What is a Trust?
A trust is a legal structure in which a trustee oversees assets on behalf of beneficiaries. By incorporating a trust into your estate plan, you can dictate how and when your heirs receive their inheritance, potentially bypass the delays and publicity of probate, and minimize tax burdens. Trusts form a core component of comprehensive estate planning, offering both control and clarity as you prepare for the future.
Types of Trusts We Offer
Our firm provides a range of trusts, each serving different planning purposes:
- Revocable Living Trusts: Offers flexibility, allowing you to amend or revoke the trust during your lifetime.
- Irrevocable Trusts: Places assets outside your taxable estate, potentially reducing estate taxes and enhancing asset protection.
- Special Needs Trusts: Ensures that a loved one with disabilities receives vital support without impacting their eligibility for government benefits.
- Charitable Trusts: Enables contributions to meaningful causes while often providing tax advantages and leaving a lasting philanthropic imprint.
Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable living trust suits individuals who want to maintain direct oversight of their assets while easing the inheritance process. You can revise or end the trust as life circumstances change. Upon your passing, trust assets transfer directly to beneficiaries, avoiding probate and safeguarding their privacy.
Irrevocable Trusts for Asset Protection
Irrevocable trusts remove assets from your estate, which may lower estate taxes and protect them from creditors. Our attorneys ensure these trusts comply with Florida law and align with your broader financial security objectives, promoting lasting peace of mind.
Special Needs Trusts for Loved Ones
Special needs trusts secure ongoing financial resources for beneficiaries with disabilities. These trusts maintain eligibility for public benefits while furnishing funds for care, services, and programs that enhance the individual’s well-being. We work with you to tailor these trusts to each beneficiary’s unique circumstances.
Charitable Trusts for Legacy Planning
A charitable trust empowers you to support organizations and initiatives that resonate with your values. Whether establishing a charitable remainder or lead trust, you can simultaneously provide for family members and contribute to worthwhile causes, creating a balanced and enduring legacy.
Why Work with a Trust Attorney?
Creating a trust involves navigating legal nuances and strategic decisions. Our attorneys provide essential guidance by:
- Customizing Trust Terms: Drafting trusts that reflect your personal aims and family considerations.
- Ensuring Compliance: Confirm that all trust documentation meets the requirements of Chapter 736 of the Florida Statutes to prevent future disputes.
- Advising on Taxes: Identifying approaches to minimize estate and gift taxes, preserving more assets for your beneficiaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to create a trust in Sanford?
Costs vary based on the trust’s complexity, type, and attorney fees. Consulting a Sanford-area estate planning attorney helps you receive a personalized estimate that reflects your holdings and goals.
What assets can I transfer into a trust?
You can place various assets—real estate, financial accounts, investments, insurance policies, and personal property—into a trust. Proper funding ensures smooth administration and adherence to your directives.
Can I choose a professional trustee instead of a family member?
Yes, you may select a professional trustee (an attorney, financial advisor, or corporate trustee) to manage your trust, particularly if impartiality, expertise, or family harmony is a priority.
Is it possible to modify a trust as circumstances evolve?
If you have a revocable living trust, you retain the flexibility to amend or revoke it at any point during your lifetime. Irrevocable trusts, however, generally cannot be altered once established.
Do I need legal assistance to create a trust?
While you may find online resources or kits, working with an estate planning attorney ensures the trust is accurately drafted, compliant with legal standards, and aligned with your intentions, reducing potential conflicts in the future.
Looking to Secure Your Future with a Trust?
Reach Out to Kelley Grant & Tanis Today | Explore Our Trusts, Probates & Estates Services
About Sanford
Sanford, Florida, established in 1877, has evolved from its beginnings as an agricultural and transportation hub to a lively city of over 65,000 with a peaceful downtown, cultural attractions, and waterfront. Known as the “Historic Waterfront Gateway City,” Sanford’s identity is shaped by landmarks like the Sanford RiverWalk and the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, which celebrate natural beauty and family-friendly recreation.
