what questions wil the attorney ask me when preparing a trust

by Lelia Haag 5 min read

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?

7 Questions Your Will and Trust Lawyer Should Ask You
  • * What types of documents you'll need to carry out your wishes.
  • * The costs, benefits, pros and cons of each type of plan.
  • * How to avoid will or trust contests and protect your planning, and.
  • * How to structure your assets to make the plan work properly.
Oct 17, 2012

Full Answer

Do you need a trust attorney to make a trust?

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?

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

8 Questions to Ask Your Trust Lawyer. A living trust may seem confusing, but thankfully some lawyers are there to answer your every question. Because it involves your assets in the event of your death, you need to ensure you know every detail for your trust. Here are eight questions you need to ask your trust lawyer before signing anything.

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 …

Can trusts lawyer Be my trustee?

Jul 01, 2018 · Here are five questions to ask when deciding whether or not an irrevocable trust would be a good addition to your estate planning strategy. What is your reason for creating an irrevocable trust? Before jumping in to create an irrevocable trust, talk to your estate planning attorney about your goals. The two most common reasons for creating an irrevocable trust are …

What questions to ask when setting up 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 questions should an attorney ask?

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 should you not put in a trust?

Assets That Can And Cannot Go Into Revocable TrustsReal estate. ... Financial accounts. ... Retirement accounts. ... Medical savings accounts. ... Life insurance. ... Questionable assets.Jan 26, 2020

What questions do they ask when making a will?

Some questions you should discuss with your wills and probate solicitor are:What will my funeral arrangements be?Who will get my property and assets?What happens to my debts?Who will look after my non-adult children?What will happen to my pets?What will happen to my business?Will Inheritance Tax be payable?More items...

How do you prepare to set up a trust?

Make a Living Trust: A Quick ChecklistList Your Assets and Decide Which You'll Include in the Trust. ... Gather the Paperwork. ... Decide Whether You Will Be the Sole Grantor. ... Choose Beneficiaries. ... Choose a Successor Trustee. ... Choose Someone to Manage Property for Minor Children. ... Prepare the Trust Document. ... Sign and Notarize.More items...

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

Why would a good lawyer not tell a client how their case will come out at the initial consultation?

Why would a good lawyer not tell a client how their case will come out at the initial consultation? ... A good lawyer will not guarantee the outcome of any case. Someone who guarantees the outcome of a case at the outset is either mistaken or a liar.

Should I put my checking account in my trust?

If you have a living trust, one of your most important steps in making sure your plan works correctly when it is needed is to have all of your assets properly funded into your trust. ... With your day-to-day checking and savings accounts, I always recommend that you own those accounts in the name of your trust.

Why would you put your assets in a trust?

Among the chief advantages of trusts, they let you: Put conditions on how and when your assets are distributed after you die; Reduce estate and gift taxes; Distribute assets to heirs efficiently without the cost, delay and publicity of probate court.

How much does it cost to put your house in trust?

How much does it cost to put a house in a trust? While filing the actual paperwork won't take much out of your pocket, attorney's fees account for the bulk of the cost associated with creating a trust. Expect to pay $1,000 for a simple trust, up to several thousand dollars.Oct 21, 2021

What are 5 things lawyers do?

DutiesAdvise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters.Communicate with their clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case.Conduct research and analysis of legal problems.Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.More items...•Sep 8, 2021

What should I leave in my will?

It only makes sense that you would want to make sure to leave it to the right person (or people). Other notable assets to take stock of before finalizing your Will are your vehicle, family heirlooms, cash, bank accounts, retirement funds, stock options, and any other valuable possessions.

Who can be an executor of a will?

Anyone aged 18 or above can be an executor of your will. There's no rule against people named in your will as beneficiaries being your executors. In fact, this is very common. Many people choose their spouse or civil partner, or their children, to be an executor.

What are the three types of trust?

While there are a number of different types of trusts, the basic types are revocable and irrevocable.Revocable Trusts. ... Irrevocable Trust. ... Asset Protection Trust. ... Charitable Trust. ... Constructive Trust. ... Special Needs Trust. ... Spendthrift Trust. ... Tax By-Pass Trust.More items...•Mar 18, 2020

What do I need to know about a trust?

15 Things to consider when creating a trust1 – The Need and Purpose.2 – The Laws and Rules Governing.3 – Parties Involved.4 – How It Can Help a Family.5 – Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Platform.6 – Choosing the Trustee.7 – Including a Protector.8 – Revocable vs. Irrevocable.More items...

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.

Why do you need a living trust?

If you are concerned about family infighting over the distribution of assets after you pass, you can make provisions in your living trust to help avoid such conflicts. While a disgruntled heir can still cause problems even if a living trust exists, in most cases having one in place resolves common causes of family discord after a loved one dies.

What is probate trust?

Probate means a list of your assets will be easily accessed by the general public. If you want to keep the contents of your estate between you and your beneficiaries, a living trust is right for you.

Who is responsible for creating a living trust?

There are three stakeholders when you create a living trust: you ( the creator) and the trustee, the successor, and the beneficiaries. The trustee is legally bound to ensure all assets are managed and distributed in accordance with creator’s terms.

Can a living trust be contested?

A living trust can be contested, but again, it provides a level of privacy other estate documents cannot . If privacy is a major concern for you, it’s definitely a good idea to consult an attorney about creating a living trust.

What is a revocable living trust?

A revocable living trust allows you to manage your property and change or dissolve the trust at any time for any reason at your full discretion. As the trustee, you have total control over your assets which means you can exchange, sell or invest them at any time.

Can you control your property in a living trust?

Real estate that is transferred to the trust will be retitled so that it becomes property of the living trust. This does not mean you cannot control your property, just that they belong to the living trust which is a wholly separate entity according to estate law.

What happens when an estate goes into conservatorship?

Many people are concerned about their estate going to conservatorship in the event they become incapable of managing their own affairs. With a living trust, assets are managed by a co-trustee or successor trustee named in the trust agreement if the creator becomes incapacitated.

What is an AB trust?

There are different types of trusts including an AB trust, revocable, and irrevocable trust. An AB trust is created by a married couple with the objective of minimizing estate taxes due to double-taxation.

Can a trust be challenged?

Yes, a trust can be challenged just like a will. If for any reason the trust maker was mentally incompetent, forced, unduly influenced, or deceived when setting up the trust, then the contest can be successful.

What is the difference between a living trust and a power of attorney?

Living trusts control all of your assets if you become incapacitated, but many attorneys still suggest that you draw up a power of attorney to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf. The power of attorney protects you as an individual whereas a living trust controls where your assets go when you pass.

Can a trust override a will?

There are certain situations when a trust can override a will. This is usually in the case of an irrevocable living trust. If you give your house to the irrevocable trust, you give up your ownership of the home, meaning you cannot give it to someone in your will.

How to build an estate plan?

When building an estate plan, you may have a variety of concerns, including the following: 1 Maintaining an orderly administration of assets while you are living 2 Managing estate assets flexibly while you are living 3 Reviewing estates involving tenants in common or community property 4 Considering assets in multiple states 5 Examining small business assets 6 Naming your children’s legal guardian 7 Ensuring that your heirs and loved ones receive your assets 8 Helping to reduce or avoid conflicts and confusion 9 Minimizing legal expenses and taxes 10 Assessing wealth preservation

Why is it important to have an estate plan?

It's important to have a solid estate plan in place to ensure that your loved ones receive your assets without a hassle or undue delay after your death. There are many questions you should ask prospective estate-planning attorneys before hiring one to craft your estate plan. Above all, make sure you hire an attorney who demonstrates ...

Can a lawyer draw up a will?

Although any lawyer can draw up a simple will for straightforward situations, such as naming the beneficiary of one's 401 (k), seasoned trust-and-estate lawyers can help navigate more complicated situations involving several trusts and multiple heirs. 1:21.

Why do you need an irrevocable trust?

The two most common reasons for creating an irrevocable trust are 1) to save taxes; and, 2) to preserve assets from the reach of creditors, including long-term care costs.

Is a transfer of an IRA taxable?

The transfer of an IRA out of the name of the IRA owner is a taxable event. For example, if you have a $500,000 IRA and you move it into the name of your irrevocable trust you will be deemed to have $500,000 of taxable income. This will mean an income tax bill in the neighborhood of $150,000 or so – not a good result.

Why is it important to make a will?

One very important part of planning a will is considering your family members. The purpose of a will is to make sure that your estate is taken care of according to your wishes once you pass. Most people leave part of or their entire estate to their loved ones. It is essential for your attorney to know if you are married, have kids, ...

What is the role of a fiduciary in an estate?

A fiduciary will take on a role that will be responsible for various parts of ones estate. This role can be an executor, which is someone who will have control of a will. It can also be a trustee, which is someone who is responsible ...

What is the role of an executor in a will?

This role can be an executor, which is someone who will have control of a will. It can also be a trustee, which is someone who is responsible for each trust. It can be a guardian or someone who will have power of attorney, which means they can make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapable of doing so.