An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, or ILIT, is an estate planning tool used to remove life insurance proceeds from an individual’s taxable estate and to provide clear, managed distribution of policy benefits. For Menifee residents, an ILIT can help preserve assets for heirs, address potential estate tax concerns, and provide liquidity to pay final expenses without forcing the sale of property. Establishing an ILIT involves careful drafting, selection of a trustee, coordination with insurance carriers, and ongoing administration to ensure compliance with trust and tax rules. Our firm helps clients understand the structure and long term implications of an ILIT.
Creating an ILIT requires attention to timing, trust terms, and gift-tax considerations to prevent unintended inclusion of the insurance proceeds in the insured’s estate. A trust must be irrevocable and properly funded through gifts of premium payments to avoid tax exposure. Trustees must follow trust provisions for management and distribution, and beneficiaries receive guidance on how proceeds are used. Many clients find that combining an ILIT with other documents such as a pour-over will, financial power of attorney, and advance health care directive creates a cohesive plan that protects family wealth and simplifies administration after death.
An ILIT can provide meaningful advantages in preserving wealth and ensuring orderly distribution of life insurance proceeds. By removing ownership of the policy from the insured, the trust can reduce exposure to estate taxation and provide creditor protection for trust assets, depending on circumstances and timing. The trust also gives grantors the ability to set conditions for distributions, designate guardianship protections for minor beneficiaries, and provide for long term care of family members. For individuals with taxable estates or complex family dynamics, an ILIT complements other estate planning documents and supports financial stability for beneficiaries after the policy holder passes away.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman assists California clients with estate planning matters from the initial planning meeting through trust administration. Our firm focuses on clear, practical document drafting and personalized client counseling that reflects each family’s objectives. We work with clients to implement instruments such as revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and irrevocable life insurance trusts, adapting strategies to state law and individual financial situations. Our approach prioritizes communication, careful document review, and proactive administration so families have confidence in their plans and a roadmap for managing assets and responsibilities when the time comes.
An ILIT is a trust that owns a life insurance policy on the grantor’s life or receives policy proceeds when an existing policy is transferred into the trust. Once created and funded, the trust is typically irrevocable, so the grantor cannot unilaterally change terms or reclaim trust assets. The trustee is responsible for managing the policy, paying premiums from gifts made to the trust, and distributing proceeds according to the trust terms when the insured dies. Properly structured, the ILIT keeps the insurance proceeds out of the taxable estate and provides a controlled source of funds for beneficiaries.
Timing and documentation are critical when setting up an ILIT. Transferring an existing policy into the trust can trigger a three year lookback under federal tax rules, which may still result in inclusion of the proceeds in the estate if death occurs within that period. Gift tax considerations arise because premium payments are treated as gifts to the trust beneficiaries unless Crummey withdrawal language or other mechanisms are used. The trustee’s duties include recordkeeping, premium payment handling, and communicating with beneficiaries to ensure distributions align with the grantor’s objectives.
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust is a legal arrangement that holds ownership of a life insurance policy and directs how death benefits are managed and distributed. The grantor transfers a policy or arranges for a policy to be purchased by the trust, names beneficiaries, and appoints a trustee to administer the trust. Because the trust owns the policy, the proceeds are not included in the grantor’s estate for estate tax purposes if the trust is properly structured and the three year transfer rule has been observed. The trust language can set payout timing, assign responsibilities for premium payments, and limit distributions to protect assets for intended beneficiaries.
Establishing an ILIT typically involves drafting trust documents with clear grantor instructions, selecting a trustee who can manage the policy and trust assets, and coordinating premium funding. If transferring an existing policy, the parties must consider the tax lookback period and possible gift tax consequences. For new policies, the trust is named as owner and beneficiary at inception and premiums are funded through gifts to the trust. Trustees maintain records, manage insurance carriers, and handle beneficiary distributions according to the trust terms. Regular review ensures the trust remains aligned with current laws and family circumstances.
Understanding common terms used in ILIT planning helps clients make informed choices. Important concepts include ownership, beneficiary designation, trustee duties, gift tax rules, the three year inclusion period, Crummey withdrawal powers, and premium funding mechanisms. Each term has specific legal and tax implications that affect the outcome of a trust plan. Clear definitions in the trust documents and careful coordination with financial advisors and insurance carriers limit surprises. Clients benefit from explanations of how these terms relate to their estate goals and the administration obligations they create for trustees and beneficiaries.
The three year inclusion rule refers to a federal tax provision that can cause life insurance proceeds to be included in the insured’s taxable estate if the policy was transferred to another owner or trust within three years of death. This rule is designed to prevent last minute transfers meant solely to avoid estate taxes. When creating or transferring a policy into an ILIT, clients and advisors must consider the timing of the transfer and whether the insured will likely survive the three year period. Careful planning can mitigate the impact of this rule through alternative funding approaches or policy ownership strategies.
A Crummey withdrawal power is a mechanism included in many ILITs that gives beneficiaries a temporary right to withdraw premium gifts made to the trust, often for a short notice period. This power allows such gifts to qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion by creating present interest in the gift. Trustees typically include notice procedures and limit withdrawal periods so that most beneficiaries do not exercise the right, allowing the trust to retain the funds for premium payments. Crummey provisions must be clearly drafted and administered to achieve the intended tax treatment.
Trustee responsibilities in an ILIT include managing the trust assets, coordinating premium payments with trust funding, maintaining communication with the insurance company, keeping accurate records, and making distributions in accordance with the trust terms. A trustee may be an individual or a corporate trustee and should be willing to perform administrative tasks and follow fiduciary duties imposed by law. Clear instructions in the trust document reduce ambiguity about the trustee’s role and ensure beneficiaries receive the intended protections and benefits when the policy pays out.
Gift tax refers to federal rules that apply when the grantor makes transfers of property or money to another person or to a trust. The annual gift tax exclusion allows an individual to give a specified amount each year to each donee without using lifetime exemptions. When funding an ILIT, grantors often use the annual exclusion to transfer premium dollars to the trust without incurring gift tax, provided the gifts qualify as present interest gifts often through Crummey powers. Understanding how gifts are characterized and documented is essential for achieving the desired tax treatment.
When evaluating options, clients should consider ownership structures, tax consequences, flexibility, and administrative burden. A revocable living trust provides flexibility and control but does not remove insurance from the taxable estate. An ILIT removes ownership but limits flexibility because it is irrevocable. Other alternatives include payable on death designations and beneficiary trusts for specific purposes. Each option balances control, tax treatment, and the needs of beneficiaries. A tailored approach often combines documents so that life insurance aligns with broader estate planning objectives and family financial realities.
For individuals whose total estate value is well below federal and state exemption levels, the administrative complexity of an ILIT may not be necessary. When estate tax is unlikely to be a concern, a simpler arrangement such as keeping the policy in the insured’s name with clear beneficiary designations can achieve immediate liquidity goals at lower cost. Families focused on straightforward transfer of life insurance proceeds to a surviving spouse or adult children may prefer this approach, particularly where there are no creditor or special distribution concerns that require trust protection.
When life insurance is intended primarily for short term obligations like a mortgage or temporary income replacement, a trust may add complexity without corresponding benefit. If the policy face amount is modest and intended to cover immediate expenses, maintaining the policy within the insured’s estate and ensuring beneficiary designations are current can provide efficient outcomes. In such situations it is still important to document wishes and coordinate with other estate planning instruments to ensure beneficiaries can access funds when needed.
When an estate has significant value or where life insurance proceeds are intended to provide liquidity to pay estate taxes, business succession obligations, or other major expenses, a trust based approach such as an ILIT can preserve assets and reduce potential tax burdens. An ILIT can supply funds without forcing the sale of illiquid assets, protect proceeds for multiple beneficiaries, and coordinate with other trust planning to reflect philanthropic or legacy goals. Complex financial circumstances often benefit from comprehensive planning to align insurance strategies with estate and business continuity objectives.
When beneficiaries include minors, individuals with special needs, or family members with creditor exposure, an ILIT can provide controlled distributions and protective measures that simple beneficiary designations cannot. Trust provisions can delay or phase distributions, set conditions for use of funds, or name successor trustees to ensure management continuity. For families seeking both privacy and structure, a trust arrangement integrates with guardianship nominations, special needs planning tools, and other instruments to protect assets while honoring the grantor’s intentions.
A comprehensive approach that includes an ILIT alongside a living trust, will, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives provides coordinated protection and clarity for families. This integrated plan can prevent unintended tax consequences, ensure liquidity for estate obligations, and create a management framework for distributions that reflects family priorities. A coordinated plan reduces administrative friction for trustees and executors, clarifies beneficiary rights, and supports consistent communication across financial institutions and insurance carriers, resulting in a smoother transition when the insured passes away.
In addition to tax and distribution advantages, a comprehensive plan enhances privacy and can reduce the likelihood of probate delays for certain assets. Including documents such as a pour-over will, guardianship nominations, and a certification of trust complements an ILIT by filling gaps and ensuring assets are directed according to the grantor’s wishes. Regular review of the plan helps adapt to life changes, policy adjustments, or changes in law, keeping the plan effective and aligned with family needs over time.
An ILIT can provide liquidity outside the taxable estate, allowing heirs to settle obligations without selling assets. This is especially valuable for estates that include family businesses, real estate, or other illiquid property. By removing life insurance proceeds from estate calculations, families may preserve more wealth for beneficiaries while maintaining the ability to meet cash needs. Properly coordinated trust provisions and funding strategies ensure that proceeds are available when needed and used in a manner consistent with the grantor’s intentions.
An ILIT allows the grantor to set terms for how proceeds are distributed, protecting assets from immediate dissipation and shielding funds from potential creditor claims against beneficiaries, subject to applicable law and timing rules. Trust language can schedule distributions, create discretionary payout authority for trustees, or establish trust-based education or healthcare provisions. This control supports long term family financial stability and can address special circumstances such as beneficiary disabilities, spendthrift concerns, or phased inheritance strategies.
Begin ILIT planning well before expected needs to avoid complications with the three year inclusion rule and to provide time for a sustainable premium funding strategy. Early planning allows the grantor to choose appropriate policy ownership, set clear trust terms, and establish funding that qualifies for the annual gift tax exclusion. Coordination with financial advisors and the insurance carrier ensures premium payment schedules and trust documentation align. Early action reduces the chance of last minute transfers that could jeopardize the intended estate tax benefits or create administrative strain for trustees and beneficiaries.
Integrate the ILIT into the broader estate plan by aligning it with a pour-over will, living trust, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives so that beneficiary designations and property ownership produce the intended results. When an ILIT interacts with retirement accounts, business succession plans, or special needs arrangements, coordinated documents prevent conflicting instructions and promote smooth administration. Periodic review and updates keep the overall plan consistent with life events such as marriage, divorce, or changes in family composition, as well as changes in insurance policies or tax law.
Consider an ILIT if you want life insurance proceeds to be managed outside your taxable estate, provide liquidity for heirs, protect assets from potential creditor claims, or ensure controlled distributions for beneficiaries. An ILIT is particularly useful in situations involving significant estate values, business succession needs, or beneficiaries who require protective distribution terms. The trust structure supports long term planning goals while allowing the grantor to set precise instructions for use of funds, including provisions for education, healthcare, or phased inheritance that reflect family priorities and financial realities.
An ILIT may also be appropriate when coordination with other planning tools is needed, such as revocable living trusts, retirement plan trusts, special needs trusts, or pour-over wills. Combining these documents can reduce probate exposure, provide comprehensive care for dependents, and align insurance proceeds with broader legacy objectives. Because ILITs are irrevocable, prospective grantors should weigh the long term commitment against potential benefits and seek careful drafting to ensure the trust achieves the intended tax and distribution outcomes while maintaining administrative clarity for trustees.
Clients often consider an ILIT when they have significant life insurance holdings, own illiquid assets that could create liquidity needs at death, or wish to control distribution timing for heirs. Business owners may use an ILIT to fund buy-sell agreements or to provide liquidity for estate taxes so that business interests are not forced into sale. Families with beneficiaries who have special needs, spendthrift tendencies, or creditor issues benefit from trust-based controls. Each circumstance requires careful document drafting and funding to align legal and tax outcomes with family objectives.
Individuals with estates that approach or exceed exemption thresholds may use an ILIT to help reduce estate tax exposure and supply liquidity for taxes and final expenses. An ILIT can ensure heirs receive assets without forced liquidation of businesses or real property by providing immediate funds to cover obligations. This approach requires precise timing and coordination with tax advisors to maximize benefits while complying with relevant transfer rules. Properly implemented, it provides a stable source of funds that serves as a bridge during estate settlement.
When beneficiaries include individuals with disabilities or those who may need lifelong support, an ILIT can be structured to provide ongoing financial resources while protecting eligibility for public benefits. Trust provisions can limit distributions to needs-based expenses, appoint trustees with appropriate discretion, and create supplemental support mechanisms. Combining an ILIT with a special needs trust or retirement plan trust ensures benefits are coordinated and the beneficiary’s long term care and financial stability are addressed with sensitivity and legal clarity.
Business owners often use an ILIT as part of a succession plan to fund buy-sell agreements or to equalize inheritances among family members when one heir is active in the business. Life insurance proceeds held in a trust can provide funds to buy an owner’s interest, compensate heirs who are not involved in the business, or maintain continuity without liquidating business assets. Drafting must align with business agreements and estate documents so that proceeds accomplish business continuity and family fairness objectives simultaneously.
Serving Menifee and surrounding communities, the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides personalized estate planning and trust services focused on practical results and clear documentation. We assist clients in creating and funding ILITs, coordinating related instruments such as revocable living trusts and pour-over wills, and guiding trustees through administration obligations. Our practice emphasizes client communication, careful drafting, and pragmatic solutions that reflect each family’s priorities. If you are considering an ILIT or other estate planning tools, we can help explain options, prepare documents, and support implementation.
Clients working with our firm receive focused attention to the details that determine whether an ILIT will meet their objectives, including drafting trust provisions that match intended distributions and tax planning goals. We prioritize clear explanations of legal and tax implications, practical coordination with insurance carriers, and thorough documentation to support trustee actions. Our process includes careful review of beneficiary designations and integration of the ILIT into the broader estate plan so the client’s wishes are implemented consistently and efficiently.
We understand how ILITs interact with other estate planning instruments, such as revocable trusts, pour-over wills, financial powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. This integrated perspective helps avoid conflicts and ensures that insurance proceeds serve their intended purpose, whether for business continuity, family support, or philanthropic goals. The firm emphasizes ongoing communication so that clients and trustees understand responsibilities and plan adjustments are made when life changes occur or when policies are modified.
Our approach focuses on durable documentation, trustee guidance, and practical administration that reduces administrative burdens on families. We prepare clear trust instructions and supporting documents such as a certification of trust and general assignment of assets to trust, and coordinate with financial professionals as needed. Clients benefit from plans that anticipate common challenges, reduce the risk of probate complications, and give family members a reliable framework for managing life insurance proceeds when the time comes.
Our firm follows a methodical process that begins with a discovery meeting to understand financial circumstances, family structure, and planning objectives. We then recommend a tailored structure, draft trust documents, coordinate with insurance carriers, and prepare funding instructions. After signing, we assist trustees with initial administration tasks, provide documentation such as certification of trust, and remain available for ongoing reviews. This process ensures the ILIT aligns with client goals and that trustees have the guidance necessary to administer the trust properly over time.
The first step is a comprehensive review of assets, existing policies, beneficiary designations, and family objectives. We assess whether an ILIT is appropriate, consider timing issues like the three year rule, and outline funding strategies to qualify for gift tax exclusions. Based on this review, we recommend trust provisions, trustee options, and coordination needs with other estate planning instruments so the plan functions cohesively and reflects client priorities.
We examine current life insurance policies to determine ownership, beneficiary designations, premium schedules, and transfer history. This review identifies any potential inclusion risks and determines whether policy transfers, new trust ownership, or replacement policies are most appropriate. Our goal is to structure the trust and ownership in a way that achieves intended tax and distribution outcomes while minimizing administrative surprises for trustees and beneficiaries.
This phase focuses on family dynamics, liquidity needs, business interests, and treatment of special beneficiaries. We discuss how proceeds should be used, timing for distributions, and any protections needed for beneficiaries. Understanding these objectives informs trust language and helps establish provisions for trustee discretion, distribution standards, and coordination with other estate planning documents to ensure consistent implementation.
Once the plan design is approved, we draft trust documents with precise language to reflect funding mechanisms, distribution terms, trustee powers, and Crummey provisions if applicable. Execution includes signing the trust, preparing any necessary assignments, and arranging for the trust to be named as policy owner or for a new policy to be issued to the trust. We provide step-by-step funding instructions to ensure premium gifts are properly documented and qualify for the intended tax treatment.
We prepare the ILIT document, certification of trust, and related paperwork tailored to the client’s goals. Documents are reviewed in detail with the client to confirm understandings regarding distributions, trustee powers, and notification procedures for beneficiaries. This review minimizes ambiguity and prepares trustees for their administrative responsibilities, ensuring the trust is enforceable and aligned with the broader estate plan.
We liaise with insurance providers to transfer ownership or issue a new policy in the name of the trust, provide necessary documentation, and confirm premium schedules. If gifts are used to fund the trust, we advise on creating and documenting present interest gifts, including appropriate notices to beneficiaries when Crummey provisions are used. Proper coordination prevents administrative missteps that could undermine the trust’s tax or distribution objectives.
After funding, trustees must manage the policy, make premium payments, maintain records, and follow distribution instructions. Our firm assists trustees with initial administrative tasks, offers guidance on recordkeeping and notices, and provides periodic reviews to ensure the trust remains effective and aligned with changes in family circumstances or law. Ongoing attention helps preserve intended tax results and ensures the ILIT operates smoothly over the long term.
We provide trustees with templates and guidance for required notices, accounting practices, and documentation of premium gifts and distributions. Accurate records are essential to demonstrate compliance with trust terms and to support the intended tax treatment of gifts and policy ownership. Trustee support reduces administrative headaches and helps prevent disputes among beneficiaries by promoting transparency and adherence to the trust terms.
Regular reviews ensure the ILIT remains aligned with changes in tax law, insurance policy terms, or family circumstances. While the trust is irrevocable, ancillary documents and funding strategies may be adjusted as permitted to maintain effectiveness. Periodic consultations allow grantors and trustees to confirm that premium funding continues as intended, beneficiary needs are addressed, and documentation is current, which contributes to long term plan reliability and peace of mind.
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust is a trust that owns and controls a life insurance policy, with the trustee managing the policy and distributing benefits according to the trust terms when the insured dies. The trust is typically irrevocable, meaning the grantor gives up ownership and certain control over the policy, and the trustee becomes responsible for premium payments, recordkeeping, and execution of distribution provisions. Properly structured, the trust can remove the policy proceeds from the grantor’s taxable estate and provide a framework for how funds are used by beneficiaries. Setting up an ILIT involves drafting trust language that defines trustee powers, beneficiary rights, and funding mechanisms such as Crummey withdrawal notices. Coordination with insurance carriers is necessary to transfer ownership or issue a new policy in the trust’s name. Because the trust is irrevocable, careful planning is important to align the trust structure with the grantor’s long term objectives and to ensure that beneficiaries receive the intended benefits without unintended tax or administrative complications.
An ILIT can reduce estate taxes by removing life insurance proceeds from the insured’s taxable estate if the policy is owned by the trust and the three year transfer rule does not apply. When properly designed and funded, the trust holds the proceeds outside the estate, potentially lowering overall estate tax liability and preserving more assets for heirs. The impact depends on total estate value, the timing of transfers, and applicable federal and state tax laws, so results vary by situation. Because tax rules and exemptions change over time, integrating an ILIT into a broader estate plan and reviewing the plan with financial advisors is important. The ILIT should be coordinated with other planning tools to ensure that proceeds are used efficiently for liquidity, succession, or beneficiary support goals. Careful documentation of gifts used to fund premiums and adherence to trust formalities help maintain the intended tax treatment over the long term.
The three year transfer rule may cause life insurance proceeds to be included in the insured’s estate if the policy was transferred to another owner or trust within three years of the insured’s death. This rule is intended to prevent last minute transfers designed solely to avoid estate taxes. If a policy is transferred into an ILIT and the insured dies within three years, the proceeds may still be considered part of the estate, undermining the goal of estate tax exclusion. To address this rule, clients can plan transfers well in advance or arrange for new policies to be issued directly to the ILIT so the three year period is not an issue. In some cases, alternative funding or ownership strategies may be recommended to achieve estate planning goals while minimizing the risk of inclusion under the three year rule.
A Crummey power is a feature that gives beneficiaries a temporary right to withdraw gifts made to the ILIT, which can make those gifts qualify as present interest gifts for annual gift tax exclusion purposes. Typically, the trust notifies beneficiaries of their limited withdrawal right for a short period, and most beneficiaries refrain from exercising it so funds remain in the trust to pay premiums. Including Crummey provisions requires careful drafting to ensure notices are delivered and procedures are followed so the gifts receive the intended tax treatment. Administratively, trustees must maintain records of notices and any withdrawals to support the tax characterization of gifts. Effective Crummey administration reduces the need to use lifetime gift exemptions for premium funding and allows grantors to leverage annual exclusions to keep the trust funded without creating unintended tax liabilities.
The trustee of an ILIT should be someone or an entity capable of managing insurance interactions, maintaining records, and carrying out distribution terms responsibly. Trustees can be trusted family members, friends, or a corporate trustee such as a bank or trust company, each choice having different considerations regarding availability, administrative competence, and potential conflicts. The trustee must have the ability and willingness to fulfill fiduciary duties and follow the trust’s instructions for premium payments and distributions. Choosing a trustee includes planning for successor trustees and clarifying compensation and reporting expectations. If family dynamics or administrative complexity is anticipated, a corporate trustee or co-trustee arrangement can provide continuity and professional administration while family members retain oversight or advisory roles for long term governance.
Transferring an existing policy into an ILIT is possible but requires careful consideration of the three year transfer rule and potential tax consequences. If the insured transfers ownership to the trust and then dies within three years, the proceeds may remain in the estate for tax purposes. In some situations, replacing an existing policy with a new policy owned by the ILIT or planning transfers well in advance can avoid this outcome. Insurance company requirements and consent may also be needed to complete a transfer. A full review of the policy history, premium payments, and beneficiary designations helps determine the best route. Coordination between legal counsel, the insurance carrier, and any financial advisors ensures the transfer accomplishes the grantor’s goals without unintended tax or administrative complications.
Premiums for an ILIT are commonly funded by the grantor making annual gifts to the trust that qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion. To make gifts qualify as present interest gifts, trust drafters often include Crummey withdrawal powers so beneficiaries receive a short term right to withdraw contributions. Trustees must provide timely notices and maintain records to support the tax treatment of the gifts, and most beneficiaries typically do not exercise withdrawal rights so funds remain available to pay premiums. Alternative funding strategies can include larger lifetime gifts, allocation of lifetime gift exemptions, or coordination with other assets to provide premium streams. Each funding approach has tax and practical implications, so aligning the method with the client’s broader estate plan and liquidity needs helps achieve reliable premium payment without unintended tax consequences.
When the insured dies, the life insurance proceeds held by the ILIT are paid to the trust and then managed or distributed according to the trust terms. Because the trust controls the proceeds, the trustee executes distribution instructions, which may include outright payments, phased distributions, or ongoing trustee-managed support for beneficiaries. This structure ensures proceeds are used for the purposes intended by the grantor and can provide protection from immediate creditor claims against beneficiaries depending on applicable law and timing. Trust administration includes documentation of receipt, accounting for funds, and implementation of distribution provisions. Trustees should maintain transparent records and communicate with beneficiaries regarding payments and the basis for discretionary decisions, which supports smooth administration and helps avoid disputes among beneficiaries.
An ILIT complements other estate planning tools by handling life insurance proceeds separately while revocable living trusts and wills address other assets and probate avoidance. A pour-over will can ensure assets not transferred during life are directed to a revocable trust at death, while the ILIT specifically manages insurance benefits outside the estate. Coordination avoids conflicts in beneficiary designations and ensures that each document works together to achieve the grantor’s overall objectives for asset distribution and administration. During the planning process, we review all beneficiary designations, retirement accounts, property ownership, and trust provisions to ensure consistency. This integrated approach prevents unintended overlaps and helps trustees and executors carry out the estate plan in a coordinated and efficient manner.
Reviewing an ILIT and the broader estate plan periodically is important to ensure documents reflect current family circumstances, changes in policy terms, or shifts in tax law. While the trust itself is irrevocable, related documents and funding arrangements may need adjustment or confirmation to remain effective. Regular reviews after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant changes in asset value help ensure the plan continues to meet goals and that premium funding remains sustainable. We recommend scheduled check-ins to confirm beneficiary contact information, trustee availability, and policy status, and to update related estate planning documents. Proactive reviews minimize surprises, maintain administrative readiness, and preserve the intended benefits and protections established by the ILIT.
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