Other Trusts That Can Be Established
Blind Trust
The trustees of a blind trust manage the assets in the trust without the beneficiaries’ knowledge. The beneficiaries have no input into how the assets are handled. This trust is helpful if conflicts are likely to arise between the trustees and beneficiaries, or among the beneficiaries themselves. The beneficiaries do not receive any prior information or knowledge of the assets in the trust.
Spendthrift Trust
A spendthrift trust is useful if you believe your heirs will squander their inheritance because it allows you to specify when and how your beneficiaries may access assets designated to them. For example, you could state that beneficiaries may only receive income earned by the assets rather than access the full principal amount of the assets.
Totten Trust
A Totten trust is also called a payable-on-death account. You deposit money in a bank account or other security and name a beneficiary for the account who will inherit the funds upon your death. This kind of trust is revocable and the beneficiary doesn’t have access to the accounts while you are alive.
Asset Protection Trust
As the name would suggest, an asset protection trust (APT) is the best type of trust to protect your assets against creditors, legal disputes, or judgments against your estate. This type of trust account allows the trustee to hold your assets so that they are protected from taxation, divorce, bankruptcy, and other judgment creditors.
Constructive Trust
A constructive trust is applied by a court when it determines that a party secured possession of assets unfairly, which is referred to as “unjust enrichment.” The court creates a constructive trust which is considered an “implied trust” since the grantor didn’t establish it during their lifetime. The purpose of a constructive trust is to transfer assets intended to go to someone else to the rightful owner(s).
Generation-Skipping Trust
If you would prefer your estate go to your grandchildren rather than to your children, you can set up a generation-skipping trust. By transferring the assets to your grandchildren instead of your children, the assets avoid estate taxes. However, you have the option to give your children access to income generated by those assets.
Pet Trusts
Trust created for non-human beneficiaries where you appoint someone and provide assets to care for your pets after your passing. You outline rules and guidelines for the trustee to follow. Doing so will ensure that your pet’s needs will be taken care of for their remaining lifetime.
Would you like assistance with your Estate Plan? Richard Umanoff and Doug Venturelli are available to review your current estate plan, provide recommendations, and consult with your estate attorney.
Note: Any changes to your estate plan must be drafted by your attorney.
This information should not be construed as tax advice, nor should be taken as financial planning advice. Please consult your tax professional. These opinions are based on observations and research and are not intended to predict or depict performance of any investment. These views are as of the close of business on 05/25/2022 and are subject to change based on subsequent developments. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. These views should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results.