Saturday 23 July 2016

The Benefits Of Estate Planning Trusts

By Christine McDonald


There are two kinds of trusts. Implementation of living trusts starts before you die while testamentary trusts can only be implemented upon your demise. The concept is very simple but the strategies can be complicated for people who are not familiar with estate planning trusts.

It is not a decision that can be made in a spur of the moment. You need to give the matter the attention it needs. If you have children who were borne outside your current marriage then you have the responsibility to ensure that they are factored in your trust.

Financial planning skills are not in-borne. Some people are good at this while others are not. When the beneficiary does not possess the skills then you will be putting everything you have acquired in your lifetime at risk by leaving him or her without trustee. You cannot afford to commit this mistake especially if you had to go to extreme lengths in order to gain the assets.

Disabled people might not be able to manage things well without help. Many a times, con-men might approach them in an attempt to pry on their helplessness especially if they are deemed wealthy. In case the beneficiary is disabled, you need to have a plan on how he or she will be assisted in management of the estates in case you are incapacitated or dead.

You can also set such a plan as a gift to your children or grandchildren. The income can be paid in small bits while they are young and then in lump sum once they attain a certain age. It is helpful in case things do not go as planned and you lose your wealth. You can be sure that the future of the young children is assured.

Tax has to be paid and the technicalities can be complicated. Living trusts are highly taxed but if the beneficiaries are adults then they will be taxed independently. However, the tax on testamentary trust is fixed. The scenarios might change depending on the circumstances. However, it will be a relief on your part if you do not have to handle the process on your own or leave the burden to the beneficiaries.

If the beneficiaries die and there is no surviving family member they would wish to transfer the properties to, you can select a charity organization of your choice to receive the money or estates. Every person is encouraged to extend a hand in helping the less fortunate in the society. No one wishes to be poor or helpless but it is something that sometimes cannot be avoided. If the well-off members of the society assist then the world will be a better place.

The court decides on how your wealth will be divided amongst the surviving family members in case you die without living a trust. In many cases, conflicts arise when this is done. In addition, it is only you who can distribute your wealth well. Do not leave behind a mess because you were hesitant on making plans upon your death. Death is a certainty and you need to prepare adequately for it because it can strike at any time.




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