We dove into the definition of the term “trust,” but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning about the important agreement that’s often used for purposes including estate tax liability reduction, estate property protection, and probate avoidance. There are four standard ways of classifying trusts.
Trust Classifications
Trusts may be classified by their purpose, duration, creation method, or by the nature of the trust property. One common way to describe trusts is by their relationship to the life of their creator. Those created while the grantor is alive are referred to as inter vivos trusts or living trusts. Trusts created after the grantor has died are called testamentary trusts. Another helpful classification of trusts is comparing those which are revocable to trusts which are irrevocable.
Inter Vivos Trust
An inter vivos trust, also known as a living trust, may be either revocable or irrevocable. In a revocable trust, the grantor can retain control of the property, if the grantor so wishes, and the terms of the trust may be changed or even canceled. An irrevocable living trust, on the other hand, may not be changed or terminated after it is executed.
Testamentary Trust
A testamentary trust is most often a component of a will. The testamentary trust is created when the trustor passes away. The designated trustee then steps in and distributes or manages the assets of the trust according to the deceased’s wishes.
Revocable Trust
A revocable trust allows assets to pass outside of probate, yet allows you to retain control of the assets during your (the grantor’s) lifetime. It is flexible in that it can be dissolved at any time, should your circumstances or intentions change.
A revocable trust typically becomes irrevocable upon the death of the grantor. You can name yourself trustee, or co-trustee, and retain ownership and control over the trust, its terms, and assets during your lifetime. You may also make provisions for a successor trustee to manage them in the event of your death or incapacity.
Although a revocable trust allows you to avoid probate, it’s subject to estate taxes. It also means that during your lifetime, it is treated like any other asset you own.
Irrevocable Trust
An irrevocable trust typically transfers your assets out of your (the grantor’s) estate and potentially out of the reach of estate taxes and probate, but cannot be altered by the grantor after it has been executed. Therefore, once you establish the trust, you will lose control over the assets and you cannot change any terms or decide to dissolve the trust. An irrevocable trust is preferred over a revocable trust if your primary goal is to reduce the amount subject to estate taxes by effectively removing the trust assets from your estate. Also, since the assets have been transferred to the trust, you are relieved of tax liability on the income generated by the trust assets (although distributions to others may have income tax consequences). Trust assets in an irrevocable trust may also be protected in the event of a legal judgment against you
Let’s Get Started
You probably still have some questions on trusts…which is why I’m here! Don’t hesitate to contact me. I offer a free one-hour consultation at which point we can discuss your personal situation, see if a trust is right for you, and set up the steps to take for success.