Monday, September 19, 2011
Five Myths About "Living Trusts"
Is the Revocable Living Trust, sometimes just called a Living Trust, the ultimate estate planning tool? It depends who you ask, and what state you’re in.
In Pennsylvania, Living Trusts aren’t used commonly as an estate planning tool. Instead, practitioners in Pennsylvania, as well as clients, tend to favor Wills as the fundamental estate planning tool.
Here are five myths about Living Trusts in Pennsylvania:
Myth #1: Living Trusts save, reduce or avoid taxes:
A Living Trust is NOT a tax reduction or avoidance strategy. You simply cannot avoid estate or inheritance taxes by using a living trust. It used to be that more people were effected by the federal estate tax, and that married couples could reduce their estate tax by using credit shelter trusts. But you could do the same thing in a Will!
Myth #2: They prevent estate challenges:
A Will is easier to challenge than a Living Trust, because a Will is probated and is public. However, just because a Living Trust isn’t probated, doesn’t mean it can’t be challenged in court. It just takes a little more time, effort and money to do so.
Myth #3: They avoid probate because probate should be avoided:
Pennsylvania probate is pretty simple, and a run-of-the-mill estate can be probated by the Executor him or herself without the help of an attorney. So probate shouldn't necessarily be avoided at all costs and you shouldn't be scared of probate in PA. Yes, living trusts avoid probate, but your living trust must be 100% funded with ALL of your stuff to do that! Even missing ONE small bank account means your loved ones will have to go through probate. Anyway, probate is not a big deal in Pennsylvania, unlike in other states such as California (yes, living trusts are popular there because probate is a COURT supervised process!).
Myth #4: A Living Trust will make things easier at the end of my life:
Not really… It is probably takes just as much work to probate the will, settle the estate, etc., as it does to manage an ongoing trust. Trusts need to comply with many rules, tax returns must be filed annually for trusts, and more. A living trust will usually require the help and services of a professional.
Myth #5: I need a living trust to shelter assets from nursing home costs:
A living trust would NOT be a good tool to use if you want to shelter some of your assets from being spent down by nursing homes. You need to use a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, which is IRREVOCABLE, and establish and fund this trust when you’re still healthy. A living trust used in a situation like this would be a disservice to you and your family.
LIVING TRUSTS MAKE SENSE IN SOME SITUATIONS, BUT NOT ALL SITUATIONS. Estate planning is an individual process that's unique for everyone. A qualified attorney can help guide you to what estate planning tools you need.
Want more information on what estate planning tools make sense for you? Call us today at (215) 706-0200 to schedule your complimentary visit.