How Does a Trust Work?

A Living trust is a revocable trust that is set up during your life. Living trusts are also commonly referred to as "revocable trusts," "inter vivos trusts," and a host of other names. Basically any revocable trust is a "living trust."

A living trust is a separate legal entity created through the appropriate legal documents to hold assets. Once created, the goal will be to make sure your assets are titled in the name of your living trust. You, as the Trustee of your living trust, maintain complete control of the trust (and assets) during your life and can add or remove assets as you wish. Upon your death, the assets in the trust are distributed by the successor trustee (usually your spouse or another loved one) to your named beneficiaries. All assets in the trust will pass to your named beneficiaries without having to go through the probate process. 

Many people refer to a living trust as their estate plan. This is incorrect. A living trust is actually a single document - and is just one part of an estate plan. Good estate planning takes more than just a living trust. The following is a brief description of each of the documents we include in our estate plans: 

• The Living Trust
  A living trust is a separate legal entity created through  the appropriate legal documents. A well drafted living trust is usually rather lengthy. In it you spell out how you would like the assets of your trust (your property) handled or distributed in the case of your incapacity or death. This is where you will name your successor trustees and beneficiaries (heirs). Essentially, this is where your wishes and desires regarding your estate are detailed. 
• Summary or Synopsis
  The synopsis is summarized version of the main provisions of your living trust. The summary includes quick references to trustees, beneficiaries, disposition of property and more.  The fact is that most people do not have the patience or desire to understand the legal language and  mechanics of estate planning documents. A good summary or synopsis is essential.    
• Trust Certifications
  Since a trust is a separate entity, most banks, investment companies, and County Recorder, will need a copy of the trust to open or close accounts or transfer property. You can provide them with a copy of the actual trust, but all they really need is the authorizing information contained in a Trust Certification. By providing a trust certification instead of the copy of the trust, you keep your privacy.
• Pour Over Will(s)
  The purpose of a pour over will is to provide testamentary instructions that all assets inadvertently left outside your living trust be "poured over" into your living trust. Keep in mind that the goal is to have all the appropriate assets inside the living trust so that probate is completely avoided. Nevertheless, this document serves as a safety net or catch-all in case any assets remain out side the trust.
• Assignment of Personal Property
  You may own many untitled items such as furniture, clothing, jewelry, and such. These items can be transferred into the trust by use of an assignment of personal property.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Business Affairs
  In addition to the living trust you will also need a durable power of attorney. The purpose of this document is for you to name a person, usually a spouse or loved one, that you authorize to conduct your affairs should you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to handle your affairs yourself. This document is sometimes called a "springing power of attorney" because the "power" granted to the person you name "springs to life" only in the event of your incapacity.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Medical Decisions
  Like the Power of Attorney for Business Affairs, the purpose of this document is for you to name a person, usually a spouse or loved one, that you authorize to make medical decision on your behalf should you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make your own decisions.  
• Advance Medical Directive
  The purpose of an advance directive is to provide instructions to your medical doctors regarding the withdrawal of treatment and/or the ending of your life if you are irreversibly terminal or brain-dead.
• Nomination of Guardian for Minor Children (where applicable)
  In situations where the appointment of a guardian for minor children become necessary, this document instructs the court who to appoint. 
• Situation Specific Documents
  In addition to the main documents above, each estate and family situation will dictate additional documents that are necessary. This is exactly why it is important to discuss your estate planning needs with a qualified estate planning attorney. This is also why each estate plan we do starts with an in depth attorney-client consultation.

 In the first consultation meeting with a new client, either attorney Williamson or attorney Gentilini will personally take the time to fully explain each of these documents, why they are needed, and how each one works. It is important to us that our clients actually understand their documents and are comfortable with their estate planning.