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Estate planning is one of the most important steps anyone can take to secure their family’s future. Trusts are a popular tool in estate planning, used to manage and distribute assets according to a person’s wishes. However, even with the best planning, disputes can arise. Understanding the common types of trust disputes and how to prevent them can help families avoid costly legal battles.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common trust disputes, why they happen, and how you can protect what matters most to you! 

What Is a Trust?

Before getting into the most common trust disputes, it is important to define what a trust is. A trust is a legal entity created to hold and manage assets for the benefit of specific individuals or organizations (beneficiaries). There are various types of trusts, but generally, they involve three parties:

1. Grantor: The person who creates the trust and contributes assets.
2. Trustee: The individual or entity responsible for managing the trust assets.
3. Beneficiaries:  The individuals or entities that benefit from the trust.

Trusts are used in estate planning for many reasons, such as avoiding probate, providing for loved ones, and minimizing estate taxes. 

Because trusts involve money and possessions, sometimes they are the cause of arguments among the above mentioned parties or other parties. Here are some of the most common types of trust disputes and what you should know about each one! 

Common Trust Disputes

1. Trustee Mismanagement

One of the most common trust disputes occurs when a trustee is accused of mismanaging the trust’s assets (typically by the beneficiaries). Trustees have a

Estate planning is more than just drafting a will—it's about ensuring that your loved ones and your legacy are protected in the event of your passing. At KEYTLaw, we understand the importance of a well-structured estate plan that covers all aspects of your life, from your financial assets to your healthcare preferences. Here’s what you need to know about comprehensive estate planning and why it’s crucial for your family’s future.

What Does a Comprehensive Estate Plan Include?

A complete estate plan should go beyond the basics of a simple will. It should encompass a variety of legal documents that ensure your wishes are respected, even when you are no longer able to communicate them. Here’s a look at the key components of a comprehensive estate plan:

1. Last Will and Testament – Your will is the cornerstone of your estate plan. It allows you to specify who will inherit your assets and, if you have minor children, who will be their legal guardian. At KEYTLaw, we prepare what is called a pour-over will, which ensures that any assets not transferred to your trust during your lifetime will be added to your trust upon your death.
2. Living Trust – A living trust is another essential element of estate planning, especially if you want to avoid the lengthy and costly probate process. A trust allows your assets to be transferred directly to your beneficiaries without the need for court intervention. At KEYTLaw, we offer different types of trusts depending on your unique situation, including irrevocable trusts for blended families and family trusts for large estates.
3. Financial Power of Attorney –
   

Estate planning is often viewed as a task for the distant future, but it is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your family's financial well-being today, while you still have time. When it comes to estate planning, you don’t want any of your loved ones to suffer as a result of something you did wrong. Unfortunately, many people make critical mistakes during the estate planning process. 

This article takes a look at ten estate planning mistakes that people commonly make and ways to help you avoid them. With thoughtful and thorough consideration, along with some experienced guidance, you can ensure that you create an estate plan that is guaranteed to carry out your wishes and safeguard your loved ones the way you intended. Let’s get started!

1. Starting Too Late

Why this is a mistake:

Delaying your estate plan puts your loved ones at risk. If you wait until health issues make it hard to make clear choices, or if you wait too long and are simply unable to complete them, you might die or become incapacitated without having prepared your estate for your loved ones’ benefit.

How to avoid it:

Get started early in your estate planning, even if you are still young and healthy or haven’t yet accumulated all the wealth you plan to leave to your heirs someday. Your basic plan can be modified as your situation changes, whether through marriage, the birth of a child, or other financial shifts. 

2. Failing to Create a Will

Why this is a mistake:

Without a will, your property would pass by intestate succession according