Understanding Trust Basics in Virginia. Experienced VA Will and Trust Attorneys Explain What You Need to Know

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!

What is a Trust?

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.

What are the Different Types of Trusts?

There are many different types of trusts created for specific purposes. The following are two of the most common types of trusts:

Revocable Trust (also referred to as a living trust)

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.

Irrevocable 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:

Testamentary Trust

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.

Special Needs Trust

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.

Charitable Trust

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.

Pet Trust

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.

What are the Legal Requirements for Creating a Trust in Virginia?

In Virginia, the creation of a trust must comply with the following legal requirements:

1. Grantor Capacity: The person creating the trust must have the legal capacity to enter into a trust agreement. This means the grantor must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
2. Trustee: The grantor must select a trustee responsible for managing and administering the trust. The trustee can be an individual or a corporation.
3. Beneficiary: The trust must have one or more beneficiaries who will receive the trust assets or income according to the terms of the trust agreement.
4. Trust Property: The trust must have property or assets that will be held by the trustee for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
5. Trust Purpose: The trust must have a lawful purpose that is not contrary to public policy or in violation of any law.
6. Trust Terms: The trust agreement must clearly define the terms of the trust, including the powers and duties of the trustee, the rights and obligations of the beneficiaries, and the duration of the trust.
7. Trust Document: The trust agreement must be in writing and signed by the grantor or someone authorized to act on the grantor's behalf.

What are the Benefits of Creating a Trust in Virginia?

There are several benefits to creating a trust in Virginia, including:

1. Avoiding Probate: Assets held in a trust generally pass outside of probate, saving your beneficiaries time and money.
2. Control: A trust allows you to maintain control over the distribution of your assets, even after your death or incapacity.
3. Privacy: The details of a trust generally remain private, unlike the public record of probate proceedings.
4. Asset Protection: Depending on the type of trust created, the assets held in the trust may be protected from creditors and other legal claims.
5. Tax Benefits: Depending on the type of trust created, there may be tax benefits associated with the creation and administration of the trust.
6. Planning for Incapacity: A trust can include provisions for managing your assets in the event of incapacity or disability.
7. Charitable Giving: A trust can be used to make charitable donations to organizations or causes you care about.

How a Local Trust Lawyer Can Help with Trust Creation

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:

1. Determine the type of trust: There are many different types of trusts, each with benefits and drawbacks. Your attorney will work with you to determine which type of trust is best suited for your needs.
2. Draft the trust document: Once the type of trust has been determined, your attorney will draft a legal document outlining the terms of the trust. This document will specify things like who the beneficiaries are, how assets will be distributed, and who will serve as the trustee.
3. Fund the trust: For a trust to be effective, it must be funded with assets. Your attorney can advise you about transferring ownership of assets into the name of the trust.
4. Sign and notarize the document: Once everything is in place, you'll need to sign and notarize the trust document for it to be legally binding.
5. Manage and administer the trust: After the trust has been created, your attorney can help you manage and administer it over time. This may involve changing the terms of the trust as circumstances change or helping you distribute assets to beneficiaries.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trusts in Virginia

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.

McCarthy & Akers: Your Estate Planning Attorneys for All Your Trust Needs

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.

McCarthy & Akers, PLC
302 W Boscawen St.
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 722-2181
https://mccarthyakers.com/