When you die, what happens to your estate? If you don’t have a will or trust, the state will decide how your estate is distributed. This may not be what you would have wanted.
A will or trust lets you decide who will inherit your estate and how they will receive it. Without a will or trust, the state may distribute your property in a way that you wouldn’t have chosen, such as to your spouse, children, parents, or other relatives.
What is a will?
A will is a legal document that specifies how a person’s property should be distributed after death. Wills can also be used to name a guardian for minor children and to specify funeral arrangements. In order to be valid, a will must meet certain requirements specified by state law.
A written will is the most reliable and certain way to transfer property. However, a will may not be what you would have wanted. A will lets you decide who will inherit your estate and how they will receive it.
What is a trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement in which one person, the trustee, holds legal title to property for the benefit of another person, the beneficiary. The trustee has a duty to manage and protect the property for the benefit of the beneficiary. The beneficiary has a right to receive income from the property and may also have a right to receive principal from time to time.
What is a trust deed?
A trust deed is the legal document used to establish, alter or terminate a trust. It is usually prepared by a lawyer and signed by all parties to the trust.
The benefits of wills and trusts
We all hope to live a long and healthy life, but no one knows when their time will come. That’s why it’s important to have a will and trust in place.
A will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you die.
A trust allows you to designate someone to manage your assets for your benefit if you become incapacitated.
Both wills and trusts can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
How to make a will
Making a will is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. A will allows you to designate who will receive your property and assets after you die, and it can also help ensure that your wishes are carried out with regards to end-of-life care. If you don’t have a will, state law will dictate how your property is distributed, which may not be in accordance with your wishes.
Making a will doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You can create a basic will using a do-it-yourself kit or online service, or you can work with an attorney. However, if you choose to go the do-it-yourself route, be sure to understand that you can actually create more problems than you solve.
How to make a trust
Making a trust can be a great way to ensure that your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes after you die. But trusts can also be used while you’re alive to protect your assets, minimize taxes, and provide for your loved ones. Here are the steps you need to take to make a trust:
- Choose a trustee. The trustee is responsible for administering the trust and distributing the assets according to the terms of the trust.
- Draft the trust agreement. This document lays out the specific terms of the trust, including who will receive the assets and when they will receive them.
- Transfer your assets into the trust. Once the trust is created, you need to transfer your assets into it. This can be done by transferring title or ownership of the assets to the trustee of the trust.
- File the trust document with the state where you created it. You need to file a copy of this document with your local state’s office for record keeping purposes.
The trust is then considered valid and binding on all parties involved.
However, there is much to the act of creating a trust than listed above.
The differences between wills and trusts
When it comes to estate planning, there are two main documents people use: wills and trusts. Though both serve similar purposes, there are important differences between the two.
A will is a document that dictates how a person’s property should be distributed after they die.
A trust, on the other hand, is a legal arrangement in which one person (the trustee) holds property for the benefit of another person or group of people (the beneficiaries).
Here are some of the key differences between wills and trusts:
Wills can only distribution property that is owned by the person who dies. Trusts can distribute not only the deceased person’s property, but also any property that was transferred to the trust during the deceased person’s lifetime.
Wills must go through a formal process called probate in order to be valid. Trusts, on the other hand, are not subject to probate.
Wills don’t have to be recorded in the county courthouse. Trusts must be recorded in the county record of deeds, which is available at most public libraries or county courthouses.
There are many factors that make a will different than a trust. But as you can see, the differences help to cover all of your wishes when it comes to protecting your assets. You should be able to leave your family, friends and loved ones with a simple plan to follow for a comfortable transition to a world without you. Leaving your legacy behind means covering “all of the bases” so that your family can rest easy and have peace of mind.
The costs of wills and trusts
When considering the costs of wills and trusts, there are many factors to take into account. The first cost is the attorney’s fee. This fee can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the complexity of the will or trust.
Another cost is the estate administration fee. This fee is paid to the estate’s executor or trustee and covers the costs of administering the estate. It can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the size and complexity of the estate.
Other potential costs include appraisal fees, legal fees for contests and taxes.
Wills and trusts can be an important way to protect your assets and ensure that your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone.
What we learned about protecting your assets with Wills & Trusts
It is important to have a will and trust in place to ensure your assets are protected.
A will allows you to designate who will inherit your property after your death. A trust allows you to appoint a trustee to manage your property for the benefit of your beneficiaries.
You should work with a professional who understands estate planning, wills and trusts and asset protection to create a will and trust that meets your specific needs. Understanding the laws of Pennsylvania, as well as local needs, will help maximize the legacy you leave behind. It speeds up time for your loved ones to receive the assets that you wish them to have, as well as prevents the state from taking money that they shouldn’t receive.
Beacon Estate Planning And Elder Law LLC has the right solution for your Will & Trust needs. Call us today at (724)60-ELDER, or claim your free consultation now.