Revocable Trusts Lawyer in Washington

Revocable trusts, which are sometimes referred to as revocable living trusts, offer many benefits with the primary one being the ability to control your assets during your lifetime. Of course, the other main benefit is the ability to dissolve the trust if and when necessary. There are, of course, other advantages as well as some disadvantages that you should consider. (Call or click contact for a free consultation)

At We The People P.S. Law Office, in Lakewood, we want you to make the best decisions about your assets and estate planning. During a call for free consultation, We The People will listen to your wants and expectations and will help you determine if a revocable trust is right for your unique circumstances Contact us either online or at (253) 588-8811 to learn more about the opportunities trusts can offer you.

Understanding Revocable Trusts in Lakewood, Washington

A revocable trust is a trust that allows the trustor(s) to change its terms, or even revoke it in full, while the trustor is alive (and has cognitive capacity). Once the trustor passes away, the trust is distributed by a trustee according to its terms. It is a way for a person to manage and control their assets while they are living and have those assets pass to their loved ones when they die without an expensive probate or any government intervention. (Probate avoidance requires the trust to be funded properly. We The People Law Office will offer continued support during trust ownership and advise you on how to help ensure your trust takes advantage of the many benefits a revocable trust can offer.     

The types of assets that can be transferred to a trust include but are not limited to: (The number one reason a revocable trust doesn't avoid probate is improper asset funding. Transferring your assets into the trust is "funding" your trust). We The People P.S. Law Office provides free phone support during your trust ownership* (An in-office support only appointment may have a small fee, but a phone call is free!!)

• Real property (e.g., homes, farms, vacation homes)

• Bank/Credit Union accounts

• Investments (e.g., stocks, bonds, money market accounts)

• Business interests

• Collectables, art, antiques

• Vehicles, boats, RVs

Pros of Revocable Trusts in Washington

There are distinct advantages to using a revocable trust as an estate planning tool. Below are brief descriptions of the most common advantages. Not all may apply in your unique situation. Likewise, there may be other advantages not listed below. It is important to seek the advice of an estate planning attorney to ensure the trust you choose is the right one.

Probate Avoidance

The ability to avoid probate is the main reason people consider placing assets in a revocable trust. Probate is the process where a decedent's estate is administered through the court system. It can be a tedious and time-consuming procedure. Assets placed in a revocable trust typically do not have to go through this court-supervised process. 

Flexibility

While there are other types of trusts, the revocable trust remains a popular choice due to its flexibility. The creator(s) of the trust is able to make changes to the trust up until the time of their death. (As long as they have testamentary capacity a/k/a "sound mind")  

Incapacity Protection

A trust provides protection in case of testator incapacity. In other words, if the person that creates the trust later becomes incapacitated (develops dementia, for example), a new or successor trustee can take over the management of the trust. They will also be required to administer the trust according to its terms.

Privacy

If maintaining privacy over your assets is important to you, a revocable trust is an option worth considering. Assets placed in the trust are administered to beneficiaries privately, unlike assets administered through the probate process, which is public.

Cons of Revocable Trusts in Washington

There are some disadvantages to revocable trusts. Below are brief descriptions of the most common disadvantages, which must be weighed against the advantages and your specific needs.

Time and Money

Going through the process of setting up a revocable trust can take more time and money than creating a Will. It requires that the trust be funded by changing deeds, titles, certain accounts, and other documents to transfer into the Trust  

Lack of Asset Protection

Some trust types shield assets from the reach of creditors and judgments. A revocable trust, however, does not provide this protection, and assets are still within the reach of creditors. 

Terminating a Revocable Trust in Washington

The good news, and the reason most people choose to use a revocable trust, is that the trustor retains the right to terminate it when they choose to do so. The steps you need to take to terminate the trust vary by jurisdiction and the terms of the trust. 

Typically, you will need to execute a trust revocation document and “defund” the trust, which means removing the assets placed into it. This may involve re-issuing titles, deeds, and other documents out of the name of the trust. 

Contact We The People P.S. Law Office Today for a Free Phone Consultation

A revocable trust can offer many benefits. They can be used as a way to protect your assets and help family members or other individuals or organizations for which you care a lot. To find out if a revocable trust is right for you, and if so, which type of revocable trust best aligns with your interests, contact our office in Lakewood, Washington by using the online form or calling us directly at (253) 588-8811. We will schedule a Call for free consultation, at which time we will listen to what your wishes and concerns are and develop a customized estate plan that works for you.