An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) can be a powerful component of an estate plan for individuals in Culver City who wish to manage life insurance proceeds and reduce estate tax exposure. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, we help clients understand how an ILIT operates, who should serve as trustee and beneficiary, and what steps are required to fund and maintain the trust. This guide provides clear, practical information about the benefits, limitations, and processes involved in creating and administering an ILIT in California, with attention to both federal and state considerations and to your family’s long-term financial goals.
Choosing to establish an ILIT involves thoughtful planning about ownership of the insurance policy, the timing of premium gifts into the trust, and how proceeds will be distributed to beneficiaries after a covered individual’s death. Whether you are coordinating an ILIT with retirement assets, a revocable living trust, or other legacy planning tools, careful drafting and ongoing administration are essential. This page explains the typical steps, common scenarios where an ILIT is appropriate, and how the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman approaches trust drafting, trustee duties, and communication with financial institutions to protect your family’s interests and preserve value for future generations.
An ILIT is important because it separates life insurance proceeds from an individual’s taxable estate, which can preserve more assets for intended beneficiaries and reduce the tax burden at death. Beyond potential tax advantages, an ILIT offers control over the timing and conditions for distributions, protection from creditor claims for certain beneficiaries, and a structured way to provide liquidity to pay estate settlement costs. For families with specific legacy goals, blended estates, or business interests, an ILIT can be engineered to align with trust terms, retirement accounts, and property transfer strategies while ensuring that benefits are available promptly after the insured’s death.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman offers comprehensive estate planning services to clients throughout Culver City and Los Angeles County, emphasizing careful drafting, clear communication, and thorough coordination with financial advisors and institutions. Our approach to ILITs focuses on tailored documents that reflect a client’s family structure, asset profile, and long‑term objectives while ensuring compliance with California law. We work closely with trustees and fiduciaries to set up funding processes, draft trustee powers and distribution standards, and prepare the ancillary documents needed to implement an ILIT as part of an overall estate plan.
An irrevocable life insurance trust is a trust created to own and control life insurance policies and their proceeds outside of a grantor’s taxable estate. Because the trust is irrevocable, the grantor generally cannot change its terms or reclaim trust assets once the transfer is completed. The ILIT holds the policy as trust property, becomes the policy owner, and receives the death benefit for distribution under trust terms. Properly structured and funded ILITs can provide liquidity for estate taxes and debts and can be coordinated with pour‑over wills, revocable trusts, and beneficiary designations to achieve cohesive estate planning outcomes.
Successful ILIT implementation requires attention to the funding mechanism, the timing of premium gifts, and the gift tax and gift‑tax exemption consequences of transferring premium payments into the trust. Trustees must be instructed on how to accept gifts, pay premiums, and maintain thorough records. In many cases the grantor and trustee will use a Crummey power or similar withdrawal right to qualify premium gifts for the annual gift tax exclusion. The trust document should specify distribution standards, successor trustee provisions, and terms that address beneficiary needs, creditor protection, and tax administration.
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust is a legal entity designed to own a life insurance policy and control how the proceeds are distributed after the insured’s death. Once funded, the trust generally cannot be revoked or altered by the grantor, which helps remove the policy proceeds from the grantor’s taxable estate for federal estate tax purposes. The ILIT becomes responsible for paying premiums and managing the policy, while the trustee follows instructions for distributing proceeds to beneficiaries, whether immediately for liquidity needs or over time to protect minors or beneficiaries with special circumstances.
Key elements of an ILIT include the trust instrument, designation of trustee and successor trustees, instructions for premium funding, beneficiary designations, and distribution standards. The process often begins with drafting the trust and executing ownership transfer or new policy issuance, followed by periodic gifts to the trust to cover premiums. Trustees must maintain records, coordinate with insurers, and follow any withdrawal or notice provisions written into the trust. Additionally, ancillary documents such as a Certification of Trust, pour‑over will, and powers of attorney are often prepared to integrate the ILIT into the broader estate plan.
Understanding common terms used with an ILIT can help you make informed decisions about trust structure and administration. The glossary below defines terms you are likely to encounter when creating or funding an ILIT, explains trustee responsibilities, and clarifies the relationship between the trust, the policy owner, and the policy beneficiaries. If a term is unclear in your case, it is wise to address it during the drafting process so the trust operates as intended and avoids unintended tax or ownership consequences.
The grantor is the person who establishes the ILIT and transfers property or the life insurance policy into it. Once assets or policy ownership are transferred to the ILIT, the grantor usually cannot revoke those transfers, which is what allows the trust to potentially exclude policy proceeds from the grantor’s taxable estate. The grantor often makes gifts to the ILIT to pay premiums and may coordinate funding methods with their overall estate plan. Documentation of the grantor’s transfer and any premium gifts is important for tax and administrative records.
The trustee is the person or institution responsible for managing the ILIT in accordance with the trust terms. That includes accepting premium gifts, paying policy premiums, keeping detailed records of transactions, communicating with beneficiaries, and distributing proceeds after the insured’s death according to the trust’s instructions. Trustees owe fiduciary duties under California law and must act in the beneficiaries’ best interests, follow notice provisions, and keep trust assets secure. Clear trustee guidelines help ensure consistent administration and prevent disputes among beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries are the individuals or entities designated to receive distributions from an ILIT after the insured’s death. The trust document specifies how and when benefits are paid, which may include immediate lump sums, staged distributions over time, or conditional distributions for education, health, or maintenance. Naming contingent beneficiaries and clarifying distribution standards can reduce the risk of unintended outcomes, protect vulnerable beneficiaries such as minors or those with special needs, and align the trust with the grantor’s broader estate planning goals.
A Crummey power is a limited withdrawal right granted to trust beneficiaries to allow gifts made to the ILIT for premium payments to qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion. Beneficiaries are given an opportunity to withdraw a portion of each contribution for a short period, typically providing the necessary present interest to meet exclusion rules. Trust drafts must clearly describe the Crummey notice process and withdrawal window, and trustees should maintain notices and records showing that beneficiaries were properly notified when contributions were made in order to support exclusion treatment for gift tax purposes.
When evaluating an ILIT, it helps to compare this tool to alternatives such as keeping a policy in your revocable living trust, designating beneficiaries directly on the policy, or using other estate planning devices. Each option has tradeoffs related to probate, estate taxation, flexibility, and control. An ILIT provides a formal structure for removing proceeds from the taxable estate and controlling distributions, but it is irrevocable and requires ongoing administration. Discussing the pros and cons in the context of your assets and family situation will clarify which approach supports your legacy goals while minimizing administrative complexity and tax exposure.
For households with modest estates and straightforward beneficiary relationships, keeping a life insurance policy outside of an irrevocable trust and naming beneficiaries directly on the policy may provide sufficient liquidity and ease of administration. This approach avoids the complexity of trust funding and long‑term trustee responsibilities, and may be appropriate when estate tax exposure is unlikely and the goal is to provide immediate proceeds without additional trust governance. However, direct beneficiary designations offer less control over distribution timing and less protection from creditors or beneficiary mismanagement compared to a trust structure.
Some individuals use a revocable living trust to coordinate distributions from various assets rather than creating an ILIT. A revocable trust allows for flexible adjustments while the grantor is alive and can streamline probate avoidance for many assets. When life insurance proceeds are modest or when the grantor prefers to retain ownership and control until death, placing the policy in a revocable trust or maintaining beneficiary designations that tie into the revocable trust may balance convenience with estate administration goals. This path preserves flexibility but does not remove proceeds from the taxable estate in the same way an ILIT can.
When an estate includes significant assets, business ownership, or complicated beneficiary needs, a comprehensive legal approach helps ensure an ILIT interacts properly with other planning tools. Complex financial situations require careful coordination of beneficiary designations, ownership transfers, and funding schedules to avoid unintended tax results or ownership disputes. Professional guidance can help craft trust language that addresses potential conflicts, outlines trustee powers clearly, and plans for contingencies such as incapacity, successor trustee appointment, and changes in tax law that might affect the strategy over time.
When beneficiaries include minors, individuals with special needs, or beneficiaries who may face creditor claims, a comprehensive drafting process allows for tailored distribution standards to protect assets and provide for long‑term care. Detailed trust provisions can define permissible uses for distributions, create staggered payments to promote financial stability, and implement trust provisions that coordinate with public benefits or support plans. A careful administrative plan for trustee duties and recordkeeping further ensures that the trust operates smoothly and that beneficiaries receive support consistent with the grantor’s intentions.
A carefully designed ILIT can offer meaningful benefits including potential estate tax reduction, liquidity to pay estate settlement costs, protection for beneficiaries from creditors and divorce claims in many cases, and long‑term control over how insurance proceeds are used. By integrating the ILIT with wills, revocable trusts, and beneficiary designations, families can reduce the risk of disputes and ensure that proceeds are available for intended purposes such as business succession, college funding, or retirement support. Thoughtful trustee selection and explicit distribution instructions further promote reliable administration and family harmony.
Another advantage of a comprehensive ILIT is the ability to tailor funding strategies over time and coordinate with changes in asset ownership or tax law. Regular reviews of the trust and policy can help maintain the plan’s alignment with current financial circumstances and family dynamics. With clear documentation and a trustee who understands responsibilities, an ILIT becomes an effective instrument for preserving wealth, providing for beneficiaries in a controlled manner, and creating certainty around the disposition of life insurance proceeds after the insured’s death.
One of the primary benefits of an ILIT is its potential to remove life insurance proceeds from the taxable estate, which can preserve more of the estate’s value for heirs and reduce the need to liquidate assets to cover death taxes. The trust can also be structured to provide quick access to cash for estate settlement expenses, allowing executors and trustees to pay debts, taxes, and administrative costs without selling family real estate or business interests. Proper planning ensures that liquidity is available when needed and that distributions align with long‑term family objectives.
An ILIT allows the grantor to specify detailed distribution terms that protect beneficiaries and support targeted uses such as education, support, or retirement funding. By establishing standards for distributions and naming successor trustees, the trust reduces the likelihood of mismanagement and ensures that funds are used in ways consistent with the grantor’s wishes. The ILIT can also include spendthrift‑type protections that limit creditors’ access and provide stability for beneficiaries who may not be able to manage large sums responsibly.
Maintain detailed written records of each premium gift to the ILIT, including the date of the contribution, the amount, and the method of transfer. Trustees should issue timely Crummey notices when applicable, retain copies of notices and beneficiary acknowledgments, and record premium payments and insurance correspondence. Clear documentation supports consistent administration, substantiates gift tax treatment when needed, and helps avoid disputes among family members regarding contributions or policy ownership. A reliable recordkeeping system reduces administrative friction over the life of the trust.
Review beneficiary designations, wills, and revocable trusts alongside the ILIT to ensure there are no conflicting instructions or unintended tax consequences. An integrated plan helps avoid gaps such as policies that remain in the grantor’s estate due to improper transfer, or beneficiary designations that override trust intentions. Schedule periodic reviews, especially after major life events such as marriages, births, divorces, or significant changes in assets. Coordination promotes clarity and ensures the ILIT functions as intended within the broader estate planning framework.
People consider establishing an ILIT for several reasons, including reducing estate tax exposure, providing liquidity to settle final expenses, protecting proceeds from creditors, and controlling how funds are distributed to beneficiaries over time. For owners of closely held businesses or individuals with complex asset portfolios, an ILIT can preserve family wealth and support business succession plans. The trust can also be designed to support children, grandchildren, or dependents with special needs while maintaining eligibility for public benefits where appropriate.
Other motivating factors include the desire to separate life insurance proceeds from one’s taxable estate, to provide structured disbursements that encourage responsible use of funds, and to reduce the likelihood of probate delays affecting timely distributions. Families who want more certainty about how life insurance benefits will be used and who wish to limit potential disputes will often find an ILIT aligns with their objectives. Proper drafting and administration ensure the ILIT remains effective and consistent with the grantor’s intentions over time.
An ILIT is commonly considered by individuals with high net worth, owners of family businesses, people who need to provide for dependents with special needs, and those who want to protect proceeds from estate tax or creditor claims. Life changes such as remarriage, blended families, or significant asset sales can make the structure and control offered by an ILIT particularly appealing. Professional coordination with financial and tax advisors helps tailor the trust to match these circumstances and to adapt the plan as family or financial situations evolve.
When an estate’s value poses the potential for estate tax, an ILIT can be a strategic tool to reduce taxable estate value by transferring life insurance ownership to the trust. This helps preserve assets for heirs while providing liquidity to settle taxes and administrative costs without selling long‑held assets. Planning should consider current estate tax rules, potential portability elections, and how an ILIT interacts with the client’s overall trust and retirement plan structures to maximize intended benefits and avoid unintentional tax or ownership outcomes.
Business owners frequently use ILITs to provide liquidity upon an owner’s death so that remaining partners or family members can buy out interests, stabilize operations, or otherwise implement succession plans without forced asset sales. Life insurance owned by an ILIT can fund buy‑sell agreements, cover estate settlement costs, and support continuity. Proper integration with business agreements and clear beneficiary instructions ensures that insurance proceeds serve the intended business or family objectives consistently and reliably.
Families with beneficiaries who are minors, have special needs, or who may be exposed to creditors or divorce claims often turn to an ILIT to provide structured distributions and added protection. The trust offers tools to set distribution standards, require trustee oversight, and preserve eligibility for public benefits when necessary. Drafting the ILIT with specific directives for health, education, maintenance, and support can ensure that proceeds are used prudently and that vulnerable family members receive consistent long‑term support according to the grantor’s wishes.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman offers local planning and document drafting for residents of Culver City and the surrounding Los Angeles County communities. We assist with trust formation, policy ownership transfers, beneficiary coordination, and ongoing trustee guidance to ensure ILITs function as intended. Our office helps clients understand the administrative requirements, prepares supporting documents such as Certifications of Trust and pour‑over wills, and coordinates with financial institutions and insurance carriers to set up efficient funding arrangements and clear lines of authority for trustees.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman focuses on clear, practical estate planning tailored to the needs of families and business owners in Culver City and across California. Our work is grounded in careful drafting and administrative planning so that ILITs operate smoothly and achieve desired outcomes. We guide clients through the decision points involved in trust design, coordinate necessary transfers, and prepare related documents to integrate the ILIT with broader estate plans, all while communicating in straightforward terms so clients understand each step.
Clients benefit from our thorough approach to transaction documentation, trustee guidance, and coordination with other advisors. We explain funding techniques, the application of annual gift exclusions, and the practical steps trustees should take to maintain trust records and pay premiums. When needed, we assist with drafting notices and documenting contributions so that records support the intended tax treatment and governance practices. Our goal is to provide durable, well‑organized plans that stand up to changes over time.
In addition to drafting ILITs, we help clients review existing life insurance ownership and beneficiary designations to identify gaps or unintended consequences that could affect estate plans. We offer candid assessments of whether an ILIT is appropriate in light of a client’s financial profile and family goals, and we outline the tradeoffs involved in different approaches. Clients receive practical recommendations tailored to their situation and assistance implementing the strategy efficiently and carefully.
Our process for establishing an ILIT begins with an intake meeting to review family circumstances, existing policies, and estate planning goals. We evaluate whether an ILIT is the most appropriate tool and recommend trust terms and funding plans that align with your objectives. After drafting and review, we execute the trust documents, coordinate ownership transfer or issuance of the life insurance policy, prepare supporting documents like Certification of Trust and pour‑over wills, and provide trustees with an administration checklist to ensure consistent ongoing management of the trust.
The first step is a comprehensive assessment of assets, beneficiary needs, and any business or tax considerations that affect trust design. We gather details about existing life insurance policies, beneficiaries named on policies, and the client’s intentions for distributions. Based on that information we draft the ILIT instrument, coordinate necessary ancillary documents, and propose trustee powers and distribution standards. This phase ensures that the trust language reflects the client’s wishes and sets clear expectations for trustees and beneficiaries.
We carefully examine current policy ownership and beneficiary designations to determine whether assignment, transfer of ownership, or issuance of a new policy is appropriate for integration with the ILIT. This review identifies potential pitfalls such as beneficiary designations that conflict with trust goals, or probate exposures that could undermine estate planning objectives. By addressing these issues at the outset, we develop a step‑by‑step plan to move ownership into the trust or to structure premium funding consistent with tax rules and client wishes.
Drafting the ILIT involves clear language describing trustee powers, distribution standards, Crummey withdrawal procedures if used, and successor trustee provisions. We also prepare clear instructions for how premium gifts will be made, how notices will be sent to beneficiaries, and how trustee records should be maintained. The trust document is coupled with a Certification of Trust and other supporting forms to facilitate interactions with insurance companies, banks, and advisors, creating a clear administrative framework for the life of the trust.
After the trust is drafted, we assist with execution formalities and the practical steps of funding the ILIT. This may include transferring an existing policy into the trust, purchasing a new policy owned by the trust, or establishing a funding schedule for premiums. We prepare written gift documentation, advise on Crummey notices if applicable, and coordinate with trustees and insurers to confirm ownership changes and policy designations. Accurate and timely implementation is essential to achieve the intended tax and control outcomes for the trust.
When transferring an existing policy, we coordinate with the insurer to complete assignment paperwork, update policy records to reflect trust ownership, and verify that beneficiary designations align with the trust. For new policies, we guide the clients and trustees through the application and issuance process so the trust is recorded as owner from the outset. These steps ensure that the insurer recognizes the trust as the policy holder and that premium payments and benefit distributions flow through the ILIT in accordance with the trust terms.
To support gift tax treatment and trust administration, we prepare documentation for each premium gift, including written notices to beneficiaries when Crummey powers are used. Trustees receive templates and instructions for issuing notices, tracking responses, and maintaining records demonstrating the timing and amount of contributions. This documentation is important if tax or estate questions arise and helps trustees demonstrate that the trust was funded and administered as intended over time.
Once an ILIT is established, ongoing administration includes paying premiums, maintaining accurate records, providing notices as required by the trust, and reviewing the trust periodically in light of life changes or changes in tax law. Trustees should receive clear guidance regarding communications with beneficiaries and the insurer. Periodic estate plan reviews help ensure that the ILIT remains aligned with family goals and that any necessary updates to other estate planning documents are coordinated to avoid conflicts and preserve intended benefits.
Trustees should maintain detailed records of premium payments, contributions received, notices sent to beneficiaries, and correspondence with the insurer. Regular reporting to beneficiaries as required by the trust terms promotes transparency and reduces the risk of disputes. Proper recordkeeping also provides proof of timely payments and compliance with any withdrawal or notice procedures, which supports the trust’s intended tax and administrative treatment and helps protect the trustees from misunderstandings or challenges.
We recommend periodic reviews of the ILIT and the client’s overall estate plan to address changes in family circumstances, policy performance, or tax law. These reviews can reveal whether funding needs have shifted, whether beneficiary designations remain appropriate, and whether trust provisions should be clarified for future trustees. Regular checkups also provide an opportunity to coordinate the ILIT with updates to wills, powers of attorney, and other planning documents to maintain a consistent and effective estate plan.
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) is a trust created to own and control life insurance policies and their proceeds. Once the grantor transfers ownership of a policy to the ILIT, the policy is generally removed from the grantor’s taxable estate, subject to timing and other rules. The trustee becomes the owner of the policy, pays premiums from gifts made to the trust, and manages distributions to beneficiaries under the trust’s terms. The ILIT structure provides a formal mechanism to ensure proceeds are distributed according to the grantor’s wishes. Implementation requires careful attention to funding, ownership records, and beneficiary designations. Trustees must keep accurate records of premium gifts and policy payments, and may need to issue notices if Crummey withdrawal rights are used to qualify gifts for the annual exclusion. Proper coordination with insurance carriers and other estate planning documents helps ensure the ILIT functions as intended at the insured’s death.
Transferring an existing policy into an ILIT or making premium gifts to fund a trust can have gift tax implications depending on the amounts and timing. Annual contributions to the trust for premium payments may qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion if structured as present interest gifts, often facilitated by Crummey withdrawal provisions. It is important to document gifts, issue proper notices, and maintain records to support exclusion treatment if applicable. Large transfers or transfers within three years of death can present additional estate and gift tax considerations. Reviewing the timing of transfers, total gifts, and the client’s lifetime exemption levels helps determine the appropriate strategy. A careful plan will address documentation and the alignment of beneficiary and ownership records to avoid unexpected tax consequences.
In many circumstances the grantor cannot serve as trustee of their own ILIT because retaining certain powers over the trust can cause the trust assets to be included in the grantor’s estate for tax purposes. California clients often designate a spouse, trusted family member, or corporate trustee as trustee, and name successor trustees to ensure continuity. The trustee must act in accordance with the trust terms and keep accurate records of transactions and notices. Selecting a trustee requires balancing willingness to serve, administrative capability, and trust independence. A trustee who understands the trust’s notice and funding requirements can help maintain the intended tax treatment and protect the grantor’s objectives. Clear successor provisions help the ILIT remain effective over time.
Crummey powers provide beneficiaries a short‑term withdrawal right that can create a present interest in gifts made to the ILIT, enabling those gifts to qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion. Trustees typically issue written notices to beneficiaries when a premium contribution is made and allow the withdrawal period specified in the trust. Properly documented notices and adherence to the withdrawal window are important to support the exclusion treatment if questioned for tax purposes. While Crummey provisions facilitate exclusion treatment, they require administration and recordkeeping. Beneficiaries rarely exercise the withdrawal right, but the notice and the documented opportunity to withdraw are what establish the present interest. Trustees should follow notice templates and retain acknowledgments to maintain consistent records of each contribution.
When the insured dies, the life insurance proceeds payable to the ILIT are received by the trust and then distributed according to the trust’s terms. The ILIT document can provide for immediate liquidity to pay estate taxes, debts, and administrative costs or specify staged distributions for beneficiaries over time. Because the trust owns the policy, proceeds are managed by the trustee rather than passing directly to named individuals outside the trust structure. Proper drafting determines whether proceeds are held for long‑term protection, used for business succession, or paid out in a specific manner to heirs. Trustees must follow distribution standards in the trust and manage records to document how funds are used. The ILIT’s terms ensure proceeds are directed to the intended purposes without probate delays.
An ILIT complements a revocable living trust or will by handling life insurance ownership and proceeds separately, which can be beneficial for tax and control objectives. A pour‑over will may be used to coordinate remaining assets with a revocable trust, while the ILIT keeps insurance proceeds outside that estate when structured and funded properly. Coordination of beneficiary designations, wills, and trust instruments helps avoid conflicts and ensures documents work together to reflect the client’s overall plan. It is important to align the ILIT with other estate documents so that ownership changes and beneficiary designations do not inadvertently undermine the trust’s purpose. Regular reviews and updates after major life events maintain consistency across all planning documents and prevent unintended overlap or gaps in the estate plan.
Trustees of an ILIT are responsible for accepting contributions, paying premiums, maintaining records, communicating with beneficiaries according to the trust terms, and distributing proceeds after the insured’s death. Trustees should keep detailed documentation of notices, gifts, premium payments, and insurer correspondence. Regular reporting and transparent recordkeeping help prevent disputes and demonstrate compliance with trust procedures. Trustees also handle interactions with the insurer, confirm ownership and beneficiary designations, and ensure premiums are paid on time to avoid policy lapse. Clear trustee powers in the trust document and an administration checklist support consistent performance of these duties over the life of the trust.
An ILIT can provide a level of protection for proceeds against certain creditor claims and divorce distributions by holding the funds in trust rather than passing them directly to beneficiaries. The trust’s distribution standards and spendthrift provisions can limit beneficiaries’ ability to transfer or pledge their interests, creating a degree of protection. However, protection depends on the timing of transfers, the type of claims, and applicable state law, so outcomes can vary depending on the circumstances. It is important to draft the trust with clear protective provisions and to follow the correct transfer timing and notice procedures. Coordination with family law and creditor planning advisors may be appropriate in complex situations to maximize available protections while complying with legal constraints.
You should review or update your ILIT after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, changes in beneficiary circumstances, or significant changes in asset values or tax law. Periodic reviews ensure that funding schedules remain appropriate, beneficiary designations still reflect your intentions, and trustee provisions are up to date. Regular checkups help prevent mismatches between the ILIT and other estate planning documents and confirm that the trust continues to serve its intended purpose. Even absent major events, a routine review every few years is a prudent practice to confirm that policy performance, premium funding, and documentation remain in alignment with your estate plan. A review also provides an opportunity to refresh administrative practices and to remind trustees of their responsibilities.
To get started with an ILIT in Culver City, begin by gathering information about existing life insurance policies, beneficiary designations, financial accounts, and your broader estate planning goals. Contact the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman to schedule a consultation where we can review your documents, discuss whether an ILIT fits your objectives, and outline the steps needed to implement the trust, including drafting, execution, and funding plans. During the initial consultation we will explain trustee options, funding mechanisms, and administrative responsibilities so you can make informed decisions. If you proceed, we will prepare the trust documents, coordinate with the insurer on ownership transfer or policy issuance, and provide trustees with templates and checklists for ongoing administration to ensure the ILIT functions as intended over time.
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