Best Trusts Lawyers in United States

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Law Office of Michael K. Moore
Manteca, United States

Founded in 2006
2 people in their team
English
The Law Office of Michael K. Moore, APC is a Northern California law practice focused on criminal defense, estate planning, and bankruptcy matters. With a central office in Manteca, the firm serves clients across San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Alameda, Sacramento, and beyond, delivering practical,...

Founded in 1994
English
Drizin Law focuses on probate, estate planning and guardianship in Nevada. For more than 30 years, the Las Vegas firm has helped families navigate probate administration, contested wills and trusts with a client-centered approach. The team combines experienced attorneys, paralegals and support...
Sawtooth Law Offices
Boise, United States

Founded in 2012
10 people in their team
English
At Sawtooth Law, we are dedicated to providing excellent service to the legal and policy needs of Idaho citizens, businesses, water users, and recreationists.With offices in Boise, Twin Falls and Challis, our team serves the diverse needs of our clients throughout southern and central...
Guerra Days Law Group
Houston, United States

English
Guerra Days Law Group is a Houston based law firm specializing in Texas real estate law with a statewide reach. The firm represents property owners, investors and developers in a wide range of real estate matters, including title disputes, boundary and easement issues, deed preparation, partition...
Adams Jones Law Firm, P.A.
Wichita, United States

Founded in 1939
9 people in their team
English
Firm ProfileAdams Jones Law Firm, P.A. has provided quality legal services to individual and business clients for more than 80 years. Founded in 1939 by Mark H. Adams and Charles E. Jones, Adams Jones has built a highly-regarded reputation among its clients, peers and the courts for...
King Law Office
Redding, United States

Founded in 1992
7 people in their team
English
King Law Office, based in Redding, California, concentrates on Estate Planning, Bankruptcy, and Business Law, delivering tailored strategies to protect families and enterprises through every phase of life.The firm emphasizes a client centered approach, built on compassion and genuine care, with a...
The Marques Law Firm, PLLC

The Marques Law Firm, PLLC

1 hour Free Consultation
Boston, United States

Founded in 2022
8 people in their team
English
Mr. Marques is the principal attorney and founder of The Marques Law Firm, PLLC.  With years of substantial experience, Mr. Marques is widely regarded by his peers as a leading authority in the areas of estate planning, tax, business and elder law.  During his career, he has advised on...
Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin P.C.
Northampton, United States

Founded in 1969
14 people in their team
English
Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin P.C. was founded in 1969 by former legal-services attorneys. The law firm is currently comprised of fourteen lawyers specializing in business planning, estate planning, commercial and tax-exempt bond financing, real estate development and permitting, litigation and...
Kenneth A. Woloson Law Office, PLL
Las Vegas, United States

Founded in 2000
3 people in their team
English
We represent clients with complex business, real estate and trust interests throughout Nevada, with a focus on the following areas:Business and Commercial TransactionsBusiness Entity Formation and MaintenanceTrusts, Estates and ProbateSuccession and Business PlanningReal Estate TransactionsContract...
Davidow, Davidow, Siegel & Stern, LLP

Davidow, Davidow, Siegel & Stern, LLP

30 minutes Free Consultation
Islandia, United States

Founded in 1913
26 people in their team
English
Founded in 1913, Davidow, Davidow, Siegel & Stern was the first firm in Suffolk County to focus on estate planning, elder law, and special needs cases. Over 100 years later, our Long Island estate planning attorneys are committed to help seniors and business owners plan for the future. In...
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About Trusts Law in United States

In the United States, Trusts are legal arrangements that allow one party, known as the trustee, to hold assets on behalf of another party, known as the beneficiary. Trusts are commonly used in estate planning to ensure that assets are managed and distributed according to the wishes of the individual who created the trust, known as the grantor. Trusts can provide several benefits, including tax advantages, privacy, and the ability to set specific conditions for the use or distribution of assets.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several situations where individuals may seek legal advice regarding Trusts:

  • Estate Planning: Creating a trust to manage and distribute assets upon death.
  • Asset Protection: Using trusts to protect assets from creditors or legal claims.
  • Tax Planning: Structuring trusts to minimize estate and gift taxes.
  • Disputes: Resolving conflicts among beneficiaries or with trustees over the management or distribution of trust assets.
  • Trust Administration: Ensuring that trustees comply with their fiduciary duties and legal obligations.

Local Laws Overview

Trusts in the United States are governed by both federal and state laws. Trust law can vary significantly from state to state. However, the Uniform Trust Code (UTC) has been adopted in many states, providing a standardized set of rules governing the creation and management of trusts. Key aspects of local laws relevant to Trusts include:

  • Creation and Validity: Requirements for establishing a valid trust, including the intent to create a trust, identifiable beneficiaries, and specific trust property.
  • Trustee Powers and Duties: Fiduciary responsibilities of trustees, including the duty of loyalty, duty of impartiality, and duty to prudently manage trust assets.
  • Trust Modification and Termination: Circumstances under which trusts can be altered or terminated, either by the terms of the trust or through judicial intervention.
  • Taxation: Federal and state taxation rules affecting trusts, including income tax on trust income and estate and gift taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust?

A revocable trust can be altered or terminated by the grantor during their lifetime, while an irrevocable trust cannot be modified or terminated without the consent of the beneficiaries or a court.

How does a trust avoid probate?

Trust assets are not subject to probate because they are managed by the trustee according to the trust terms, allowing for direct distribution to the beneficiaries.

Is a trust necessary for small estates?

While not mandatory, even small estates can benefit from trusts for purposes like preserving privacy and simplifying asset distribution.

Can I appoint myself as a trustee?

Yes, individuals often appoint themselves as the initial trustee of a revocable trust, maintaining control over the assets during their lifetime.

What happens to a trust if a trustee dies?

The successor trustee, as named in the trust document, will assume the trustee's responsibilities.

How do I fund a trust?

Funding a trust involves transferring ownership of assets like real estate, bank accounts, or investments to the trust entity.

Are trusts public records?

No, trusts are private documents, which means the details are not publicly disclosed like a will during probate.

Can a trust have multiple trustees?

Yes, a trust can have multiple co-trustees, who must collectively manage the trust according to its terms.

Does a trust need a separate tax ID?

Irrevocable trusts require a separate Tax Identification Number (TIN), while revocable trusts usually use the grantor's Social Security Number.

Is it expensive to set up a trust?

The cost can vary based on complexity and professional fees, but the benefits of a well-structured trust often outweigh the initial setup costs.

Additional Resources

For more information and assistance, consider the following resources:

  • American Bar Association: Offers resources and directories for finding legal help.
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Provides guidance on the taxation of trusts.
  • State Bar Associations: Many states offer information and referrals for trust and estate practitioners.
  • National Association of Estate Planners & Councils: Connects individuals with certified estate planners.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with Trusts, consider taking the following steps:

  • Research: Learn more about the specific type of trust you are interested in to understand your options.
  • Consult a Lawyer: Contact an attorney specializing in trust and estate law to discuss your needs and develop a tailored plan.
  • Prepare Documentation: Gather relevant documents and financial information to provide your attorney with a clear picture of your circumstances.
  • Review and Execute: Work with your attorney to draft, review, and execute the trust documents, ensuring they align with your goals.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in United States through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Trusts, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.