what questions to ask a trust attorney

by Ali Leuschke 7 min read

7 Questions Your Will and Trust Lawyer Should Ask You

  1. What is it you hope to accomplish in your estate plan? ...
  2. Do you expect to remain in your current state of residence and do you have any real estate or second homes in another state? ...
  3. Who should fill the roles of executor, trustees for each type of trust, guardian for minor children, and who will act as an agent under both a financial and ...
  4. Who should be involved in the process and what’s best for you? ...
  5. Have you completed the estate planning questionnaire and accurately recorded the types, values, owners, and beneficiaries of each type of asset? Again, this is a complicated process. ...
  6. Do you have any special needs, drug or alcohol, or spending problems with any of the heirs? This one is often overlooked by clients and lawyers alike. ...
  7. Do you understand and feel comfortable with the fees you will pay for the services?

Full Answer

Do you need a trust attorney to make a trust?

May 19, 2021 · 10 Questions to Ask an Attorney About Living Trusts. What Property Can Go in a Living Trust? Most of your property can be placed into your living trust, but some items such as life insurance and certain ... Who Should Be My Trustee? Does a Living Trust Avoid Estate and Probate Taxes? What Are the ...

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

If you have a specific question, ask your attorney if it can go into a trust. Who should be my trustee? The trustee is who manages and protects any assets, and it can be anyone you choose. While you can name yourself as a trustee, it’s also important to name a secondary trustee to handle affairs once you pass.

What should I ask before hiring an attorney?

Jun 29, 2021 · Here are several questions you should ask yourself: When meeting with a potential estate planning lawyer, how comfortable do you feel? Does your advisor communicate well and clearly? Do you agree...

Can trusts lawyer Be my trustee?

Here are some recommended questions to bring to your first meeting with your lawyer to see if the arrangement is a good fit and to help give you a better understanding of how your lawyer can help: How long have you been practicing in the area of estate planning law? What assets would need to be probated and which assets would pass outside a will?

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What questions should I ask about a trust?

Questions to ask your parentsWhat were your intentions in creating this trust? Ask why this trust was set up. ... How do you think this trust will impact me? ... Who else has access to the trust? ... What is your relationship with the trustee and/or trust administrator? ... How will I work with the trustee and/or trust administrator?

What should you not put in a trust?

Assets that should not be used to fund your living trust include:Qualified retirement accounts – 401ks, IRAs, 403(b)s, qualified annuities.Health saving accounts (HSAs)Medical saving accounts (MSAs)Uniform Transfers to Minors (UTMAs)Uniform Gifts to Minors (UGMAs)Life insurance.Motor vehicles.

What are some good questions to ask an attorney?

In Order to Move Forward With Any Lawyer, First Ask These Ten QuestionsHow Long Have You Practiced Law? ... What Types of Cases Do You Manage? ... Who's Your Typical Client? ... How Many Similar Cases Have You Taken On? ... What Kind of Special Training or Knowledge You Have Outside Your Law Degree? ... What Are Your Fees and Costs?More items...

What do I need to know about a trust?

A trust is a financial tool. ... A choice: revocable or irrevocable. ... Trusts can protect assets. ... Not for certain retirement accounts. ... A trust can assist after death. ... Confidentiality is more certain. ... Wealthy may save on taxes. ... Trusts can be expensive.More items...•Mar 29, 2019

Should I put my checking account in my trust?

Putting a bank account into a trust is a smart option that will help your family avoid administering the account in a probate proceeding. Additionally, it will allow your successor trustee to access the account should you become incapacitated.Apr 7, 2021

Should my bank account be in my trust?

Some of your financial assets need to be owned by your trust and others need to name your trust as the beneficiary. With your day-to-day checking and savings accounts, I always recommend that you own those accounts in the name of your trust.

How do lawyers ask questions?

0:165:25How to ask questions like a lawyer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first secret is that what we're doing we're not really asking questions what we're doing isMoreThe first secret is that what we're doing we're not really asking questions what we're doing is making statements. That sound like questions and those are statements that the witness.

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.Oct 28, 2020

What are some questions an attorney might ask a new client?

What Questions do Lawyers Ask Their Clients?What is your case about? A lawyer will want to know every single detail of your case. ... What do you hope to accomplish? ... How do you want us to communicate? ... Why did you choose me? ... Are you comfortable with my rates?Nov 28, 2019

What assets can be held in a trust?

What Type of Assets Go into a Trust?Bonds and stock certificates.Shareholders stock from closely held corporations.Non-retirement brokerage and mutual fund accounts.Money market accounts, cash, checking and savings accounts.Annuities.Certificates of deposit (CD)Safe deposit boxes.Jan 16, 2022

How do you list assets in a trust?

Assets Held in the Trustee's Name It will likely be labeled "Schedule A" or something similar, and should list the items the person who set up the trust intended to hold in the trust.

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.