Best Trusts Lawyers in United States

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Or refine your search by selecting a city:

The Boora Law Group P.L.C.
Temperance, United States

3 people in their team
English
The Boora Law Group P.L.C. specializes in immigration and criminal defense in Monroe, Michigan. Founded by Kulwant S Boora, a foreign-born attorney who honed his practice in the United Kingdom, the firm combines international perspective with local experience to guide clients through complex legal...
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...
Cooper Law Firm PC
Brooklyn, United States

English
Cooper Law Firm PC is a Brooklyn based practice focused on traffic and criminal matters across New York City and nearby counties. The firm highlights a former prosecutor perspective and concentrates on resolving moving violations and related issues efficiently, aiming to protect driving privileges...
Kamala Law Corporation
San Jose, United States

Founded in 2016
English
Kamala Law Corporation, based in San Jose, California, is led by Kamala Maddipoti, a lawyer who concentrates on immigration law and estate planning. The firm delivers tailored strategies for individuals, families and businesses, handling work visas, green cards and citizenship matters, as well as...
Denver, United States

Founded in 2011
4 people in their team
English
LMB Partners is a Denver-based law firm that blends big firm experience with a nimble, client-focused approach across business law, estates and probate, litigation, intellectual property and real estate. The firm engages directly with clients to deliver strategic, practical solutions designed to...
Radovich Law Firm
Billings, United States

English
Radovich Law Firm is a locally rooted, family-owned law practice in Billings, Montana, led by a father-daughter team with nearly 50 years of combined legal experience and a focus on family law and estate planning. With a reputation built on consistent client service and practical solutions, the...
Holmes Law Firm
Albuquerque, United States

Founded in 2010
English
Holmes Law Firm is a boutique practice in New Mexico led by Kevin P. Holmes, a native New Mexican and military veteran. The firm concentrates on personal injury, workers' compensation and probate matters, pursuing wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases and representing clients against large...
McShane & Bowie, P.L.C.
Grand Rapids, United States

Founded in 1952
35 people in their team
English
We’ve built our lives and our business around having the experience and dedication you need to command and simplify legal complexities. Our focus is on you and promptly navigating and resolving your business or real estate transactions and litigation. Over 20 attorneys comprise our firm’s legal...

English
Aaron Fox Law is a Chicago-based practice concentrated on municipal ordinance matters and property tax advocacy. The firm represents property owners, businesses, and stakeholders in matters arising from local code enforcement, zoning and land-use disputes, and assessment challenges before Cook...
The Harris Law Firm
Denver, United States

Founded in 1993
63 people in their team
English
The Harris Law Firm is a Colorado-based legal practice concentrating on family law, estate planning, tax law, elder law, and real estate matters, operating offices in Denver, Englewood, Boulder, and Colorado Springs and serving clients across the state. The firm emphasizes multidisciplinary...
AS SEEN ON

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.

Get a quote from top-rated law firms in United States — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

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.