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You might be surprised to learn that trusts have existed for centuries. Back in the Middle Ages, wealthy landowners would leave their lands in the hands of trusted allies while they went off to fight battles. Thankfully, these days you don't have to be a wealthy landowner to receive the benefits of creating a trust.
Trusts are a powerful tool for estate planning, asset protection, and tax management. When it comes to creating a trust, it’s essential to understand the basic principles and rules governing trusts to ensure that the trust serves its intended purpose.
In this blog post, your local trust attorneys from McCarthy & Akers, PLC, provide an overview of trust basics in Virginia, including common types of trusts, legal requirements, and the benefits of creating a trust. If you have questions or are ready to create a trust, contact us at (540) 722-2181 to schedule your consultation. Let us go to work for you!
A trust is a legal document that allows you to transfer your assets to a trustee to be held and used for the benefit of you or others (beneficiaries). The person who creates the trust is called the grantor, while the person who manages the assets is called the trustee.
Trusts can be revocable or irrevocable and are created for various purposes, including avoiding probate, minimizing taxes and protecting assets.
There are many different types of trusts created for specific purposes. The following are two of the most common types of trusts:
In Virginia, both "revocable trust" and "living trust" refer to the same type of trust. This type of trust is created during the lifetime of the settlor and can be modified or revoked by the grantor.
Some people use the term "revocable trust" to emphasize that the trust can be modified or revoked, while others use the term "living trust" to emphasize that the trust is created during the grantor's lifetime. However, in Virginia, these terms are interchangeable and refer to the same type of trust.
An irrevocable trust is a trust you cannot change or revoke once created. This type of trust is often used for asset protection and tax planning.
In addition to revocable and irrevocable trusts, you can create other trusts, including the following:
A testamentary trust is a trust that is created under a will and takes effect upon your death. This type of trust is typically used to provide for minor children or other beneficiaries who may not be capable of managing their inheritance on their own.
However, a testamentary trust must go through the probate process in Virginia, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
A special needs trust is created for the benefit of a person with a disability. This type of trust is often used to protect the person's eligibility for government benefits.
A charitable trust is created for a charitable purpose, such as supporting a particular charity or cause. The trust is funded with assets managed and distributed by a trustee to accomplish the charitable purpose specified in the trust agreement.
Charitable trusts can offer tax benefits to the donor, such as income tax deductions and estate tax benefits.
A pet trust is created to provide for the care and maintenance of a beloved pet after your death or incapacity. The trust is funded with assets managed and distributed by a trustee to cover the pet's ongoing care expenses, such as food, veterinary care, and grooming.
Pet trusts can effectively ensure that a pet is cared for after your death or incapacity and can provide peace of mind.
In Virginia, the creation of a trust must comply with the following legal requirements:
There are several benefits to creating a trust in Virginia, including:
If you're looking to create a trust in Virginia, it helps to understand the steps involved in the process. While you can technically create a trust on your own, we recommend you work with an experienced local trust attorney to ensure everything is done correctly and in accordance with Virginia law.
Here are the steps that your attorney will typically take when creating a trust:
Creating a trust can be a complex process, but you can ensure everything is done correctly and in accordance with state law by working with an experienced Winchester estate planning attorney.
Q: What are the benefits of a trust over a will?
A: Trusts can offer several advantages over a will, including avoiding probate, providing greater control over the distribution of your assets, and potentially offering greater protection of your assets from creditors and legal claims.
Q: How can a trust help me with estate planning?
A: A trust can be an important tool in estate planning, allowing you to manage and distribute your assets in accordance with your wishes and providing for the needs of your beneficiaries.
Q: Can I serve as my own trustee of a revocable trust?
A: Yes, you can serve as your own trustee, but we recommend you appoint a successor trustee to manage the assets if you become unable to do so.
Q: What assets can I place in a trust?
A: You can place almost any asset in a trust, including real estate, stocks, bonds, and bank accounts.
Q: Do I need an attorney to create a trust in Virginia?
A: While you are not legally required to have an attorney to create a trust in Virginia, we recommend that you consult with a qualified trust attorney to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and to draft a trust agreement that meets your individual needs and objectives.
Q: What happens if I die without a trust or a will?
A: If you die without a trust or a will, your assets will be distributed according to Virginia's intestacy laws. This can result in your assets being distributed in a way that is not in accordance with your wishes or the needs of your beneficiaries.
If you’re searching online to locate “will & trust lawyers near me” to learn more about creating a trust, the team at McCarthy & Akers is here to answer any questions you may have. Our Winchester estate planning attorneys have helped clients create trusts and wills, document power of attorney requirements, and much more.
To schedule your consultation, contact us at one of our offices in Strasburg, Woodstock, Front Royal, Winchester, Manassas, and Warrenton at (540) 722-2181. You can fill out our online form if more convenient. Let us go to work for you!
Copyright © 2023. McCarthy & Akers, PLC. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
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Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 722-2181
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