Living Trust Save For Free

A living trust isn't absolutely necessary for everyone but it will certainly help if, for instance, you have a lot of assets, you own property in more than one state, or you have an extended family where things could be more complicated. Also, it's not just a question of how much money or property you have.

Its primary purpose is to avoid probate court, since revocable living trusts do not reduce estate taxes. With a revocable trust, your assets will not be protected from creditors looking to sue. That's because you maintain ownership of the trust while you're alive.

A living trust isn't absolutely necessary for everyone but it will certainly help if, for instance, you have a lot of assets, you own property in more than one state, or you have an extended family where things could be more complicated. Also, it's not just a question of how much money or property you have.

Drawbacks of a Living TrustPaperwork. Setting up a living trust isn't difficult or expensive, but it requires some paperwork.Record Keeping. After a revocable living trust is created, little day-to-day record keeping is required.Transfer Taxes.Difficulty Refinancing Trust Property.No Cutoff of Creditors' Claims.

A living trust does not protect your assets from a lawsuit. Living trusts are revocable, meaning you remain in control of the assets and you are the legal owner until your death.

The living trust can keep your home safe from your creditors and from any lawsuits that might be brought against you, but you need to make sure the legal document creating the trust is properly drafted so that your home is also protected from any lawsuits that might be brought against your beneficiaries.

Potential Disadvantages Even modest bank or investment accounts named in a valid trust must go through the probate process. Also, after you die, your estate may face more expense, as the trust must file tax returns and value assets, potentially negating the cost savings of avoiding probate.