Utah Trust

Typically, when a married couple utilizes a Revocable Living Trust based estate plan, each spouse creates and funds his or her own separate Revocable Living Trust. This results in two trusts. However, in the right circumstances, a married couple may be better served by creating a single Joint Trust.

Joint trusts are easier to fund and maintain.In a joint trust, after the death of the first spouse, the surviving spouse has complete control of the assets. When separate trusts are used, the deceased spouses' trust becomes irrevocable and the surviving spouse has limited control over assets.

Q: Can a person have more than one trust? A: Yes, it is not that uncommon for a person to be the beneficiary of multiple trusts. However, caution should be used. Trusts come in many shapes and sizes and can serve multiple purposes and can be established by you or by someone else for your benefit.

Houses and other real estate (even if they're mortgaged) stock, bond, and other security accounts held by brokerages (but think about naming a TOD beneficiary instead) small business interests (stock in a closely held corporation, partnership interests, or limited liability company shares)

The process of funding your living trust by transferring your assets to the trustee is an important part of what helps your loved ones avoid probate court in the event of your death or incapacity. Qualified retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs, and annuities, should not be put in a living trust.

Pick a type of living trust. If you're married, you'll first need to decide whether you want a single or joint trust. Take stock of your property. Choose a trustee. Draw up the trust document. Sign the trust. Transfer your property to the trust.

In California, surviving spouses already receive all of the community property upon the death of their spouse.However, creating a joint will is still an option in California, and while it might help a couple save some time and money on their estate plan, it can also lead to some complex problems.

Q: Can a person have more than one trust? A: Yes, it is not that uncommon for a person to be the beneficiary of multiple trusts. However, caution should be used. Trusts come in many shapes and sizes and can serve multiple purposes and can be established by you or by someone else for your benefit.