Part of the task of estate planning or updating an estate plan is to select trusted persons or entities to fill the positions of trustees, guardians, power of attorney agents, health care agents and executors. In order to make good decisions, you need to know the ideal characteristics of each role. Trustee of trust for minors. The trustee of the trust for your minor children or grandchildren will likely be the same as your settlement trustee. If you have the children joining as a … [Read more...] about How to Choose Trustees, Guardians and Agents
Trustees
How to Choose the Right Trustee
Creating a successful estate plan requires you to make a number of important decisions. If you elect to incorporate a trust into your comprehensive estate plan, one of those decisions will involve the appointment of a Trustee for your trust. Because naming the wrong person as Trustee is among the most common causes of a trust failing, it is imperative that you take your time and choose the right person for the position. Here are some tips to ensure that your Trustee is the right person for the … [Read more...] about How to Choose the Right Trustee
Can a Beneficiary Get Rid of a Trustee?
If you are a beneficiary of a trust it means that you are entitled to benefit from the assets held by the trust. It also means you have a number of important rights as a beneficiary. If you are concerned about the manner in which the Trustee is administering the trust, you may be wondering if your rights include the ability to remove the Trustee. In this blog, we will discuss when and how a beneficiary may be able to remove a Trustee. Reasons to Remove a Trustee The overall job of a Trustee is … [Read more...] about Can a Beneficiary Get Rid of a Trustee?
5 Important Things to Remember If You Are a Trustee
Did you recently learn that someone appointed you to be the Trustee of a trust they created? If this also the first time you have ever served as a Trustee? If so, you probably don’t know what to expect or where to begin. Although the administration of every trust is unique, the Roseville trust administration attorneys as the Northern California Center for Estate Planning & Elder Law offer five important things to remember if you are a Trustee. Trust Administration Basics The overall job of … [Read more...] about 5 Important Things to Remember If You Are a Trustee
When Is Suing a Trustee of a Trust the Best Option
If you are the beneficiary of a trust, it means that although you do not physically have possession of the assets held in the trust, you do have an ownership interest in the assets. It is the Trustee’s responsibility to distribute those assets to you according to the terms of the trust. What options do you have though if the Trustee fails to distribute the trust assets? How do you know if, and when, suing a Trustee of a trust is the best option? Why Might a Trust Be Used to Distribute … [Read more...] about When Is Suing a Trustee of a Trust the Best Option
Answers To Your Living Trust Questions (2 of 3)
Trusts have been around for hundreds of years; specifically, the living trust gained popularity in the 1970s as a probate avoidance technique. Today, living trusts are often used as a foundational document in estate plans. We’ve found that many folks have both questions and misconceptions about the living trust; so, in this three part series, we answer your living trust questions. Will I always be the trustee of my living trust? You can be the trustee of your trust as long as you are … [Read more...] about Answers To Your Living Trust Questions (2 of 3)
Answers To Your Living Trust Questions (1 of 3)
Trusts have been around for hundreds of years; specifically, the living trust gained popularity in the 1970s as a probate avoidance technique. Today, living trusts are often used as a foundational document in estate plans. We’ve found that many folks have both questions and misconceptions about the living trust; so, in this three part series, we answer your living trust questions. I am confused about the different types of trusts. Is a living trust always called “living trust”? Great … [Read more...] about Answers To Your Living Trust Questions (1 of 3)
13 Disturbing Estate Planning Problems
Each of these 13 disturbing estate planning facts is true; but, each situation can be avoided with a strong, individualized, comprehensive, and up-to-date estate plan. If you don’t name a guardian in your will, your minor children could end up with persons you either don't like or don't know. If you don’t provide for your pet in your estate plan, your pet may be euthanized when you die. If you put assets in joint tenancy with a second spouse, your children may be disinherited. If … [Read more...] about 13 Disturbing Estate Planning Problems
A Basic Guide to Trusts
If you’re thinking about your estate planning affairs, you may be considering the use of trusts. It’s important to understand how trusts work, so that you can make the best planning decisions; take a look at the following basic information to learn more. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to discuss how trusts can fit in with your estate plan, meet with an experienced, qualified estate planning attorney. Trustee Holds Legal Title to Trust Assets When you create a trust, you’re … [Read more...] about A Basic Guide to Trusts
Help Your Parents Organize Their Documents and Other Affairs
It can be stressful trying to locate estate planning documents and other important files during a time of upset. It’s important to make sure that your parents have all of their affairs organized as they continue to age. Organization, not only allows them to have information that they may need easily available, it better ensures important documents are available in the event of a crisis. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to get tips on how to help your parents with their estate … [Read more...] about Help Your Parents Organize Their Documents and Other Affairs