Avoiding probate and retaining control over the distribution of your assets are two key benefits of using a living trust as part of your estate plan. With so many misconceptions around trusts, it's ...

A living trust often allows you to forego the probate process, which can be time-consuming. There is more privacy involved with a living trust than with a will. Creating a will can be a more ...

Readers often ask me about do-it-yourself estate planning. Lawyers want to know how to discourage clients from using books or software and websites that spew out documents for free or for a fraction ...

Dear Liz: Is there a minimum amount of assets required before a revocable living trust is advisable? I am retired but my wife is still working. If we do not include our 401(k) plans, our total liquid ...

Dear Liz: My husband and I made a living trust in 2004. He died in 2018, so his half became irrevocable. But while we were settling his estate, no one mentioned (though I can see clearly in the 2004 ...

Dear Liz: A friend of mine contacted an estate planning attorney to do a living trust. The attorney gave her an estimate of $5,900 for this job. My friend is single, never married, no children, does ...

Dear Liz: I understand what happens with a living trust when both spouses die at once. But what happens when just one dies? Is the trust tossed out, since the surviving spouse is usually the trustee?

A living trust gives you flexibility while sparing your loved ones the hassle of probate. A living trust can be far more costly and complicated to put in place than a will. Consider whether a living ...