An irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) can be an important component of a thoughtful estate plan for residents of Diablo and Contra Costa County. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, our estate planning attorney helps clients assess whether an ILIT is appropriate for their family and financial goals. This guide explains what an ILIT does, how it can remove life insurance proceeds from an estate for tax and creditor protection purposes, and what steps are involved in creating and funding a trust. We provide practical advice tailored to California law and local considerations so you can decide with confidence.
Choosing to form an ILIT involves careful planning, clear communication with trustees and beneficiaries, and coordination with life insurance carriers. Our attorney works with clients in Diablo to prepare trust documents such as a trust instrument, pour-over will, and related powers of attorney and health care directives when needed. We also review existing life insurance policies and advise on ownership and beneficiary designations to ensure the trust receives proceeds as intended. The goal is to create a durable plan that respects your wishes and protects assets for the people you care about most.
An ILIT can provide several benefits for individuals who want to control how life insurance proceeds are handled after death. By placing a life insurance policy into an irrevocable trust, you can help keep those proceeds out of your taxable estate, potentially reducing estate tax exposure and providing liquidity to pay expenses without requiring the sale of other assets. An ILIT also allows you to set distribution rules, protect proceeds from creditors of beneficiaries in some circumstances, and appoint a trustee to manage funds consistent with your wishes. Proper drafting and funding are essential, particularly under California law.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides practical estate planning services to clients in Diablo and throughout Contra Costa County, California. Our attorney focuses on clear, client-centered planning to create durable documents that reflect your priorities. We assist with a wide range of trust and estate matters including revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives. We emphasize careful drafting and step-by-step implementation so that funding and administration proceed smoothly, and we coordinate with financial advisors and insurance carriers when needed to accomplish your objectives.
An irrevocable life insurance trust is a legal arrangement in which an individual transfers ownership of a life insurance policy, or establishes a trust to purchase a policy, so that proceeds will be paid to the trust upon death. Because the trust is irrevocable, the grantor gives up ownership and certain powers over the policy, which is what typically enables estate tax benefits. The trust document names a trustee to manage proceeds for beneficiaries according to the grantor’s instructions. Understanding how the trust interacts with your overall estate plan and tax rules in California requires careful analysis and precise drafting.
Creating an ILIT involves decisions about who will serve as trustee, how and when beneficiaries receive distributions, and how the trust will be funded and maintained. Funding may involve transferring an existing policy to the trust, gifting premium payments to the trust, or having the trust purchase a new policy. Each option has different tax and gift implications, including potential gift tax considerations and the three-year rule for estate inclusion. A successful plan balances your family needs, liquidity requirements, and long-term intentions while following relevant state and federal rules.
An ILIT is a trust designed to own a life insurance policy outside of the grantor’s taxable estate. Once ownership or rights are transferred to the trust, the trust becomes the policy owner and beneficiary. At the insured’s death, proceeds go to the trust and are distributed under the trust’s terms, providing liquidity for heirs and estate obligations. The trust can specify when to distribute funds, such as in stages or for specific needs. Because the grantor must relinquish certain control for the arrangement to be effective for estate planning, careful setup and compliance with trust and tax rules are essential.
Establishing an ILIT requires drafting the trust document, naming trustees and beneficiaries, funding the trust, and coordinating with insurance carriers. The trust must contain clear instructions about ownership, premium payments, trustee powers, and distribution standards. Funding steps could include transferring an existing policy to the trust or making gifts to the trust that allow it to pay premiums. There are also administrative responsibilities for trustees, including recordkeeping and managing distributions. Proper communication among the grantor, trustee, and insurer helps prevent unintended tax or ownership issues.
Familiarity with common terms helps clients make informed decisions. Important concepts include grantor, trustee, beneficiary, gift tax, estate tax inclusion, step transaction rules, and the three-year rule that may bring transferred policies back into the estate if the insured dies within three years of a transfer. Understanding these terms enables clearer conversations about options such as revocable versus irrevocable arrangements, life insurance ownership, and the interplay between trust provisions and insurance contract language. A clear glossary aids decision-making during the planning process.
The grantor is the person who creates the trust and transfers assets into it. In ILIT planning, the grantor typically funds the trust or transfers ownership of a life insurance policy to it. Because an ILIT is irrevocable, the grantor must give up certain ownership rights over the policy for the arrangement to achieve the intended estate planning outcomes. Decisions the grantor makes at formation—such as selecting trustees and beneficiaries and setting distribution standards—determine how proceeds will be used after the grantor’s death.
The trustee is the individual or institution that manages the trust assets and carries out the trust’s instructions for the benefit of the beneficiaries. Trustees of an ILIT are responsible for ensuring that premiums are paid, maintaining accurate records, claiming life insurance proceeds when due, and making distributions as the trust document directs. Choosing a trustee who understands both fiduciary duties and the family’s goals helps ensure the trust is administered properly and in accordance with California law and the terms of the trust.
Beneficiaries are the people or entities designated to receive distributions from the trust. An ILIT allows the grantor to specify beneficiaries and the manner and timing of distributions, which can be immediate lump sums, staged payments, or distributions for specific purposes such as education or health care. Clear beneficiary designations and contingency provisions can prevent disputes and adapt to changing family circumstances, ensuring that proceeds are used in the manner intended by the grantor.
The three-year rule provides that if the grantor transfers a life insurance policy or ownership interest into a trust within three years of death, the policy proceeds may be included in the grantor’s estate for tax purposes. This is an important consideration when transferring ownership of existing policies. Additionally, certain retained rights by the grantor can cause inclusion of the policy in the estate. Proper timing, planning, and drafting help minimize unintended estate inclusion while achieving liquidity and distribution goals.
When considering life insurance in an estate plan, clients can choose limited, straightforward approaches or a more comprehensive trust-based strategy. Limited approaches may consist of simple beneficiary designations or keeping an existing policy outside of trust structures. Comprehensive strategies, like an ILIT combined with other estate planning documents, offer greater control over distributions and potential estate tax advantages but require more careful drafting and administration. Evaluating family needs, asset composition, and long-term goals helps determine the appropriate level of planning for each household.
A limited approach may suit individuals with modest life insurance proceeds and straightforward family dynamics. If the beneficiaries are clearly designated and the estate is not expected to face significant tax exposure or complex creditor claims, maintaining a current ownership structure and updating beneficiary designations could be sufficient. This approach can be quicker and less costly to implement, but it may not provide the same level of control over future distributions or protection from creditors that a trust can offer. A careful review ensures this path aligns with long-term objectives.
A limited strategy may also be appropriate when immediate liquidity needs are minimal and family circumstances are stable. For those seeking a straightforward arrangement with minimal ongoing administration, retaining current policy ownership and updating documentation can meet short-term goals without the additional steps required to form and fund a trust. However, clients should consider potential future changes in wealth or family structure and understand that a limited approach may require adjustments later to address more complex needs.
A comprehensive approach is often recommended for individuals with significant life insurance proceeds, complex asset holdings, or concerns about estate tax exposure and creditor claims. An ILIT can help remove proceeds from the taxable estate and provide structured distributions to beneficiaries, reducing the risk of proceeds being consumed by taxes or mismanagement. Comprehensive planning also coordinates the ILIT with other documents such as revocable living trusts, wills, and powers of attorney to create a cohesive plan that addresses liquidity, legacy goals, and family protections over the long term.
When families desire greater control over when and how proceeds are distributed, or when beneficiaries may need protection from creditors or poor financial decision-making, a comprehensive ILIT can provide tailored distribution rules. The trust can set timing, conditions, and purposes for payments, allowing for staged distributions, trust retainers, or support for specific needs. This level of control supports long-term planning goals and can help preserve assets for multiple generations while responding to anticipated family circumstances.
A comprehensive ILIT plan offers benefits such as potential estate tax reduction, controlled distribution of proceeds, and improved liquidity to meet estate expenses. By integrating the ILIT with a revocable living trust, pour-over will, and appropriate powers of attorney, clients create a coordinated plan that addresses asset management during life and after death. Trustees can be instructed to manage funds prudently, provide for minor children, and handle unique family needs. These advantages can help ensure that the grantor’s intentions are carried out and that beneficiaries receive intended support.
In addition to tax and distribution benefits, a comprehensive approach reduces the risk of administrative surprises and unintended outcomes. Properly funded trusts, clear beneficiary designations, and coordination with life insurance carriers minimize the chance that proceeds are paid outside the trust or included in the estate because of technical errors. This planning also allows for continuity if circumstances change, such as the need for successor trustees or modifications to distribution triggers, while maintaining the trust’s protective and instructional framework.
One primary benefit of an ILIT within a broader estate plan is the potential to reduce estate tax exposure while providing liquidity to pay estate expenses, debts, and taxes. Life insurance proceeds held by an ILIT are generally excluded from the grantor’s estate if transfers are properly timed and no retained incidents of ownership exist. This separation can prevent forced sale of real estate or other assets to satisfy obligations, enabling beneficiaries to inherit property and funds in a way that preserves long-term value and family objectives.
An ILIT allows the grantor to set conditions and timing for distributions, which can protect beneficiaries from immediate receipt of large sums that might be vulnerable to creditors, divorce, or mismanagement. By naming a responsible trustee and outlining distribution standards, the grantor can ensure funds are used for intended purposes such as education, support, or long-term financial security. This structure helps families navigate transitions after a death, offering both oversight and flexibility tailored to the needs of beneficiaries.
Begin ILIT planning by identifying the objectives you want to achieve with life insurance proceeds, such as paying estate taxes, providing for dependents, or protecting assets from creditors. Clarify who should benefit and under what conditions, and discuss timing preferences for distributions. Establishing these goals early informs trust drafting, trustee selection, and funding methods. Communicating your plan with trustees and family members in advance helps ensure a smooth transition and reduces the likelihood of confusion or disputes when the trust must be administered.
Select a trustee who is capable of handling administrative tasks such as premium payments, recordkeeping, and claims processing at the time of the insured’s death. Trustees should understand fiduciary responsibilities and be willing to follow the trust’s instructions for distributions. Consider naming co-trustees or successor trustees to provide continuity, and include clear guidance in the trust regarding powers such as investment discretion, loans to beneficiaries, and tax return preparation. Good trustee selection promotes efficient administration and trust adherence to your goals.
People choose an ILIT for reasons that include protecting life insurance proceeds from estate taxes, providing liquidity for heirs, and controlling distribution of funds after death. An ILIT can be particularly valuable when an estate holds illiquid assets such as a business or real property that heirs may wish to keep rather than sell. The trust structure can also offer protective features if beneficiaries are vulnerable to creditors or other risks. Considering both current circumstances and potential future changes helps determine whether an ILIT aligns with your planning objectives.
Forming an ILIT is also a way to coordinate life insurance with other planning tools such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives. This coordination helps create a complete estate plan that addresses both incapacity and post-death administration. The attorney-client planning process includes reviewing existing policies, advising on funding strategies, and preparing documents that reflect California statutory requirements, while ensuring the trust is practical for family administration and long-term stewardship.
An ILIT is commonly used by individuals who want to protect substantial life insurance proceeds from estate inclusion, provide liquidity to pay taxes and debts, or ensure controlled distribution to heirs. It is also useful for blended families, owners of closely held businesses, property owners with illiquid assets, and those who wish to impose conditions on distributions for young or vulnerable beneficiaries. Each situation requires tailored drafting to meet family goals while complying with tax and trust laws relevant in California.
When life insurance proceeds are large relative to a client’s estate, an ILIT can be an effective tool to reduce estate tax exposure and provide liquidity. The trust structure, when properly implemented and timed, helps remove proceeds from the grantor’s estate and allows trustees to manage funds to meet estate obligations. Proper planning and coordination with other estate documents and financial advisors help ensure the arrangement satisfies both tax planning and beneficiary support objectives.
Families who want to structure distributions to protect beneficiaries or provide staged support often use an ILIT. The trust can direct how funds are allocated, such as setting ages for distributions, funding education, or providing support under specified conditions. This controlled approach helps preserve assets for long-term family needs and reduces the chance that large inheritances are quickly dissipated, while allowing the trustee to respond prudently to beneficiaries’ circumstances.
Owners of closely held businesses or property that cannot readily be sold may benefit from an ILIT that provides liquidity for estate obligations without forcing the sale of business interests or real estate. Life insurance proceeds held in a trust can fund buy-sell agreements, pay estate taxes, or support continued business operations. The trust structure gives business owners greater flexibility to preserve family ownership and provide financial stability during generational transitions.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves clients in Diablo and the broader Contra Costa County region, offering personalized estate planning services that include ILIT formation, revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives. We focus on clear communication and practical implementation so clients understand the steps involved and the long-term implications of their choices. If you live in Diablo or nearby communities, our attorney is available to meet, review your current plan, and recommend tailored changes to align with your estate and family goals.
Choosing legal counsel for trust planning means selecting someone who will listen to your goals, explain options in plain language, and prepare documents that function as intended. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, we place a high priority on thoughtful planning and careful document drafting. Our approach includes detailed review of current policies, coordinated funding strategies, and clear instructions for trustees and beneficiaries. We aim to deliver plans that are practical to administer and aligned with your long-term priorities in California.
We work closely with clients to coordinate ILITs with other estate planning tools such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives. This integrated approach ensures that life insurance proceeds are treated consistently with the rest of your plan and that administrative steps are handled smoothly. Our process includes reviewing insurance contracts, advising on premium funding, and preparing the necessary documents to minimize the risk of unintended tax or ownership consequences.
Clients receive practical guidance about trustee selection, recordkeeping requirements, and how to maintain the trust over time. We also assist with successor trustee planning and contingency provisions to provide continuity. Our goal is to make sure the plan operates effectively when it is needed most, reducing stress for family members and protecting the legacy you intend to leave. We are available to answer questions and make adjustments as circumstances change.
Our process begins with an in-depth consultation to understand your goals, family situation, and existing estate documents. We then review life insurance policies, analyze tax and gift implications, and recommend whether an ILIT or alternate strategy best aligns with your needs. After agreement on the approach, we draft the trust, coordinate funding, prepare accompanying documents like a pour-over will and powers of attorney, and provide a clear implementation checklist. We remain available to assist trustees and beneficiaries with administration matters as needed.
During the initial consultation, we gather information about assets, existing life insurance policies, family dynamics, and planning objectives. We review current estate documents such as revocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and insurance contracts to identify coordination needs. This step helps determine the best method for funding an ILIT and ensures any transfer or ownership changes are done with careful attention to gift and estate tax rules and California legal requirements.
We collect details about assets, debts, current insurance policies, and beneficiary designations, as well as information about family relationships and heirs’ needs. Understanding liquidity needs, potential estate tax exposure, and family circumstances allows us to recommend an ILIT structure that addresses immediate concerns and long-term objectives. This information also helps us draft distribution provisions that reflect realistic expectations and provide appropriate safeguards for beneficiaries.
Our review includes examining policy ownership, beneficiary designations, and any contractual limitations on transfers. We look for retained incidents of ownership that could cause estate inclusion and confirm whether policy language allows transfer to a trust. Identifying these issues early prevents costly mistakes and ensures that any transfer or purchase of a policy aligns with your broader estate plan and complies with applicable tax and trust rules.
After confirming objectives and reviewing documents, we draft the ILIT instrument tailored to your goals, select appropriate trustee provisions, and prepare supporting documents such as a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and health care directives if needed. We also develop a funding plan that details whether the trust will receive an existing policy or purchase a new one, how premiums will be paid, and how gifting or other mechanisms will be used to avoid unintended tax consequences while ensuring proper ownership transfer.
We prepare trust language that specifies trustee powers, distribution standards, and contingencies for successor trustees. Drafting includes provisions addressing premium funding, loans to beneficiaries, investment authority, and recordkeeping obligations. Clear terms reduce the risk of disputes and provide trustees with the authority they need to manage proceeds prudently while honoring the grantor’s intentions and complying with California law and fiduciary duties.
Our process coordinates with insurance carriers to complete ownership transfer forms or to set up a new policy owned by the trust. We guide the client on properly documented gifts or trust funding to pay premiums and we advise on timing to avoid estate inclusion under applicable rules. Proper coordination and documentation at this stage are essential to ensure that proceeds will be paid to the trust and administered according to the trust terms upon the insured’s death.
The final phase includes a comprehensive review of all documents, client execution of trust and related instruments, and confirmation that funding and insurance carrier forms are completed. We provide guidance to trustees on initial administrative tasks and on maintaining accurate records. Ongoing maintenance may include periodic reviews to adjust trustee designations, update beneficiary information, and revisit premium funding methods as personal or financial circumstances change.
Signing and notarizing documents completes the legal establishment of the trust, but equally important is documenting the transfer of ownership or gifts for premium payments. We help clients ensure that carrier forms are filed and that the trust receives proof of ownership. This documentation supports the intended estate planning treatment and avoids surprises during administration, providing confidence that the trust is properly established and ready to function when needed.
We provide trustees with guidance on administrative duties, recordkeeping, and distribution mechanics at the time of trusteeship. Periodic reviews of the trust and coordination with financial advisors help maintain the plan’s effectiveness as circumstances change. Adjustments may be necessary over the years to ensure that premium funding remains available and that trust provisions continue to serve the grantor’s intentions while complying with relevant laws and practical considerations.
An irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) is a trust arrangement where a life insurance policy is owned by the trust so that proceeds are held and distributed according to the trust’s terms after the insured’s death. Individuals who typically consider an ILIT include those with significant life insurance proceeds, owners of illiquid assets who need liquidity to pay estate obligations, and families seeking controlled distributions for heirs. The trust can be used to reduce estate tax exposure and to ensure the proceeds are managed by a named trustee rather than being paid directly to beneficiaries. Discussing family goals and asset composition with an attorney helps determine whether an ILIT fits your plan. Setting up an ILIT requires careful consideration of timing, trust terms, and funding mechanisms. For example, transferring ownership of an existing policy to a trust may trigger gift tax reporting and is subject to the three-year rule for estate inclusion if the insured dies within three years of the transfer. Alternatively, a trust can purchase a new policy with gifts from the grantor used to pay premiums. Proper documentation, coordination with insurance carriers, and clear trust language help ensure that the arrangement works as intended under California law.
Transferring a life insurance policy to an ILIT can have gift tax consequences because the transfer of ownership is treated as a gift to the trust’s beneficiaries. The grantor must consider gift tax rules and may need to use annual exclusion gifts or file a gift tax return depending on the value transferred. Importantly, if the grantor retains any control or ownership incidents over the policy, the policy proceeds could still be included in the taxable estate, defeating the intended estate planning benefit. Another important tax consideration is the three-year rule, which can cause proceeds to be included in the grantor’s estate if the insured dies within three years of transferring a policy to the trust. Because of that rule, careful timing and planning are essential. Working with an attorney to structure transfers and premium funding, and to document transactions accurately, helps manage these tax risks and optimize the trust’s intended benefits.
Yes, an existing policy can often be transferred to an ILIT, but that process requires attention to several legal and tax issues. The transfer must be documented with the insurance carrier and the trust must accept ownership. Gift tax reporting may be necessary depending on the value of the policy, and parties should understand any restrictions in the policy regarding assignments or ownership changes. Because transfers can have significant consequences, careful coordination with the carrier and accurate documentation are essential. Transferring an existing policy also triggers the three-year lookback rule, meaning that if the insured dies within three years of the transfer, the proceeds could be included in the insured’s estate for tax purposes. If immediate estate tax exclusion is a priority, other options such as purchasing a new policy owned by the trust or establishing a funding plan for premium payments may be considered. An attorney can help evaluate the best approach in light of your objectives and timeline.
The three-year rule is a tax provision that may include life insurance policy proceeds in the grantor’s taxable estate if the insured dies within three years of transferring ownership of the policy to another person or to an irrevocable trust. The rule is designed to prevent transfers made shortly before death from being treated as effective estate tax avoidance. Because of this rule, transfers made close to the time of death may not achieve the intended estate tax exclusion. Given the potential impact of the three-year rule, timing is a key consideration in ILIT planning. If a transfer is recent and the grantor’s health is a concern, other strategies such as funding a trust to purchase a new policy, or structuring premium gifts carefully, may provide more reliable results. Discussing timing and contingencies with an attorney ensures that planning aligns with your risk tolerance and timeline.
A trustee should be someone who can manage administrative duties, maintain accurate records, and make prudent distribution decisions in accordance with the trust terms. Trustees may be a trusted family member, a friend with appropriate judgment, or a professional trustee such as a trust administration firm. The key considerations are reliability, willingness to serve, financial acumen, and an ability to follow fiduciary duties. Naming successor trustees and establishing clear trustee powers helps ensure smooth administration over time. When selecting a trustee, consider whether the person or entity understands the responsibilities involved, including paying premiums, filing necessary tax returns, and communicating with beneficiaries. Providing detailed trust instructions and offering transitional guidance to trustees reduces the risk of administrative errors. In some cases, clients choose a co-trustee or corporate trustee to combine personal knowledge of the family with professional administration capabilities.
Once a trust owns the policy, premiums can be paid in several ways depending on how the trust was funded. The grantor might make gifts to the trust so that trustees can pay premiums, or the trust may own assets that generate income used for premium payments. Annual exclusion gifts can be used to fund premium payments if structured properly and documented as gifts to the trust. Ensuring that premium funding is reliable and well-documented is essential to prevent lapse of coverage and to avoid unintended tax consequences. Trustees have a duty to manage trust funds prudently and to keep accurate records of premium payments and gifts used to support the policy. Communication with the insurance carrier to confirm payment arrangements and ownership status is part of the trustee’s responsibilities. Creating a clear funding plan at the outset reduces administrative burdens and helps ensure the policy remains in force to provide the intended benefits to beneficiaries.
An ILIT can provide some protection against creditors of beneficiaries depending on the trust terms and the beneficiary’s circumstances. When proceeds are distributed through trust provisions rather than paid directly to beneficiaries outright, the trust can include protections such as spendthrift clauses that limit a beneficiary’s ability to assign or pledge their interest. These restrictions can help shield funds from certain creditor claims, though protection is not absolute and may vary based on the type of creditor claim and applicable state law. Planning for creditor protection should be done with realistic expectations and clear drafting. The trust can be structured to provide discretionary distributions or to limit the circumstances when beneficiaries receive funds, which can reduce vulnerability to judgments or collection efforts. An attorney can help tailor trust language to address the level of protection sought while balancing beneficiaries’ access to support for necessary needs.
An ILIT can be coordinated with a revocable living trust, pour-over will, and other estate planning documents to create a cohesive plan. While a revocable trust typically controls the distribution of other assets, an ILIT separately governs life insurance proceeds held by the irrevocable trust. A pour-over will can direct any assets that were not properly funded during life into the revocable trust, ensuring consistency across documents. Coordinating beneficiary designations and ownership records helps avoid conflicts between insurance proceeds and the rest of the estate plan. During the planning process, we review all documents together to ensure that beneficiary designations, trustee provisions, and distribution instructions fit within your overall approach. This coordination reduces the risk of assets unintentionally bypassing the trust structure or being included in the taxable estate due to inconsistencies. Clear, coordinated documentation simplifies administration for trustees and the probate process if it arises.
If a trustee fails to perform duties or mismanages trust assets, beneficiaries may have remedies under trust law, including seeking removal of the trustee, accounting of trust actions, and recovery of losses caused by misconduct. Trust documents often provide instructions for removing and replacing trustees, and California law includes procedures for trustee accountability. Choosing a reliable trustee and including clear provisions for oversight and successor appointment helps minimize the chance of mismanagement and protects beneficiaries’ interests. To reduce the likelihood of difficulties, trust documents can require periodic accountings, set out reporting expectations, and name successor trustees or co-trustees to provide checks and balances. Early communication and access to professional advice for trustees can prevent errors and ensure that trust administration follows the grantor’s intent and legal obligations. If problems arise, legal remedies are available to correct breaches of fiduciary duty and make beneficiaries whole when appropriate.
Reviewing your ILIT and related estate documents periodically is important to ensure they continue to reflect your goals and to adjust for changes in family circumstances, finances, or tax law. Regular reviews every few years, or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant changes in asset composition, help keep documents up to date. Ensuring that insurance policies remain suitable and that premium funding is sustainable prevents surprises during administration. During reviews we confirm that the trust is properly funded, beneficiary designations are aligned, and trustee appointments remain appropriate. Changes in tax law or personal circumstances may call for adjustments in funding strategies or distribution provisions. Proactive reviews reduce the likelihood that a trust fails to operate as intended when it is needed most.
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