what kind of attorney settles family trust issues

by Maxwell Zulauf V 8 min read

If you are involved in any sort of trust dispute, you should immediately consult with a local estate lawyer. An experienced and local estate planning attorney would be best suited to understanding your state’s specific laws regarding trusts, wills, and estates.

If you are involved in any sort of trust dispute, you should immediately consult with a local estate lawyer. An experienced and local estate planning attorney would be best suited to understanding your state's specific laws regarding trusts, wills, and estates.Apr 26, 2021

Full Answer

Do I need an estate attorney to resolve a trust dispute?

There are some basic legal aspects to consider as well as more advanced issues as well. First, the successor trustee is a fiduciary under Florida law. A fiduciary is one of the most important jobs in the legal world, being held to the highest standard …

What kind of cases do family lawyers deal with?

Jan 19, 2012 · If so then your attorney and the Trustee's attorney should be able to work this out so that the Trust is being complied with and the Trustee's fees are in a reasonable range. It is a good idea to invest a little money to get some clear, concise advice and have someone on your side to help you communicate with the other parties.

Why do I need an attorney to draft a trust?

These are some of the most important questions on the need for the successor trustee to hire an attorney. Basically, the more complicated matters are, the greater likelihood that the trustee should hire counsel to help them settle a trust. One of the most important reasons is that the trustee has likely never done this before, and they do not ...

What does an estate planning lawyer do?

Aug 08, 2014 · A probate attorney is needed to settle an estate. Probate is the court supervised (to varying degrees) process for overseeing the transfer of assets of the deceased to beneficiaries, and resolving creditor claims. No, unfortunately your sister in OH cannot hire an OH attorney who is not licensed in PA to probate your mom's estate.

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How do you resolve a family trust?

Best Ways to Resolve Estate and Trust DisputesProper Estate Planning Reduces Family Disputes. ... Use a Mediator to Solve Disputes. ... Consider Liquidating Assets. ... Choose an Independent Fiduciary. ... Find Fair Ways to Divide Household Items. ... Talk with an Estate Planning Attorney.Jun 5, 2020

Who settles a trust?

Settlor is the person who creates or settles a trust by transferring assets to it. A settlor may also be referred to as the grantor of a trust. A trust agreement is the legal document creating a trust.

Who makes decisions in a family trust?

trusteeThe person who makes decisions about the money or property in the revocable living trust. They are called the trustee. A trustee can be an individual or a financial institution. If there is more than one, they are co-trustees.Mar 18, 2016

How does a beneficiary get money from a trust?

There are three main ways for a beneficiary to receive an inheritance from a trust: Outright distributions. Staggered distributions. Discretionary distributions.

How does a trust get distributed?

To distribute real estate held by a trust to a beneficiary, the trustee will have to obtain a document known as a grant deed, which, if executed correctly and in accordance with state laws, transfers the title of the property from the trustee to the designated beneficiaries, who will become the new owners of the asset.Feb 19, 2021

How do I remove myself from a beneficiary of a trust?

This could be done by granting the trustee a power of attorney with a gift rider and an option to exercise a power of appointment to appoint a new beneficiary and remove the old beneficiary. You can see a situation where this would come in handy. Question 1: I set up an irrevocable trust with myself as the trustee.Aug 5, 2020

Is a descendants trust revocable or irrevocable?

A descendant's trust is a revocable or irrevocable trust that is created to last a long time. This type of trust can hold money and other assets, such as stocks, for as long as 360 years in Florida and longer in other states.

What are the disadvantages of a family trust?

Cons of the Family TrustCosts of setting up the trust. A trust agreement is a more complicated document than a basic will. ... Costs of funding the trust. Your living trust is useless if it doesn't hold any property. ... No income tax advantages. ... A will may still be required.

How do trusts make decisions?

Trustee decisions may be made at a meeting of the trustees, by written resolution or by deed as determined by the terms of the trust. Many trustees prefer to make decisions by written resolution as they find meeting with other trustees too burdensome.Jul 31, 2018

What is the 65 day rule for trusts?

Under Section 663(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, any distribution by an estate or trust within the first 65 days of the tax year can be treated as having been made on the last day of the preceding tax year.Feb 7, 2022

Do you pay taxes on trust inheritance?

Trust beneficiaries must pay taxes on income and other distributions that they receive from the trust. Trust beneficiaries don't have to pay taxes on returned principal from the trust's assets. IRS forms K-1 and 1041 are required for filing tax returns that receive trust disbursements.

Can a beneficiary withdraw money from a trust?

When executing their trust, settlors generally name themselves as the sole trustee and beneficiary while they are living; this allows them to exercise full control over the trust and its assets during their lifetime, as well as to withdraw trust funds as they see fit.Jul 20, 2021

What is a trust dispute?

Trust dispute litigation is a civil lawsuit filed in probate court with the intention of resolving any disputes related to the trust in question.

Who holds the property in a trust?

In a trust arrangement, the property is first transferred to a designated trustee, who then holds the property or assets “in trust” for a specified amount of time. Once this time has passed, the trustee is responsible for transferring the property or assets to the intended beneficiary.

What are the requirements for a trust?

Additionally, the requirements for forming a trust vary by state. However, the following requirements are typically necessary: 1 Settlor Capacity: In order to create a valid trust, the settlor must possess the proper mental capacity to create the trust. What this means is that they must intend to create a trust expressed with any necessary formalities of their state, such as the trust being made in writing; 2 Identifiable Property: Trust property is also known as “trust res,” and must be specifically identifiable. This means that there must be a sufficient enough description of the property to know what property is to be held in trust; 3 Identifiable Beneficiary: Generally speaking, the beneficiary or group of beneficiaries must be sufficiently identifiable. Meaning, they must be able to be determined at the time the trust is formed. However, in cases such as those involving charitable trust, this requirement is often not necessary; and 4 Proper Trust Purpose: The trust that is being formed must be proper. This means that the trust cannot be created for an illegal reason. An example of this would be how a person cannot create a spendthrift trust and hold the property in their own name for their benefit, simply to avoid creditors reaching their assets. Courts will usually hold that such trusts are invalid.

What is ADR in court?

In ADR, the disputing parties agree to be bound by the decision of an independent and impartial third party. These conferences generally encourage parties to settle their dispute without going to trial; as such, ADR is generally less formal, less expensive, and less time-consuming than litigating the dispute.

What is a dispute in a will?

Disputes regarding the amount of money to be distributed to a specific person; Conflicts over specific items; and. Conflicts as to whether a person is actually a beneficiary. There are several legal arguments or grounds that allow a person to contest a will or trust. As always, these can vary from state to state.

Why do trusts exist?

This constitutes one of the most common reasons why trusts are created: to ensure the safekeeping of some sort of property, for the benefit of another person or party.

What is a trust relationship?

A trust is a specific type of fiduciary relationship in which one party holds legal title to property, for the benefit of named individuals. A trust occurs when an individual (known as the “trustor” or “settlor”) creates a legal relationship by giving another individual (known as the “trustee”) control over their property or assets.

Joanne Reisman

Oregon adopted the Uniform Trust Act which added some clarity to the prior law on trusts and as a trust beneficiary you should have the right to get an accounting, compel payments that under the terms of the trust ought to be paid, and if necessary remove a trustee that is not properly carrying out his duties.

Theressa Hollis

I strongly recommend you schedule an appointment with an experienced estate and Trust attorney. The facts as you state them are a bit confusing. Who set up the Trust for you? Is that Trustee a professional or bank? I can't imagine why the Trustee's fees would be so high. Likely the Trustee is represented by an attorney.

J Christopher Minor

Based on the information you provide, this does indeed sound outrageous. A court has the authority to remove a trustee acting improperly, and to allow recovery of amounts wrongfully charged to the trust. I am a bit puzzled about the reference to the Trustor....I am guessing you mean Trustee. Anyway, gather up your papers and get to a good lawyer...

Steven J. Fromm

Worried? You should be outraged if your facts are accurate. Get yourself an estate litigation attorney immediately and I meen now. He should demand an immediate accounting and should consider bringing a surcharge action for any losses suffered by actions or failures to act of the trustees.

How to settle an estate?

Even though trusts can be settled privately, without the involvement of the court, there are still many tasks needed in order to settle the estate. These include: 1 Contacting and informing all beneficiaries 2 Identifying and gathering the trustor’s assets, both principal and income 3 Notifying potential creditors 4 Filing and paying taxes 5 Distributing the assets to beneficiaries, complying strictly with trust provisions.

Who is Ted Schofner?

Attorney Ted Schofner of The Schofner Law Firm is a trusted ally of Tampa Bay families dealing with estate administration and trust settlement . He has been working in this field for two decades, helping Floridians achieve a smooth and cost-efficient transfer of estates.

What is probate in a will?

Probate is the court-supervised process of gathering the decedent’s assets, paying their debts, and distributing their assets to their beneficiaries. The terms “probate” and “estate administration” are often used interchangeably. You might hear these words when dealing with your loved one’s Last Will, or if your loved one died without a will.

Can my sister in law hire a different attorney?

To answer your main question...your sister-in-law may hire a different attorney as administrator, however...she must hire someone who is licensed to practice law in the state where the probate is filed.

Can I hire a probate attorney in Ohio?

No, unfortunately your sister in OH cannot hire an OH attorney who is not licensed in PA to probate your mom's estate. However, you as a beneficiary have the right to be represented by probate counsel...

What is a family lawyer?

Family Lawyers. These are lawyers who handle all kinds of domestic cases, such as divorce, legal separation, child custody, adoption, paternity, alimony, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and emancipation. But family attorneys may also handle reproductive rights cases, and their work may intersect with other areas of the law.

What can an estate attorney do?

An estate attorney may also help clients build a trust fund, especially for minor beneficiaries. They may also prepare the documents that will enumerate and outline their client’s final wishes, including medical and burial arrangements. 4. Personal Injury Lawyers.

Why do we need malpractice lawyers?

Since these are professions that ascribe to a set of standards , they have greater professional responsibilities that may be challenged in the courtroom or in litigation.

What is IP law?

1. Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyers. Any original creative, scientific, or technical invention which may benefit the public has to be protected ...

What is an intellectual property lawyer?

Any original creative, scientific, or technical invention which may benefit the public has to be protected from copycats and duplicates. If you've created an art design, a unique product, a novel, a song or a computer program, you can consult with an intellectual property lawyer for securing copyright, patents, trademarks, and licensing agreements.

What is a personal injury lawyer?

This lawyer is an expert in tort law, which deals with civil legal liabilities and damages.

What is a business lawyer?

Also known as corporate lawyers, business lawyers are legal eagles who cover a more full range of expertise in building, managing, maintaining, transferring and dissolving a business. Lawyers in this area of practice deal with the formation of the company, employment contracts, tax compliance, acquisitions, and mergers.

What is estate administration?

Estate administration is equal parts legal and personal, with often-jilted beneficiaries mounting challenges intended to use material assets to alleviate emotional wounds. (And material ones.)

What is the ultimate test of any tension brothers and sisters think they’ve overcome?

A parent’s passing is the ultimate test of any tension brothers and sisters think they’ve overcome. With the reflection triggered by grief comes memories of bygone odds that were never evened. As a result, the settlement of an estate can unfortunately become a battleground for the settlement of old scores.

Can love blossom in arid soil?

Love can blossom in even the most arid, terminally ill soil. But when it does, expect resentment of the new spouse by heirs, especially in blended families with children only, or primarily, on the settlor's side. Avoid it by….

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What Are Some Common Types of Trust Disputes?

  • In a trust arrangement, the property is first transferred to a designated trustee, who then holds the property or assets “in trust” for a specified amount of time. Once this time has passed, the trustee is responsible for transferring the property or assets to the intended beneficiary. As such, a trust dispute may arise where there are any disagreements regarding the distribution of property as di…
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What Are Some of The Remedies For Trust Disputes?

  • There are many different remedies intended to resolve trust disputes. Some of these resolutions are only available according to the laws of each state, while other conflicts can be resolved by the trust’s beneficiaries coming to a majority vote. More serious disputes may need to be resolved in court, or by using an Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) method. ADR is frequently recomme…
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Can A Trust Be Contested? What Are The Steps to Contest A Trust?

  • Contesting a trust is similar to contesting a will. Conflicts over what a trust says are referred to as trust contests. To contest a trust means to challenge the authority or validity of the trust, as well as its provisions. Some of the most common examples of will and trust contests include: 1. Disputes concerning which family member is entitled to what specific property; 2. Disputes rega…
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Do I Need A Lawyer to Help with My Trust Dispute?

  • If you are involved in any sort of trust dispute, you should immediately consult with a local estate lawyer. An experienced and local estate planning attorney would be best suited to understanding your state’s specific laws regarding trusts, wills, and estates. As such, an attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options according to your state’s specific estate code and guid…
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Probate: Administering A Will, Or Settling Without A Will

  • Probate is the court-supervised process of gathering the decedent’s assets, paying their debts, and distributing their assets to their beneficiaries. The terms “probate” and “estate administration” are often used interchangeably. You might hear these words when dealing with your loved one’s Last Will, or if your loved one died without a will. When a person dies without a will, court superv…
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Probate Assets and Non-Probate Assets

  • Note that not all of your loved one’s assets may be required to undergo probate. This process applies only to probate assets, which are those that the decedent solely owned at the time of death, or those that were owned by multiple persons but have no automatic successor. Meanwhile, non-probate assets – those that do not go through probate – are typically the ones t…
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Types of Probate/Estate Administration in Florida

  • Probate laws vary by state, and in Florida, there are three ways to administer an estate with regards to probate: 1. Disposition without administration. This involves no probate at all. It applies only when the decedent did not leave any real estate, when their assets are exempt from creditor claims, or when their assets are less than their final expenses. In such a case, if you wish to clai…
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Trust Administration/Trust Settlement

  • Even though trusts can be settled privately, without the involvement of the court, there are still many tasks needed in order to settle the estate. These include: 1. Contacting and informing all beneficiaries 2. Identifying and gathering the trustor’s assets, both principal and income 3. Notifying potential creditors 4. Filing and paying taxes 5. Distributing the assets to beneficiaries…
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Contact The Schofner Law Firm in Florida

  • Attorney Ted Schofner of The Schofner Law Firm is a trusted ally of Tampa Bay families dealing with estate administration and trust settlement. He has been working in this field for two decades, helping Floridians achieve a smooth and cost-efficient transfer of estates. Mr. Schofner can assist your family even if your loved one’s will or trust was not created with our firm. See how you can …
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