Best Trusts Lawyers in United States

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Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hagen, P.C.
Des Moines, United States

Founded in 1936
55 people in their team
English
Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hagen, P.C. is a general practice law firm in Des Moines, Iowa. Our attorneys provide a full range of legal and business counseling services to a client base that includes large corporations, small businesses, governmental entities, and not-for-profit organizations...
Martinson & Beason
Huntsville, United States

Founded in 1937
50 people in their team
English
Founded in 1937, the law firm of Martinson and Beason, P.C. has been dedicated for over 85 years to achieving the best possible result for our clients. Our Huntsville Alabama personal injury lawyers provide a professional, team approach to each case. Our attorneys are committed to the highest...
Carlson Law Group, LLC
Anchorage, United States

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
English
Knowledgeable, cost-effective, community focusedBradly Carlson founded Carlson Law on the belief that everyday people and businesses deserve access to cost-effective, expert legal representation. Your legal challenges do not define you, and Carlson Law can help you find a path forward beyond your...
Hall Booth Smith, P.C.
Little Rock, United States

Founded in 1989
1,000 people in their team
English
Our FirmEstablished in 1989, Hall Booth Smith, P.C. (HBS) is a full-service law firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with regional offices strategically located throughout Georgia and the United States. Experienced across a wide range of legal disciplines, HBS prides itself on providing...

Founded in 1989
62 people in their team
English
Neuberger, Quinn, Gielen, Rubin & Gibber, P.A. is a regional law firm based in downtown Baltimore. Our business-oriented practice, which extends far beyond Maryland, focuses on corporate transactions and general business matters, litigation, commercial real estate, estates and trusts,...
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Anchorage, United States

Founded in 1912
1,390 people in their team
English
worldwide advantageYOUR BUSINESS REQUIRES AN ADVANTAGE, AN EDGE, TO SUCCEED IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE WORLD.Dorseyโ€™s lawyers and staff can help you gain that edge by applying superb legal knowledge and skills with practical wisdom and a deep understanding of your business and industry.We serve...
CDH Law, PLLC
Syracuse, United States

11 people in their team
English
CDH Law, PLLC is a veteran-owned law firm based in Syracuse, New York, with decades of combined experience among its attorneys who are all former prosecutors. The firm focuses on criminal defense, family law, estate planning and personal injury, providing precise, results-oriented representation...
McLane Middleton
Manchester, United States

Founded in 1919
75 people in their team
English
McLane Middleton is dedicated to our clientsโ€™ businesses, acting in a consultative fashion and offering guidance through todayโ€™s complex legal system.Every day we help our clients solve their toughest legal problems and create better outcomes.McLane Middleton holds the respected honor of being...
Winthrop & Weinstine. P.A.
Minneapolis, United States

Founded in 1979
100 people in their team
English
Our founders believed in putting clients first, culture second and paving our own path forward. Weโ€™ve been disrupting convention ever since. We bring perspective, insight and a whole lot of hustle to protecting and propelling your business. Through a culture of fresh thinking, we put the law to...
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...
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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.

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