TL;DR – What You Really Need to Know
- A Living Trust makes it much easier for your loved ones to manage your money and belongings, especially if you can’t do it yourself.
- With a Trust, your wishes are clear. No one has to guess who gets what, and your family avoids court (probate).
- You keep control while you’re healthy, and you pick who takes over if you can’t manage things.
- Most people can benefit from a Trust—not just the wealthy!
- Attend a free Promise Law workshop to learn more and get a free meeting with a caring estate planning attorney.
Table of Contents
- The Holiday Season and Planning Ahead
- What Is a Living Trust?
- How Does a Trust Help Your Family?
- What a Trust Can and Can’t Do
- Real-Life Example: How a Trust Makes Things Easy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Protect Your Family?
The Holiday Season and Planning Ahead
November is the start of the holiday season—a time filled with giving, family, and planning. We put in a lot of work to make things special for the people we love! Did you know you can do the same thing with your money and your “stuff”? Giving your family a simple, stress-free way to handle those things is a true act of love.
What Is a Living Trust?
A Living Trust is a special set of instructions you write during your lifetime. You put your money, accounts, and property into the Trust and pick someone you trust (called a “trustee”) to be in charge. Most people start as their own trustee, staying in full control.
If something happens to you—like sickness or passing away—your backup “trustee” steps in to follow your wishes, manage bills, and hand out what you leave behind.
Want a simple explanation of estate planning? Check out our free workshop!
How Does a Living Trust Help Your Family?
1. It Makes Everything Easier for Loved Ones
Banks and money managers know exactly who’s in charge because you planned ahead. There’s no guessing or long delays. Your backup trustee is ready to step in and keep life running smoothly.
2. Your Plans Are Clear—No Mix-Ups
With a Living Trust, you spell out what’s supposed to happen. People can’t step in and do what they want. There’s less fighting, less confusion, and you keep control over your wishes.
3. Saves Money and Stress
If all you have is a Will (or just a Power of Attorney), your family may have to go to court (probate). This takes time and costs money. A Living Trust helps avoid all this, so things move quickly—and quietly!
What a Living Trust Can and Can’t Do
You Stay in Charge
Most people are the main boss (trustee) of their own Trust. You choose when (and if) someone else takes over.
Not Everything Goes In
Retirement accounts (like IRAs or 401(k)s) and some life insurance plans usually stay in your name. But your house, savings, and most things you own can go in.
Not sure what goes where? Talk to an attorney for free after you attend our workshop!
Real-Life Example: How a Trust Makes Things Easy
Janet set up a Living Trust and named her son as the backup trustee. When she had a stroke, her son was able to pay the bills and handle the house right away. Months later, when Janet passed, he followed her simple instructions—no court visits needed. Her family could focus on remembering Janet, not paperwork.
Note: This example is based on common experiences but is not a specific Promise Law client story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Will and a Trust?
A Will only works after you die and usually means your family goes to court. A Trust works while you’re alive and after—and avoids court in most cases.
Can I change my Living Trust?
Yes! You can update your Trust any time as long as you’re able.
Does a Trust cost a lot?
It depends. Every family is different. But Promise Law offers transparent fees and a free consultation for workshop attendees! So you always know what your plan will cost ahead of time.
Is a Trust just for rich people?
No! A Trust is for anyone who wants life to be easier for their family—no matter how much money you have.
What won’t a Trust cover?
Usually, retirement accounts and some life insurance are separate, but you can get help making a plan for everything.
Ready to Protect Your Family?
Give your loved ones the gift of peace of mind. Sign up for our free Estate Planning Workshop and get a free attorney meeting to answer all your questions.
Or call us directly at (757) 279-8127 to start the conversation.
