1. Avoids Probate

• Probate is the court-supervised process of settling your estate.

• It can be slow, public, and expensive—lasting months or years.

• A Living Trust is the legal document that allows your assets to bypass probate, so your loved ones can receive their inheritance quickly and seamlessly.

2. Provides Privacy

• A Will becomes public record during probate and all of your assets are listed in the public record which can lead to false claims on your estate.

• A living trust remains private, keeping your financial and family matters confidential.

3. Maintains Control During Incapacity

• With a proper Estate Plan, If you become ill or incapacitated, your successor trustee can step in and manage your affairs without needing a court-appointed guardian or conservator.

4. Speeds Up Asset Distribution

• Probate can take 1 to 2 years to settle an estate.

• With a Living Trust there is no probate delay. Your beneficiaries can access assets much faster—often within weeks instead of months or years.

5. Avoids Multiple Probates for Out-of-State Property

• If you own property in more than one state, a will may require probate in each state.

• A trust consolidates ownership and avoids that hassle.

6. Flexibility and Control Over Distribution

• You can set rules for how and when your assets are distributed (e.g., at certain ages or for specific purposes like education).

• This is especially helpful for minor children, dependents with special needs, or beneficiaries who may not be financially responsible.

7. Can Help with Estate Tax Planning

• While many estates fall below the federal estate tax threshold, a trust can include strategies to reduce taxes for larger estates.

8. Easily Revocable

• A revocable living trust can be changed or canceled at any time during your life, giving you full flexibility.

Contact me today to set up a no cost consultation to see if a Living Trust is right for you.