A trust is a powerful estate planning tool that provides control, privacy, and protection for your assets. Trusts allow you to manage how and when your wealth is distributed while avoiding probate. Whether you're safeguarding assets for loved ones or minimizing taxes, our team helps you create a customized trust that meets your needs and adheres to state-specific laws.
Trusts offer flexibility and protection that go beyond a will. They allow you to:
Trust assets pass directly to beneficiaries without court involvement.
Shield wealth from creditors, lawsuits, and divorce.
Set conditions for when and how beneficiaries receive their inheritance.
Reduce estate and gift taxes through strategic planning.
Unlike wills, trusts are not subject to public record during estate settlement.
Without a will, state intestacy laws determine who inherits your estate, typically prioritizing spouses, children, and other close relatives, often without regard to personal relationships.
While trust laws vary slightly by state, the following types of trusts are commonly recognized across all jurisdictions:
Allows you to maintain control of your assets during your lifetime and seamlessly transfer them to beneficiaries upon death. This trust can be amended or revoked at any time.
Once established, this trust cannot be modified, offering enhanced asset protection and potential tax benefits.
Protects the financial interests of individuals with disabilities while preserving their eligibility for government benefits.
Created through a will and activated after death to manage inheritance for minors or beneficiaries with specific needs.
Each type of trust serves different goals, from avoiding probate to protecting wealth for future generations.
Trusts involve three key roles:
Assets placed in a trust are legally owned by the trust, not the individual, ensuring smooth asset transfer and protection from probate and potential liabilities.
Trusts are often used alongside a will to create a comprehensive estate plan. While a will directs asset distribution, a trust provides more control and protection. Trusts can also:
While some states have specific trust laws, trusts are recognized across all 50 states, making them a versatile tool for estate planning regardless of location.
You might benefit from a trust if you:
Want to simplify the estate settlement process.
Have minor children or beneficiaries with special needs.
Own significant assets, including real estate.
Wish to protect assets from creditors or divorce settlements.
Seek to minimize federal and state estate taxes.
Whether your estate is simple or complex, trusts provide peace of mind, ensuring your wishes are carried out while protecting your loved ones.
A trust is more than just an estate planning tool—it's a way to safeguard your wealth and ensure your wishes are honored. Our experienced team provides personalized guidance to help you create a trust that meets your unique needs while complying with all state-specific legal requirements.
Take control of your legacy—contact us today to learn how a trust can protect your assets and provide for your loved ones with confidence.
© 2025 Law Offices of Clifford M. Cohen | Phone: 202-895-2799
5335 Wisconsin Ave NW #440, Washington, DC 20015