sheltering the money from gift taxes as long as the gift’s value is equal to or less than the allowed annual exclusion amount. A Crummey trust also allows the beneficiary to make withdrawals over a given span of time, such as 30 days after the transfer.

Trusts also vary by whether they are revocable or irrevocable. A revocable trust means that the trust is flexible and can be changed at any time. This form of trust becomes irrevocable upon the death of the grantor. An irrevocable trust typically means that it cannot be altered after it has been executed. Once this type of trust has been established, the grantor loses control over the assets, and the terms cannot be changed, and the trust cannot be dissolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it’s best to talk to an estate planning attorney about your specific questions and circumstances, we’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions we receive.

Do I need an attorney to plan my trust?

Depending on your circumstances and the type of trust you want to establish, it can get be difficult to navigate the legal aspects of setting up a trust. An attorney can help you understand all of the options available to you and the financial benefits and ramifications of those options, such as tax benefits. Even one mistake in setting up a trust can set up your beneficiaries for lengthy legal battles after you are gone.

Is it better to set up a trust or have a will?

The answer is, it depends on your situation. There are a number of instances where a trust may fit your particular needs better. In some cases, people set up both a will and a trust in order to distribute different assets and valuables. Talking over your situation with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney will give you a better idea of how to set up your estate and transfer your possessions and assets to those you care about.

When do I need to start thinking about establishing a trust?

There is no time like the present. Many times, an individual waits until a catastrophic life event happens before they begin to think about how they want their estate to be handled and distributed. It is always better to plan ahead than it is to wait until something terrible happens. One of the pitfalls that can happen if you wait to establish a trust is the fact that it may be more likely to be contested after your passing. If you are making plans while you are dealing with a serious life event or a serious medical condition, the plans you make could be contested by your beneficiaries. They may try to claim you lacked the mental capacity to establish and understand the elements of the trust.

Is it expensive to set up a trust?

Cost can vary because of a variety of factors. In general, the cost of establishing a trust is greatly dependent on the complexity of your financial situation and the number of your assets. Initially, a trust may be more expensive to set up than a standard will, but it may save money in the long run, since probate is avoided. An experienced estate attorney will be able to give you a better idea of what your legal options are in establishing a trust. The cost for peace of mind that your loved ones are taken care of can be beyond measure.

How do I know what trust option is best for me?

An experienced estate attorney will be able to review your situation and advise you on the legal options that are right for you. At Staubus and Randall we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution to your estate planning. We take the time to get to know you, your situation, and your goals before helping you determine what type of trust is right for you.

Why Choose Staubus and Randall to Establish a Trust?

You want what’s best for your family and your estate. The first step towards that goal may be to establish a trust. Establishing a trust can be a complicated task depending on your financial situation and assets. Don’t trust your valuables and your family’s livelihood after your passing to just anyone. When it comes to estate planning, experience matters.

The legal team at Staubus and Randall doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to estate planning. We listen to your wants and needs, and customize a plan to fit your goals, whether that is to leave a gift to charity, minimize a tax burden, or provide for future generations. Our highly experienced team will strategically craft a trust that you can count on. Contact our office today at 214-691-3411 to schedule an initial consultation.