A living trust is a popular estate planning document that allows the owner of an asset to financially benefit from it while shielding it from seizure or creditors. Essentially, this type of trust transfers ownership of the asset from the individual to the trust, preserving the asset, bypassing probate, and allowing you to enjoy the asset without worrying about losing it. Our can create a trust (or multiple trusts) that preserves your assets while ensuring compliance with state laws regarding trust administration. Please contact LifePlan Legal AZ today for a consultation.
Living Trust Lawyer Mesa, AZ
A living trust allows you to protect your assets and seamlessly transfer them to your chosen beneficiary after you pass away, bypassing probate and any estate tax that may be assessed otherwise. However, if your living trust isn’t properly constructed, it can prevent you from being eligible for Medicaid, a consideration for many older adults. You may be unable to access other government benefits, too, which is why it’s so important to have our experienced Mesa living trust lawyer construct your trust. We keep abreast of changes in state and federal laws that could impact the viability of your estate plan and make our recommendations based on your stated goals and long-term plans.
A living trust allows the funder, or creator, to have some measure of control over the assets in the trust while they are alive and in sound mental health. When you found your trust, you can also name a successor trustee, someone who manages the trust should you become incapacitated or after you pass away. Depending on your financial goals and estate plan, this may be a better option than leaving the same assets to someone in your will.
One benefit of Arizona living trusts is that the successor trustee can completely avoid probate. This method of transferring assets ensures that the successor trustee can benefit from the assets in the trust immediately after you pass away without having to wait for the probate process to be completed. If you’re concerned about that person’s ability to support themselves after you pass, then the living trust can ensure that they don’t face financial hardships.
Our Mesa living trust lawyer assesses the assets you plan to put in the trust and asks questions about your intentions and needs. Then, we draft a trust that covers all these bases, giving you peace of mind and clarity about the process.
Why Experience Matters When Setting Up A Living Trust
Rely on the legal minds that other estate planning lawyers learn from. Firm founder Jake Carlson is the author of over 100 leadership articles on topics of influence, legacy, and family vision. We have the experience you need to construct even the most complex trusts.
- Senior attorney Glenn McMinn possesses 30+ years of legal experience
- Active members in good standing of WealthCounsel
- Top AVVO ratings in the fields of estate planning and business succession planning
Do you need help creating or revising a living trust? Our Mesa living trust lawyer can help you create a trust that best serves your intentions. Please contact today for a consultation.
Living Trust FAQs
Choosing the right approach for estate planning matters to families in Mesa who want clarity and control over what happens to their assets. A living trust is often part of that conversation, especially for those looking to reduce court involvement and plan ahead for unexpected events. Call us today to discover how our Mesa, AZ living trust lawyer can help you today!
Do I Need A Living Trust Lawyer If I Already Have A Will?
Yes, in many situations, a will alone may not fully meet your planning goals. A will generally becomes effective only after death and usually requires probate. A living trust works during your lifetime and after, allowing assets placed in the trust to pass without court supervision. When we review an existing will, we often find gaps related to incapacity planning or asset management. Our team brings years of experience, with the goal of helping 10,000 families throughout the area. We can help you choose the right living trust for your needs.
Can You Change Or Revoke A Living Trust Later?
Yes, most living trusts created during a person’s lifetime are revocable. That means changes can be made as circumstances evolve. We regularly update trusts after marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or changes in property ownership. As long as the trust is revocable and the person creating it is mentally capable, revisions are usually straightforward. This flexibility is one reason many Mesa residents choose a revocable living trust as part of their estate plan.
Will A Living Trust Protect My Assets From Creditors?
No, a standard revocable living trust does not shield personal assets from creditors during your lifetime. Assets placed in the trust are still considered yours for most legal and financial purposes. However, a trust can provide structure for how assets are managed and distributed, which may reduce disputes or delays. We often discuss other planning tools when creditor concerns are a priority, depending on individual goals and risk tolerance.
Can A Living Trust Lawyer Help With Tax And Estate Planning?
Yes, a living trust attorney can play a role in broader estate and tax planning discussions. While a basic living trust does not remove tax obligations by itself, it can be coordinated with beneficiary designations, gifting strategies, and other documents. We focus on building a plan that reflects current Arizona law and your long-term intentions. Clients often appreciate having one coordinated approach rather than separate documents created in isolation.
Does A Living Trust Avoid Probate?
Yes, assets that are properly titled in the name of the trust typically avoid probate. This is one of the main reasons people choose this planning tool. Avoiding probate can mean faster access to assets for loved ones and more privacy. That said, the trust must be funded correctly. We guide clients through transferring real estate and other assets so the trust works as intended. Our managing Mesa living trust lawyer, Jake Carlson, received his Juris Doctor in 2005 and has helped dozens of individuals and families.
Get Legal Help Today
Planning ahead gives families peace of mind and a clearer path forward. If you are thinking about a trust, we invite you to speak with us about your goals and concerns. Our team is ready to discuss options, review existing documents, and help you decide how our Mesa living trust lawyer can help. Contact us today at LifePlan Legal AZ to schedule a conversation and take the next step in your estate planning journey.