A beneficial trust has become a popular option in estate planning because of its benefits. It’s time for you to consider having a living trust as part of your estate plan. Here are some of the benefits of beneficial trusts so you can make that decision.
Avoids Probate
Probate is a court-mandated process of distributing the deceased person’s finances. Depending on the assets, estate, and individuals involved, probate is the longest process. It delays financial distributions to your beneficiaries and reduces the amount of what they’ll inherit.
When you include your property in your living trust, you avoid the probate process. This allows the successor trustee to distribute the assets without the court getting involved. This will provide a faster distribution of assets to your beneficiaries in a shorter amount of time. The entire process typically takes months or years but can be shortened to just weeks.
This is desirable if the property you own is in another state. You can pass it onto your beneficiary and you wouldn’t be subject to the probate process for that state.
Saves You Money
A beneficial trust can help you save money in the long run. If an individual comes forward to claim it, you’ll still get to keep it. A living trust is known to last longer than a will. However, the entire process of making a living trust costs more than the time it takes to make a will.
This complex legal document requires more work than a will. You also have to provide funding to your assets or transfer ownership over to that trust. You can add or remove a beneficiary on your IRA, 401(k) plan, or life insurance plan, all which of requires its own paperwork.
Living trusts may be a lot of work, but they help couples save money in the end. They can create joint living trusts, which isn’t much of a difference with an estate or income tax savings that includes a living trust.
Protects Your Assets
As previously mentioned, avoiding the probate process is one of the biggest benefits of beneficial trusts. A living trust is a private legal document that’s only between the mentioned parties and is not found in public records. No one can find out about the distribution of your assets in public records. A will is a public record, so is everything that comes with it.
Assists in Debilitation
In the event that you become ill or debilitated, the beneficiary can manage your financial assets without the court intervening. You’ll be able to a court case in which a judge appoints a conservator to handle your financial affairs. Since living trusts are capable of being revoked, you can have to prove that you can retain control of your financial affairs.
Provides Peace of Mind
A living trust addresses what would happen with your assets. This prevents you from removing someone from your inheritance and protects your assets from particular individuals. It’ll also allow you to provide care to a loved one with a disability.
These things will give you greater peace of mind in the future. You’ll know that your assets will be handled as you wished. This trust can provide comfort to your family members during an already emotional time.
If you’re ready to create a beneficial trust, now is the time to take control of your assets. Think about the people you want to inherit to and who you want to pick as your beneficiaries. Setting up your trust doesn’t have to take much of your time. There are plenty of online living trust forms that can guide you through the process.