Best Trusts Lawyers in United States

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Cannata, O'Toole, Fickes & Olson, LLP
San Francisco, United States

Founded in 2015
8 people in their team
English
High-Quality Legal Representation to all of Northern CaliforniaThe law firm of Cannata, O’Toole, Fickes & Olson LLP serves clients throughout California, with offices in San Francisco and Walnut Creek. We provide a broad range of legal services to businesses and individuals in state and...
Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C.
Houston, United States

Founded in 1996
6 people in their team
English
Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C. is a Houston based, full service law firm that pairs trial lawyers with a client centered service approach. The firm emphasizes listening to clients, understanding their objectives, and tailoring strategies to meet each unique circumstance.Since 1996, the firm has...
Fletcher Tilton PC.
Worcester, United States

Founded in 1822
102 people in their team
English
Fletcher Tilton PC proudly provides legal services to clients in Massachusetts and beyond. Offering a wide range of core and specialty services, our attorneys come from varied backgrounds, representing many talents, interests and experiences. We express our solid commitment to the community through...
Redlands, United States

7 people in their team
English
The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC is a Redlands, California based practice that concentrates on estate planning and elder law. Led by principal attorney Esther C. Wang, who has provided quality legal services since 1991 and is an accredited attorney for veterans affairs, the firm brings...
Cape Coral, United States

Founded in 2006
7 people in their team
English
Martin Law Firm, P.L. is a husband and wife owned law practice based in Cape Coral, Florida, with offices throughout Southwest Florida in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples and surrounding communities. Since 2006, the firm has served the region with a reputation for practical, client focused...
Douglas Law Firm
Palatka, United States

21 people in their team
English
Douglas Law Firm is a full-service Florida law firm that represents clients throughout Putnam County, Clay County, St. Johns County, Duval County, and Flagler County. Our lawyers take pride in helping their neighbors in the local community navigate and resolve a wide range of legal issues with...
Bullock Law Firm, PLLC
New York City, United States

Founded in 2016
4 people in their team
English
Bullock Law Firm, PLLC is a boutique East Tennessee practice founded by Adam Bullock in 2016. Its home office is in Campbell County, and the firm serves clients across East Tennessee with a focused practice in family law, probate and estate planning, and DUI and BUI defense. The firm emphasizes...

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...
Meaney Law PLLC
Huntington, United States

Founded in 2012
2 people in their team
English
Meaney Law PLLC leverages its real estate and debt related matters expertise to deliver tailored legal solutions for individuals and businesses in the Huntington area. The firm handles commercial and residential real estate transactions, bank closings, landlord tenant disputes, foreclosure defense,...
Conner & Winters, LLP
Fayetteville, United States

Founded in 1933
200 people in their team
English
Conner & Winters was founded in 1933 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Benjamin C. Conner and John M. Winters, Jr. The young firm was dealt a temporary setback when, on the day following formation of the partnership, President Franklin D. Roosevelt closed every bank in the nation by executive order,...
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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.