An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) is a commonly used estate planning tool to hold life insurance policies outside of a taxable estate while preserving proceeds for intended beneficiaries. For clients in East Palo Alto and surrounding San Mateo County, an ILIT can provide clarity about who receives policy proceeds and how those proceeds are managed and distributed. Establishing an ILIT requires careful drafting of trust terms, transfer of ownership of the policy into the trust, and ongoing administration to ensure the trust remains effective. This introduction outlines when an ILIT may be appropriate and what steps are typically involved in creating and maintaining one.
Choosing whether an ILIT is appropriate depends on multiple factors including the size of the life insurance proceeds, estate tax considerations, beneficiary needs, and the grantor’s broader estate plan. The trust document can include instructions for use of proceeds, funds for final expenses, or provisions for dependent beneficiaries. Trustees have a fiduciary duty to follow the trust terms and manage funds prudently for beneficiaries. Communication among the grantor, trustee, beneficiaries, and legal counsel is important to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the trust ultimately achieves the grantor’s goals while complying with California law.
An ILIT can provide several benefits for individuals seeking to separate life insurance proceeds from their taxable estate and provide controlled distributions to beneficiaries. By removing policy ownership from the grantor’s estate, proceeds may avoid inclusion for estate tax purposes under applicable federal rules, subject to timing requirements. An ILIT can also add layers of protection for beneficiaries who may be minors, face creditor claims, or require structured distributions. Properly drafted trust terms let the grantor set conditions, distribution timing, and trustee powers, promoting financial security and orderly transfer of insurance proceeds according to the grantor’s wishes.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves clients across San Jose, East Palo Alto, and the surrounding Bay Area with a focus on personalized estate planning. The firm assists with trust formation, including Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, and prepares related documents such as pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, thoughtful drafting, and practical guidance for selecting trustees and structuring distributions. We work to align each plan with a client’s family circumstances, financial objectives, and long-term goals while keeping paperwork compliant with California law and administrative requirements.
An ILIT is a trust designed specifically to own life insurance policies and receive policy proceeds upon the insured’s death. The trust becomes the policy owner, removing the death benefit from the insured’s estate for federal estate tax purposes if transfers are completed outside any applicable lookback period. The trust document sets the terms for how proceeds are invested, held, and distributed to beneficiaries. Trustees may be given authority to manage investments, pay expenses, and make discretionary distributions. Establishing an ILIT also involves beneficiary designations, titling changes, and regular trust administration to preserve intended tax and control outcomes.
Key administrative steps include transferring an existing policy to the trust or having the trust apply for a new policy, updating beneficiary designations, and funding premium payments in a way that avoids unintended gift tax consequences. Grantors sometimes use annual exclusion gifts or other funding mechanisms to supply premiums to the trust. Trustees must maintain trust records, report transactions, and follow the trust’s distribution plan. Failure to follow formalities can jeopardize the tax position or lead to disputes among beneficiaries, so careful setup and ongoing attention are important to achieving the client’s objectives.
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust is a legal arrangement in which a grantor transfers ownership of a life insurance policy into a trust that cannot be revoked or altered by the grantor after transfer. The trustee holds legal title and manages the policy and proceeds according to the trust terms for the benefit of named beneficiaries. The irrevocable nature typically provides estate and asset protection benefits but also means the grantor gives up control over the policy. The trust document specifies trustee powers, distribution rules, procedures for premium payments, and safeguards to ensure proceeds are used as intended for beneficiaries and to address potential tax considerations.
Essential elements of an ILIT include the trust instrument, the transfer of policy ownership, trustee selection, beneficiary designations, and funding arrangements for premiums. The trust should include clear instructions on distribution standards, potential discretionary powers, and guidance on investments or reserve accounts. Administrative processes involve maintaining trust records, making timely premium payments, and complying with reporting or trustee duties. Coordination with the insurance company to update ownership and beneficiary information is important. Properly documenting each step and following state and federal rules helps preserve the intended legal and tax benefits of the trust.
This section defines commonly used terms and concepts related to Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts to help clients understand what they may encounter during planning. Clear definitions of trustee responsibilities, grantor gifts, beneficiary rights, and tax-related concepts can reduce confusion and support informed decision making. These definitions also explain administrative steps such as transferring ownership, funding premiums, and how distributions are handled under different scenarios. The aim is to give clients practical language they can use when discussing an ILIT with counsel, trustees, and family members to ensure shared understanding of roles and expectations.
The grantor is the person who creates the trust and transfers the life insurance policy or funding into the trust. Once an ILIT is established and ownership of a policy is transferred to the trust, the grantor typically no longer has control over the policy. The grantor’s intentions and initial funding decisions shape the trust’s structure and distribution plan. Understanding the grantor’s goals helps the trustee and beneficiary plan for eventual distribution, and the grantor’s initial instructions govern how the trust operates after the grantor’s death.
An irrevocable transfer refers to the act of moving ownership of the life insurance policy into the trust in a manner that cannot be undone by the grantor. This transfer is often required to achieve the intended estate planning benefits. Because the transfer is permanent, the grantor must consider the long-term implications for control of the policy, premium payment responsibilities, and potential effects on eligibility for government benefits. Proper documentation of the transfer is necessary to prevent disputes and to support the trust’s tax position under applicable law.
A trustee is the person or entity appointed to manage the trust assets, hold legal title, and carry out the terms of the trust for the benefit of the beneficiaries. Trustees have a duty to follow the trust document and act prudently when managing investments, paying expenses, and making distributions. The trustee’s role includes recordkeeping, communicating with beneficiaries, and coordinating with insurance companies and financial institutions. Selecting a trustee who is reliable and capable of administrative duties is an important part of ILIT planning.
A Crummey power is a mechanism sometimes included in ILIT arrangements to allow gifts to the trust to qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion. When a Crummey withdrawal right is granted, beneficiaries receive a temporary right to withdraw a deposited premium gift, which establishes the present interest required for the exclusion. Trustees and grantors must follow notice and timing requirements for these powers to be effective. Using Crummey powers requires careful administration so that premium funding remains eligible for the exclusion without unintended tax consequences.
An ILIT is one of several tools available for managing life insurance proceeds and addressing estate tax exposure. Alternatives include retaining policy ownership, using other trust types, or structuring beneficiary designations outside of a trust. Retaining ownership gives the grantor control but may include proceeds in the taxable estate. Other trust structures can offer different levels of flexibility or protection. Comparing options depends on the client’s financial picture, estate size, family needs, and long-term goals. Legal counsel can outline trade-offs to help select the approach that aligns with the client’s priorities while addressing taxation and administration concerns.
For clients whose life insurance policy values are modest relative to the overall estate or where estate tax exposure is unlikely, a limited approach such as naming individual beneficiaries rather than creating a trust may be appropriate. Simpler arrangements can reduce administrative complexity and ongoing trustee duties. However, simpler ownership lacks the protections and control features available in an ILIT, such as creditor shielding or structured distributions. Discussing specific family needs and future scenarios helps determine whether the lower administrative burden outweighs potential downsides of less formal arrangements.
When beneficiaries are all adults who are financially responsible and there is no need for managed or staggered distributions, naming them directly on the policy may meet a client’s objectives. This approach avoids trust administration and simplifies payout. Nonetheless, it provides fewer options for protecting proceeds from potential creditor claims or ensuring funds are used for intended purposes over time. If future changes in circumstances are likely, a more flexible trust arrangement may still merit consideration despite an initially simple beneficiary structure.
A trust-based approach like an ILIT can help protect insurance proceeds from certain creditor claims and provide mechanisms for structured distributions to beneficiaries, which can be especially important when beneficiaries have special needs, spendthrift concerns, or potential creditor exposure. The trust can contain provisions limiting creditor access, setting distribution standards, and requiring trustee oversight. For families seeking to preserve resources for long-term purposes such as education, care, or multi-generational planning, the added protections and controls of a trust often outweigh the additional administrative responsibilities.
Selecting and drafting an ILIT is often most effective when coordinated with other estate planning documents such as a pour-over will, financial power of attorney, advance health care directive, and trust funding strategies. A comprehensive approach ensures beneficiary designations, trustee powers, and funding mechanisms work together and avoids conflicting provisions that can complicate administration or undermine tax planning. Attention to the interaction of all documents helps create a cohesive plan that reflects the grantor’s objectives, minimizes unintended consequences, and provides clear guidance for those who will manage affairs after the grantor’s death.
A comprehensive approach to estate planning that includes an ILIT can deliver predictable outcomes and reduce uncertainty for beneficiaries. By documenting preferences for distributions, selecting appropriate trustees, and coordinating beneficiary designations with other estate documents, clients can limit family disputes and help ensure the grantor’s intentions are followed. A well-crafted plan also clarifies administrative responsibilities, funding methods, and contingency provisions for changes in family circumstances. This level of planning supports continuity and can ease the administrative burdens that arise during the settlement of an estate.
Comprehensive planning helps address tax considerations while also ensuring that resources are allocated to meet specific family needs over time. Incorporating tools such as powers of attorney, health directives, and trusts for minor or disabled beneficiaries creates a coordinated set of documents that work together. This coordination reduces the risk of contradictory instructions or overlooked details. The planning process also provides an opportunity to name backup trustees and beneficiaries, set guidelines for investments, and provide for successor arrangements to maintain the grantor’s overall estate plan integrity.
An ILIT gives the grantor the ability to set detailed distribution rules that govern how life insurance proceeds are used, whether for education, healthcare, home purchases, or ongoing living expenses. Trust provisions can specify timing, conditions, or discretionary authority for distributions to address unique family needs. This control helps align payouts with long-term objectives and can prevent funds from being quickly dissipated. Trustees administer the distributions according to the trust terms, promoting consistency and ensuring beneficiaries receive support in the manner intended by the grantor.
Integrating an ILIT with a broader estate plan supports asset protection strategies and simplifies transition planning. The ILIT can function alongside pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and other trust arrangements to produce coordinated outcomes. This integration provides an organized structure for heirs and fiduciaries to follow, helps minimize disputes, and can reduce administrative delays. Trustees can step in to manage funds immediately upon the insurer’s payout, ensuring beneficiaries receive timely support while preserving long-term intent and protection features included in the trust document.
Selecting the right trustee matters for effective trust administration. Look for someone who is organized, trustworthy, and willing to carry out recordkeeping and distribution responsibilities over time. Consider naming successor trustees to ensure continuity if the primary trustee is unable to serve. If family dynamics could complicate administration, consider a neutral professional trustee or trust administration service to provide impartial management. Clear trustee instructions in the trust document and regular communication with named trustees can reduce confusion and streamline the administration process after a policy payout.
Ensure that beneficiary designations on the insurance policy and within the trust align and that the policy ownership has been properly transferred to the trust. Regularly review beneficiary designations after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, or deaths. Mismatched or outdated designations can create unintended outcomes or disputes. Keep copies of communications with the insurer and confirm that the insurer recognizes the trust as the policy owner to facilitate a smooth payout process when the time comes.
Clients often choose an ILIT to reduce potential estate tax exposure, control how insurance proceeds are distributed, and provide creditor protection for beneficiaries. An ILIT can be structured to serve many different objectives including support for surviving family members, funding of trusts for minor children, or preservation of funds for long-term care and education. Because the trust can be tailored, grantors can set conditions and staggered distributions to address varied family circumstances while providing a framework for trustee administration that reflects the grantor’s wishes.
In addition to tax and distribution benefits, an ILIT helps simplify the payout process and can prevent proceeds from being subject to probate administration. The trust may provide privacy and a more direct path to beneficiary access, with the trustee managing investment and distribution tasks. Grantors with blended families or beneficiaries who may need oversight often find value in the additional control an ILIT provides. Considering an ILIT alongside other estate planning documents helps ensure the whole plan functions cohesively for the long term.
People commonly consider an ILIT when they carry significant life insurance coverage, have concerns about estate tax exposure, or wish to provide structured support for beneficiaries with varying needs. It is also considered for clients who want to keep insurance proceeds out of probate or protect assets from potential creditor claims. Those with dependent beneficiaries, minor children, or special needs family members often use an ILIT to ensure proceeds are handled in a controlled manner and directed toward intended uses, such as education or ongoing care.
When life insurance policies represent a significant portion of a client’s overall estate planning picture, an ILIT can be a valuable vehicle. Moving policy ownership into a trust can help manage potential estate inclusion and provide direction for large payouts that might otherwise complicate wealth transfer. The trust can allocate funds in ways that match long-range planning goals and reduce the administrative complexity beneficiaries might face when receiving a substantial lump sum payment without guidance.
Grantors with minor or dependent beneficiaries often use an ILIT to ensure proceeds are managed until beneficiaries reach a suitable age or milestone. The trust document can set stages of distribution tied to education, age thresholds, or other benchmarks to support long-term needs. Trustees can be instructed to prioritize funds for specific purposes, like schooling or medical care, while preserving capital for future use. This structure helps protect assets and provide steady support rather than leaving a lump-sum distribution that may be spent quickly.
Blended families and complex beneficiary scenarios may benefit from the clarity and tailored distributions an ILIT can provide. Trust terms can allocate proceeds among a surviving spouse, children from different relationships, and other intended beneficiaries with clear direction. This reduces ambiguity and helps avoid disputes by documenting the grantor’s specific intentions. The trust structure can be used to secure long-term financial stability for beneficiaries while balancing competing family interests and ensuring orderly distribution according to the grantor’s plan.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides estate planning services to residents of East Palo Alto and surrounding communities, including assistance with Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts. We guide clients through document drafting, transferring policy ownership, coordinating beneficiary designations, and advising on premium funding approaches. Our goal is to create durable plans that reflect client priorities, offer appropriate protection, and coordinate with other estate planning documents. We also advise trustees on administration responsibilities to promote efficient and faithful implementation of the grantor’s instructions.
Clients choose the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman for personalized attention to estate planning matters including life insurance trust arrangements. Our practice focuses on helping clients understand the options available and on drafting clear, actionable trust documents that reflect each client’s goals. We place emphasis on practical administration steps, funding strategies, and communication with beneficiaries and trustees. By addressing the technical and procedural elements early on, we aim to reduce future disputes and ensure that the ILIT functions as intended for beneficiaries and fiduciaries.
We work with clients to evaluate policy ownership options, design trustee powers that balance control and flexibility, and plan premium funding mechanisms that align with tax considerations. Our approach includes coordinating the ILIT with broader estate planning documents such as pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives so that all components of the plan operate harmoniously. Clients receive hands-on guidance through the setup process and ongoing support to manage administrative responsibilities as needed.
The firm serves individuals and families throughout San Jose, East Palo Alto, and the broader Bay Area. We provide clear explanations about possible outcomes, help clients name appropriate trustees and beneficiaries, and prepare the required trust and insurance forms to effect transfers properly. Whether creating a new trust, transferring an existing policy, or reviewing an existing plan for improvements, we offer steady guidance to help ensure a reliable transition of insurance proceeds consistent with a client’s objectives.
Our process begins with a consultation to understand your family circumstances, financial goals, and existing estate documents. From there we draft a trust tailored to your intentions, coordinate transfer of policy ownership with the insurer, and set up funding mechanisms for premiums. We also prepare supporting documents, including pour-over wills and powers of attorney when appropriate, and guide trustees through their duties. Post-creation services include trust administration guidance, assistance with beneficiary notices, and periodic reviews to ensure the plan remains aligned with changing circumstances and legal developments.
During the initial planning phase we collect information about current policies, assets, family structure, and goals. We analyze whether an ILIT is appropriate and discuss trustee options, distribution terms, and funding strategies for premiums. Based on that discussion we prepare the trust document and related estate planning instruments that integrate with the ILIT. Clear drafting at this stage helps prevent ambiguities and sets a practical framework for the trust’s administration after policy proceeds become payable.
We request documentation such as existing life insurance policies, beneficiary designations, and basic financial statements to assess how an ILIT would fit into your plan. Understanding family relationships, special needs, and possible future circumstances helps tailor distribution provisions and trustee powers. We also evaluate any anticipated tax issues or eligibility considerations that could affect your goals. This comprehensive information-gathering step supports thoughtful trust design and ensures that the documents reflect your intentions clearly.
After gathering necessary information, we draft the ILIT instrument with clear provisions for ownership, distributions, trustee powers, and successor arrangements. We prepare any ancillary documents such as pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives to form a cohesive plan. We also provide step-by-step instructions for transferring policy ownership and for establishing premium funding mechanisms so the trust operates effectively once in place.
The second phase focuses on effecting the transfer of the life insurance policy to the trust and setting up dependable premium funding. We coordinate with insurers to change policy ownership and beneficiary designations as necessary and advise clients on how to make premium contributions to the trust in a tax-efficient manner. We also confirm that the trust’s terms and administrative procedures align with the insurer’s requirements to prevent delays or rejections of ownership changes.
We work directly with insurance companies when possible to update ownership and beneficiary records and to ensure the trust is recognized as the legal owner of the policy. Proper coordination reduces the risk of payout complications and speeds the claims process when benefits become payable. Clear documentation of transfers and insurer confirmations helps preserve the intended legal and tax results of the trust structure.
We advise on funding options for ongoing premiums, which may include annual exclusion gifts, direct contributions, or other funding strategies consistent with tax rules. We ensure notices and administrative steps required for Crummey powers or other mechanisms are properly implemented. Proper funding procedures are essential to maintaining the trust’s integrity and avoiding unintended tax consequences or ownership disputes.
The final phase addresses trustee administration, recordkeeping, and periodic review of the trust and related documents. We provide guidance for trustees on distribution decisions, investment oversight, and beneficiary communications. Periodic plan reviews are recommended to account for changes in family circumstances, tax law developments, or amendments to other estate documents. Ongoing attention helps ensure the trust continues to serve its purpose effectively and that administration remains compliant with legal requirements.
We support trustees by explaining their duties, assisting with required notices, and advising on prudent recordkeeping for premium payments, distributions, and investment activity. Proper records enable clear accounting to beneficiaries and help demonstrate compliance with fiduciary responsibilities. Trustees should keep copies of insurer communications and any court or tax filings related to the trust to facilitate transparency and continuity over time.
Regular reviews of the ILIT and associated estate planning documents help ensure plans reflect current family needs and legal changes. If life events occur such as births, marriages, divorces, or significant changes in assets, the trust structure or successor arrangements may need updates to remain aligned with goals. We recommend periodic consultations to review the full estate plan, confirm beneficiary designations, and adjust administrative procedures to maintain the trust’s effectiveness.
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust is a trust specifically designed to own one or more life insurance policies and to receive the policy proceeds upon the insured’s death. The trust becomes the legal owner of the policy, holding the death benefit for the named beneficiaries according to terms set by the grantor. Because the ownership is irrevocable, the grantor generally cannot change the trust’s terms or reclaim the policy once the transfer is completed. The trust document sets distribution rules, trustee powers, and procedures for premium funding and administration. Establishing an ILIT involves drafting the trust instrument, transferring policy ownership through insurer forms, and ensuring premium funding mechanisms are in place. Proper setup and ongoing administration are important to preserve intended tax and control outcomes. The trustee is responsible for managing the policy, maintaining records, and distributing proceeds consistent with the trust’s provisions, providing a structured approach to transferring life insurance benefits to beneficiaries.
Transferring a policy to an ILIT typically means the grantor gives up legal ownership and direct control of the policy. The trustee becomes the legal owner and assumes responsibilities for premium payments and policy management. The grantor can still influence the trust by drafting clear terms, naming trustees, and setting distribution rules, but cannot unilaterally reclaim ownership or revoke the trust once the transfer is completed. This permanence is part of what allows the ILIT to achieve certain estate planning goals. Because of the loss of direct control, careful consideration should be given to trustee selection and trust provisions that address foreseeable scenarios. Clear documentation and coordination with the insurer help avoid administrative issues. If the grantor wishes to retain more direct control, alternatives to an ILIT may be discussed to balance control and planning objectives.
Premiums for an insurance policy owned by an ILIT must be paid by the trust or funded into the trust for payment by the trustee. Common funding strategies include making annual gifts to the trust that the trustee then uses to pay premiums. To allow gifts used for premiums to qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion, some trusts include limited withdrawal rights for beneficiaries, often referred to as Crummey powers. These mechanisms require careful administration to meet notice and timing requirements for the exclusion. Proper recordkeeping of gifts, notices, and premium payments is essential to maintain the intended tax positions. Grantors and trustees should coordinate on a consistent funding schedule and maintain documentation of transfers to the trust and insurer communications. Legal guidance can help structure funding in a manner that aligns with tax rules and the grantor’s financial circumstances.
An ILIT can offer a level of protection from certain creditor claims depending on the trust terms and applicable law, because the proceeds are held in trust for beneficiaries rather than being distributed immediately to individual heirs. Trust provisions such as spendthrift clauses can restrict a beneficiary’s ability to assign or allow creditors to reach trust distributions. These protections depend on careful drafting and legal enforceability under state law and applicable court rulings. However, creditor protection is not absolute and varies with circumstances. Some creditors may challenge distributions or pursue claims depending on the beneficiary’s situation and the timing of transfers. Properly structured trust provisions combined with thoughtful trustee discretion can enhance protection, but it is important to understand the legal limits and coordinate with counsel when asset protection is a significant concern.
Because an ILIT is irrevocable, changing the trust or reclaiming policy ownership after the transfer is generally not possible. This permanence is part of the design and contributes to the trust’s effectiveness in achieving certain planning results. If circumstances change significantly, potential options may include establishing a new trust, making beneficiary changes permitted by the trust, or working with trustees and beneficiaries to modify administration within available legal mechanisms. Before creating an ILIT, it is wise to consider long-term goals and possible future events. Thorough planning and flexible drafting of permissible trustee powers and successor arrangements can help address some future uncertainties without undoing the irrevocable transfer. When changes are needed, legal counsel can advise on available strategies to address evolving needs while respecting the trust’s irrevocable nature.
Crummey powers are commonly used to allow gifts to an ILIT to qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion by providing beneficiaries with a temporary right to withdraw contributions. The right is typically limited in duration and can be structured so most beneficiaries do not exercise it, allowing the trust to retain the funds for premium payments. To be effective, notices and timing must comply with tax rules and practices, and trustees should document that beneficiaries received proper notice of their withdrawal rights. Administratively, implementing Crummey powers requires trustees to track notices, record whether withdrawals are exercised, and maintain documentation that supports the gifts as present interest transfers. Legal counsel can help design the notice procedures and timing to reduce risks and support the desired tax outcomes while still enabling the trust to fund premiums and operate effectively.
Coordinating an ILIT with other estate planning documents is important to ensure consistency across the entire plan. Elements such as pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives should align with the trust’s terms and beneficiary designations. Misalignment can create confusion or unintended outcomes, such as inconsistent beneficiary instructions or conflicts over trustee authority, which may complicate administration or lead to disputes among family members. A coordinated review helps confirm beneficiary designations on policies match trust expectations and that successor trustee arrangements and funding mechanisms complement the broader plan. Regular reviews after major life events help maintain alignment and ensure the ILIT continues to serve the client’s objectives over time.
Choosing a trustee involves balancing trustworthiness, administrative ability, and willingness to serve over time. Many grantors choose a trusted family member or friend who understands family dynamics, but some situations call for a neutral third party to avoid potential conflicts or to provide consistent, professional administration. Consider naming successor trustees to provide continuity in the event the primary trustee is unable to serve. Trustee selection should also account for the complexity of the trust’s tasks, such as managing investments, paying expenses, and communicating with beneficiaries. Discussing potential trustee responsibilities with candidates in advance and documenting clear powers and duties within the trust can support smoother administration and reduce the risk of disputes.
The time required to set up an ILIT and transfer an existing policy can vary based on the insurer’s procedures, complexity of the trust terms, and whether a new policy is being purchased. Drafting the trust and gathering necessary documents can often be completed within a few weeks, while insurer processing of ownership changes may take additional time depending on internal review requirements. If additional funding mechanisms or coordinated estate documents are needed, that can extend the timeline. Careful preparation, prompt responses to insurer requests, and coordination among counsel, trustees, and the insurer help minimize delays. Planning ahead and initiating the process before a time-sensitive event ensures smoother transfer and administration when the trust becomes operative.
An ILIT can help with probate avoidance to the extent that life insurance proceeds are paid to the trust and then distributed according to the trust terms rather than passing through probate. Keeping insurance proceeds out of probate can provide added privacy and reduce delays associated with court-supervised estate administration. Trustees can often make distributions more quickly than the probate process, offering timely support to beneficiaries. However, an ILIT does not eliminate all administration tasks and trustees still must follow trust provisions and any applicable reporting requirements. Coordination with pour-over wills and other estate documents further supports probate avoidance and privacy goals by creating an integrated plan that directs assets according to the grantor’s intentions without public probate proceedings.
Criminal Defense
Homicide Defense
Manslaughter
Assault and Battery
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Battery Causing Great Bodily Injury
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Arson Defense
Weapons Charges
Illegal Firearm Possessions
Civil Harassment
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
School Violence Restraining Orders
Violent Crimes Defense
Estate Planning Practice Areas