Understanding Trusts: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Assets and Legacy
Trusts play a crucial role in estate planning, helping individuals protect their assets, provide for loved ones, and ensure that their wealth is managed according to their wishes. Whether you're creating a revocable trust for flexibility during your lifetime or an irrevocable trust for asset protection, understanding the different types of trusts is essential for making informed decisions.
At KEYTLaw, we help clients navigate the complexities of trust creation, ensuring that their assets and families are protected. Here, we'll explore the different types of trusts, their purposes, and how they can benefit you.
What Is a Trust?
At its core, a trust is a legal contract between three parties:
- Trustmaker: The person who creates the trust and places assets into it. Also known as the grantor, settlor, or trustor.
- Trustee: The individual or entity responsible for managing the assets placed in the trust. The trustee must act in the best interest of the beneficiary and follow the terms laid out in the trust agreement.
- Beneficiary: The person or entity who benefits from the assets held in the trust. The trustee manages the trust according to the beneficiary's needs and the trustmaker’s instructions.
Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts: What’s the Difference?
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when creating a trust is whether to establish a revocable or irrevocable trust. These two types of trusts serve different purposes and offer varying levels of flexibility and protection.
- Revocable Trust:
A revocable trust can be amended or revoked by the trustmaker during their lifetime. This flexibility makes it a