Trusts Have Benefits Other Than Offsetting Estate Tax

The estate tax may be repealed. However, that does not eliminate trusts as valuable tools in estate planning. An estate tax can take a considerable bite out of an estate. Reducing that threat is often a main focus of creating an estate plan. However, even if the estate tax is repealed, the trust remains a valuable tool of estate planning, according to Elder Law Answers in "Are Trusts Still Useful If the Estate Tax Is Repealed?" One of the best things about trusts is that they do not have to go through the probate process, which can be very expensive and time-consuming, depending on the state in which you live. Trusts can also be kept private, so your estate plan is not shared with the general public, as is often the case with wills. Trusts can be used to pass your assets to beneficiaries in a controlled way and only after certain conditions are met. The truth is that trusts are an extremely versatile estate planning tool and beneficial with or without an estate tax. It is too soon to know if the estate tax will be repealed. However, whether it is repealed or not, the trust remains a valuable tool. Reference: Elder Law Answers (June 30, 2017) "Are Trusts Still Useful If the Estate Tax Is Repealed?"