An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) can be an effective component of a thoughtful estate plan for residents of Matheny and Tulare County. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, our approach to ILITs is focused on clarity, practicality, and protecting client goals for family provision and tax management. This overview explains how an ILIT functions, who typically benefits from one, and how it interacts with other estate planning documents such as a revocable living trust or a pour-over will. We emphasize clear communication so clients understand the long-term implications of placing a life insurance policy into a trust.
Choosing to create an ILIT involves several practical decisions about trusteeship, funding, and the interplay with beneficiary designations. For many families in Matheny, this type of trust is used to manage the proceeds of a life insurance policy outside of the insured’s taxable estate and to ensure that proceeds are distributed according to family wishes rather than probate rules. An ILIT can also be tailored to provide for minors, relatives with special needs, or charitable intentions while coordinating with documents like financial powers of attorney and advance health care directives to form a comprehensive plan.
An ILIT offers benefits that can affect estate liquidity, tax exposure, and the long-term management of life insurance proceeds. For clients in Matheny, an ILIT can help preserve funds for heirs, prevent proceeds from becoming part of the probate estate, and allow trustees to manage distributions thoughtfully over time. In certain circumstances this structure can reduce estate tax exposure and ensure that beneficiaries receive support in accordance with their needs and the grantor’s intentions. The trust terms can address contingencies such as minor beneficiaries, creditor protection, and structured distributions based on life events.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides estate planning services to individuals and families across California, including Matheny and Tulare County. Our practice focuses on creating clear, durable documents such as revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and specialized trust arrangements like ILITs. We prioritize listening to each client’s circumstances and goals, then drafting trust language and related estate planning instruments that reflect those aims. Communication, careful plan coordination, and practical problem solving are central to how we support clients through the decisions involved in creating and funding an ILIT.
An ILIT is a trust into which a life insurance policy is transferred or through which a new policy is purchased and held for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Once the trust is in place and funded, the trust owns the policy and the proceeds are distributed according to the trust terms when the insured passes. Key considerations include selecting a trustee who will administer the trust, determining how gifts will be made to the trust to pay insurance premiums, and ensuring beneficiary designations and ownership align with the trust structure. Proper administration and timing are important to achieve the intended results.
When considering an ILIT, grantors must weigh the tradeoffs between control and protection. Because the trust is irrevocable, the grantor normally gives up the ability to change ownership of the policy or to revoke the trust, which can be advantageous for keeping proceeds out of the estate but requires careful planning. Funding mechanisms and potential gift tax implications should be reviewed, particularly when premium payments are made by family members on behalf of the trust. Working through these choices in advance helps align the legal structure with the client’s broader estate plan goals.
An ILIT is a legally enforceable arrangement created to hold and manage life insurance policies for the benefit of named beneficiaries. The trust document sets out who serves as trustee, how trustees may invest and use proceeds, and when beneficiaries receive distributions. Ownership of the policy by the trust removes the policy proceeds from the insured’s probate estate if the trust is properly established and funded before certain look-back periods apply. The trust also establishes rules for using proceeds for education, health care, family support, or any other permitted purpose defined by the grantor.
Establishing an ILIT typically requires drafting the trust document, selecting trustees and beneficiaries, transferring or issuing the policy in the trust’s name, and funding the trust to cover ongoing premiums. Trustees must maintain records, handle premium payments, and manage distributions according to trust terms. Additional administrative steps may include filing any required tax forms and coordinating with financial institutions and insurance carriers to confirm ownership changes. Clear description of trustee powers and successor provisions helps ensure the trust functions smoothly over time and in changing family circumstances.
Understanding common terms used with ILITs aids decision-making and communication. Terms such as grantor, trustee, beneficiary, funding, ownership transfer, and Crummey powers often arise in discussion and drafting. Knowing how these concepts interact with beneficiary designations, estate tax rules, and premium gifting is essential for creating a trust that operates as intended. We provide clear explanations so clients can evaluate options, ask informed questions, and make choices about trustee selection, funding timelines, and how proceeds should be distributed to meet family needs and long-term objectives.
The grantor is the person who creates the ILIT and transfers ownership or instructs the trust to acquire the life insurance policy. Once the trust owns the policy, the trust is treated as the policy owner, and the grantor generally relinquishes control over the asset. This change of ownership has implications for estate inclusion and tax treatment. In addition to naming the grantor, the trust document should address the grantor’s intent, any retained powers, and how successor trustees will be determined to ensure continuity of administration after the grantor’s passing.
A trustee administers the ILIT, pays premiums, manages trust assets, and follows distribution rules set by the trust. Trustees may be individuals or corporate trustees and should be chosen for their reliability, financial judgment, and willingness to serve. The trust should provide clear guidance on trustee authority, including the ability to invest assets, to engage professionals when needed, and to make discretionary distributions if permitted. Successor trustee provisions are important to ensure uninterrupted administration if the initial trustee is unable or unwilling to serve.
Beneficiaries are the persons or entities entitled to receive trust distributions. The ILIT document outlines whether beneficiaries receive proceeds outright, in staged distributions, or through discretionary distributions to address needs such as education or health care. Clear drafting can protect proceeds from creditors and manage distributions for beneficiaries who are minors or who require ongoing financial oversight. Coordinating beneficiary designations on related accounts and policies with trust terms helps avoid conflicts and ensures the grantor’s intentions are carried out.
Funding an ILIT typically involves gifting money to the trust so trustees can pay insurance premiums. These premium gifts may be treated as taxable gifts unless they qualify for annual gift tax exclusions, and some trusts include Crummey withdrawal rights that allow gifts to qualify for exclusion. The trust should specify how premium contributions are handled, who may make gifts to the trust, and the recordkeeping needed to track gifts and withdrawals. Proper planning around funding helps achieve the desired estate and tax outcomes while supplying the trust with resources to maintain the policy.
When evaluating an ILIT, clients often compare it to alternatives such as keeping a policy in the insured’s name, using payable-on-death designations, or relying on a revocable living trust. Each option carries different implications for estate inclusion, creditor exposure, and control. Keeping a policy in the insured’s name may be simpler but can lead to inclusion in the taxable estate. A revocable living trust offers flexibility while the grantor lives but does not remove policy proceeds from the estate unless ownership is transferred. We discuss the tradeoffs to help clients select the right path for their needs.
A limited approach such as keeping a life insurance policy in the insured’s name and using beneficiary designations may be appropriate for families seeking straightforward arrangements without the administrative demands of a trust. This option preserves the insured’s ability to change beneficiaries and manage the policy directly, which can be helpful if circumstances are likely to change. For smaller policies or when estate tax exposure is not a concern, the added complexity of an ILIT may not be necessary. Evaluating the policy size, family dynamics, and long-term goals helps determine if the simpler approach fits your situation.
When the total estate value is below applicable estate tax thresholds and life insurance proceeds are modest, the administrative and irrevocable nature of an ILIT may offer limited benefit. In those circumstances the simplicity of retaining ownership and using beneficiary designations often provides adequate protection without additional trust administration. For clients whose primary objective is to provide immediate liquidity rather than complex asset protection or tax planning, evaluating the cost and maintenance of a trust versus its benefits is important to ensuring the plan remains appropriate and sustainable.
A comprehensive approach ensures that an ILIT functions in harmony with a clients other estate planning documents, such as a revocable living trust, pour-over will, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Without coordination, beneficiary designations or account ownership can create conflicts that undermine intentions. For example, naming inconsistent beneficiaries across documents can lead to disputes or unintended distributions. By integrating the ILIT into the broader plan, trustees and family members have clearer guidance, and assets are more likely to transfer according to the grantor’s wishes when the trust becomes operative.
Establishing and funding an ILIT can involve gift tax considerations, timing issues related to ownership transfers, and specific administrative steps to ensure the policy proceeds are excluded from the taxable estate. A comprehensive plan anticipates these tax and funding nuances and provides a framework for how premiums will be paid and documented. This level of planning helps avoid unintended estate inclusion due to timing or administrative oversights and supports the trust’s long-term effectiveness in meeting the grantor’s goals for family provision and asset protection.
A comprehensive estate plan that incorporates an ILIT can provide greater predictability, coordinated administration, and clearer protections for beneficiaries. This approach helps ensure that the trust terms align with overall objectives such as providing for minor children, protecting a surviving spouse, or supporting a family member with special needs. Coordinated documents reduce the chance of conflicting instructions and streamline the process of transferring assets. Well-documented funding and trustee instructions also reduce the risk of disputes and help trustees act efficiently when life insurance proceeds become payable.
In addition to clarity and coordination, a comprehensive approach can minimize certain tax exposures and make recordkeeping more straightforward. When premium gifting, Crummey powers, ownership transfers, and beneficiary designations are handled in concert with the rest of the estate plan, the results are more likely to reflect the grantor’s intentions. Thoughtful planning also prepares families for potential changes such as remarriage, business transitions, or the arrival of children or grandchildren, providing a flexible yet consistent legal structure for managing policy proceeds over time.
One significant advantage of integrating an ILIT into a broader estate plan is enhanced control over how life insurance proceeds are used and distributed. Trust provisions can limit distributions, set conditions, or permit trustee discretion to address beneficiaries’ needs while shielding proceeds from creditor claims in many cases. This control is useful for grantors concerned about preserving assets for future generations, ensuring funds are available for education, or providing structured support instead of lump-sum payments. Clear trust terms and trustee guidance help align distributions with the grantor’s long-term intentions.
A well-drafted ILIT reduces uncertainty and potential family disputes by providing explicit procedures for trustees and beneficiaries. With detailed instructions for decision-making, successor trustees, and distribution standards, family members are less likely to disagree about the appropriate use of proceeds. Trustees who have clear powers and duties can act promptly to secure funds, meet obligations, and carry out the grantor’s wishes. This predictability helps surviving family members during a difficult time by minimizing administrative burdens and focusing resources on long-term family stability.
When creating an ILIT, confirm that the insurance carrier recognizes the trust as the policy owner and that beneficiary designations are consistent with the trust terms. Mismatches can lead to unintended outcomes or disputes, so coordinate all paperwork and verify ownership changes with the insurer. Maintain copies of trust documents and any carrier confirmations in the trust file. Periodic reviews are also important after major life events such as births, deaths, marriages, or divorces. These reviews help ensure the ILIT continues to reflect your intentions and that all administrative steps have been completed correctly.
Selecting the right trustee is a practical decision that affects how smoothly the ILIT operates. Trustees should be able to manage financial matters, follow trust instructions, and communicate with beneficiaries when needed. Consider naming successor trustees and providing guidance for when a corporate trustee or professional fiduciary may be engaged if circumstances change. Clear trustee powers and procedures in the trust document reduce ambiguity and enable trustees to act quickly and confidently when managing premium payments, filing necessary returns, or distributing proceeds according to the grantor’s plan.
Families and individuals choose ILITs for reasons that include preserving life insurance proceeds for heirs, minimizing probate involvement, and aligning distributions with long-term family needs. An ILIT can be particularly appealing to those who wish to control how life insurance funds are used after death, to protect proceeds from creditor claims in many situations, or to provide structured support for beneficiaries who are minors or have specific needs. It also can be a useful component of tax-aware planning when the size of the estate makes estate tax exposure a concern.
Another common reason to consider an ILIT is to separate life insurance ownership from personal assets, which may reduce estate inclusion and facilitate smoother administration at a time of loss. By naming trustees and detailing distribution standards in advance, grantors can help avoid family disputes and create a predictable mechanism for providing financial support. Considering an ILIT alongside other estate planning tools ensures that the overall plan addresses liquidity, incapacity planning, and the unique circumstances of the grantor’s family.
Situations that often prompt consideration of an ILIT include estates with substantial life insurance proceeds, families seeking creditor protection for beneficiaries, individuals who want to provide for minors or vulnerable relatives, and those who anticipate estate tax exposure. Business owners may use ILITs to provide liquidity for business succession, while blended families might rely on trust terms to balance interests among heirs. Each circumstance requires evaluation of financial, familial, and legal factors to determine whether an ILIT aligns with the client’s objectives and the rest of the estate plan.
When beneficiaries are minors, an ILIT can hold life insurance proceeds until beneficiaries reach specified ages or milestones, ensuring funds are managed responsibly rather than paid directly. The trust can include instructions for health, education, maintenance, and support, and can appoint trustees to oversee distributions. This arrangement protects funds from being misused while providing for important needs like schooling or medical care. Including flexible distribution standards and successor trustee provisions helps adapt the trust to changing family circumstances over time.
In many scenarios an ILIT can provide a barrier between life insurance proceeds and creditors of beneficiaries, as well as protect assets in the event of future divorce for certain beneficiaries. Trust terms and ownership structure help shield proceeds from direct attachment when distributions are handled through discretionary trust mechanisms. The specifics depend on trust drafting and applicable state law, so careful planning and clear trust language are essential to achieving these protection goals while ensuring beneficiaries can access support when needed.
For business owners and individuals with complex family situations, an ILIT facilitates coordination between life insurance proceeds and succession or distribution plans. Proceeds can provide liquidity for buying out an interest, cover estate expenses, or supply an income stream for a surviving spouse while other assets pass to children. Trust provisions can be tailored to balance competing interests, ensure orderly transitions, and supply financial resources when they are most needed. Thoughtful drafting addresses contingencies to protect business continuity and family relationships after the insured’s death.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman is available to assist Matheny residents with planning and implementing an ILIT and related estate planning documents. We provide practical guidance on trustee selection, funding strategies, and coordination with revocable living trusts, wills, and powers of attorney. Our office can review existing policies and prepare trust documents designed to meet each client’s objectives, then help with the administrative steps needed to confirm ownership changes and premium funding. We aim to make the process understandable and manageable for families at every step.
Clients rely on our firm for clear, client-centered estate planning that addresses both practical and legal considerations. We focus on listening carefully to each person’s circumstances and drafting trust documents that reflect their priorities for family provision, tax planning, and asset management. Our approach emphasizes documentation, communication, and thorough follow-up so families understand how an ILIT will operate and what administrative steps are necessary to maintain it over time. We work to make the plan durable and responsive to likely future changes.
In addition to drafting ILITs, our firm helps coordinate the related documents that make a complete estate plan, such as pour-over wills, financial powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and trust certifications. This coordinated planning reduces the risk of conflicting instructions and helps ensure that life insurance proceeds work together with other assets to fulfill the grantor’s wishes. We also assist with successor trustee naming and practical instructions for trustees on recordkeeping and premium payment procedures.
We provide responsive guidance during administration, including help confirming ownership changes with insurers and preparing records that document trust funding. For clients who have existing policies, we review client goals and present practical options such as transferring ownership to the trust or arranging new policies issued to the trust. Our goal is to reduce complexity for clients while preserving flexibility where appropriate so the estate plan remains effective over time and in a variety of circumstances.
Our process begins with a confidential consultation to understand your family, financial situation, and goals for life insurance proceeds. We review existing policies and estate documents, discuss funding options and trustee selection, and recommend a trust structure aligned with your objectives. After agreeing on terms, we prepare and finalize trust documents and guide you through the steps to transfer ownership or arrange for the trust to purchase a policy. We also provide instructions for premium funding and maintain copies of all trust and insurance documentation for future reference.
During the initial consultation we gather information about existing policies, family circumstances, and long-term objectives to determine whether an ILIT fits your needs. We discuss trustee options, funding strategies, beneficiary provisions, and any tax or timing issues that may affect the plan. Based on this discussion we outline a recommended approach and the documents that will be required to implement the trust, then explain the steps and likely timeline for establishing and funding the ILIT so you know what to expect.
We examine current life insurance policies to determine whether ownership transfer to the trust is appropriate and whether any carrier consents or forms are needed. This review includes assessing whether a transfer will trigger any unintended tax consequences or whether a new policy issued to the trust would be preferable. We also verify beneficiary designations and discuss how trust ownership will affect premium payments and recordkeeping to ensure the transition is handled correctly and documented with the insurer.
We draft the ILIT to specify trustee duties, distribution standards, successor provisions, and any conditions for distributions. Trustee selection is discussed in light of the responsibilities involved, and we provide guidance on naming individuals or institutions while ensuring successor arrangements are clearly established. The trust structure is tailored to meet the grantor’s priorities, whether the objective is preservation, staged distributions, support for education, or other purposes identified during the initial planning conversation.
Once the trust design is finalized, we prepare the formal trust document and related paperwork required to transfer or issue the life insurance policy. We coordinate execution of trust documents, signatures, and any notarial needs, and work with the insurance carrier to confirm the trust’s acceptance as policy owner. We also prepare guidance for trustees on premium funding, recordkeeping, and administration, ensuring the trust is ready to operate effectively from the moment it is funded and accepted by the insurer.
We communicate with insurance carriers to confirm ownership transfers and beneficiary designations and to obtain written confirmations of any changes. If bank or brokerage accounts are involved in funding premiums, we assist in coordinating changes to account ownership or transfer of funds. Clear coordination with financial institutions reduces the risk of administrative issues and ensures that the trust’s funding mechanisms are in place and documented to support ongoing premium payments and trust administration.
After documents are signed and notarized as required, we assemble a trust file that includes the trust instrument, confirmations from insurance carriers, and instructions for trustees. We provide clients and trustees with copies and an explanation of key provisions. Creating a comprehensive trust record at the outset simplifies future administration, supports transparent decision-making, and helps trustees comply with their duties regarding distributions, investments, and reporting.
After an ILIT is in place and funded, ongoing administration may include paying premiums, maintaining records of gifts and distributions, and periodic reviews to confirm that the trust continues to function as intended. Trustees should follow the trust’s instructions for distributions and investments, and the grantor or trustee should notify the firm if significant life events occur that might prompt a review. Periodic reviews help address changes such as family growth, policy adjustments, or shifts in financial circumstances.
Trustees should keep detailed records of premium payments, gift documentation, trust asset statements, and any communications with the insurance company. Depending on the trust’s activities, certain tax forms may need to be filed, and trustees should keep records that support reporting and compliance. Good recordkeeping protects trustees and beneficiaries and helps avoid disputes or misunderstandings regarding the source and timing of premium payments and distributions from the trust.
We recommend periodic reviews of the trust and related estate planning documents whenever major life events occur, such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces, or significant changes in assets. These reviews ensure the ILIT remains aligned with the grantor’s intentions and that funding mechanisms continue to support the policy through premium payments. If changes in law or family circumstances affect the plan, the trust can be adjusted where permitted or alternative planning steps can be taken to preserve the overall objectives.
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust is a trust created to own and control a life insurance policy for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. When the trust owns the policy, proceeds are handled according to the trust terms rather than passing directly to named beneficiaries or through probate. This ownership structure can help keep the proceeds out of the insured’s probate estate when the trust is established and funded in a timely manner and when the administrative steps are completed with the carrier. An ILIT provides a written framework for how funds will be used and distributed, which can protect proceeds from immediate creditor claims in many contexts and allow structured distributions for education, health care, or ongoing support. The trust names a trustee to manage the policy and distributions, and proper recordkeeping and coordination with the insurer are important to ensure proceeds are administered as intended.
Transferring ownership of a life insurance policy into an ILIT can remove the policy proceeds from the insured’s taxable estate, but timing and transfer rules matter. If the transfer occurs within certain look-back periods before death, policy proceeds may still be included in the estate. Additionally, how premiums are funded and whether annual gift tax exclusions apply will affect tax reporting obligations. Planning the timing of transfers and documenting premium gifts are important steps to achieve intended estate tax treatment. Each client’s tax situation is unique, so reviewing funding strategies and potential tax consequences is essential. Proper use of annual exclusion gifts and Crummey powers, when applicable, can support premium funding without generating unnecessary gift tax liability. Our office reviews these issues and helps implement a funding approach that aligns with the client’s estate planning goals.
Choosing a trustee for an ILIT is an important practical decision because the trustee manages premiums, maintains records, communicates with beneficiaries, and distributes proceeds according to the trust terms. Trustees should be reliable, willing to assume administrative responsibilities, and able to exercise prudent judgment when managing trust funds and following distribution instructions. Individuals, family members, or a financial institution may serve as trustees depending on the situation and the level of administration expected. Including successor trustee provisions reduces the risk of administrative disruption if the initial trustee cannot serve. Clear trustee powers and guidelines in the trust document make it easier for the trustee to act effectively, whether that includes investing trust assets, engaging professionals for assistance, or making discretionary distributions where permitted. Thoughtful trustee selection supports continuity and efficient trust administration.
Premiums for an ILIT are typically paid by making gifts to the trust, which the trustee then uses to pay the insurance carrier. These gifts may qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion if structured properly, often through limited withdrawal rights known as Crummey powers. Proper documentation of gifts and any withdrawal notices is important to support the use of gift tax exclusions and to maintain clear trust records. When family members make premium gifts, consistent recordkeeping and timely actions help avoid unintended tax consequences. Depending on the size of premiums and the overall estate plan, other strategies such as pooled gifting or direct payment arrangements can be considered. We review available options and provide guidance to align premium funding with broader estate planning objectives.
An ILIT can be designed to provide for a beneficiary with ongoing needs by including distribution standards tailored to support health care, education, maintenance, and other specific requirements. The trustee can be directed to make distributions for particular purposes or to manage payments in a way that preserves the long-term financial security of a beneficiary who may not be able to manage funds independently. Clear trust language helps preserve benefits while addressing future changes in a beneficiary’s circumstances. Where a beneficiary has unique needs, coordination with other planning tools such as special needs provisions or separate supplemental trusts may be appropriate. The goal is to provide meaningful support without jeopardizing access to governmental benefits where applicable. Drafting careful provisions and coordinating with the beneficiary’s broader planning needs helps achieve this balance.
Because an ILIT is irrevocable, the grantor generally cannot unilaterally change ownership or beneficiary designations once the trust owns the policy, except as the trust document itself allows. If changes are anticipated, planning alternatives such as different ownership structures or naming flexible distribution standards may be considered before establishing the ILIT. In some cases the trust’s terms can include limited powers to address unexpected needs, but those must be carefully crafted to avoid undermining the intended estate and tax outcomes. If a grantor needs to revisit arrangements after creating an ILIT, reviewing the trust with counsel can identify available options under the trust terms or through negotiated agreements with beneficiaries and trustees. Any changes should be approached carefully to ensure they do not trigger unintended tax consequences or compromise the trust’s protective features.
An ILIT works best as part of an integrated estate plan, interacting with documents like a revocable living trust and a pour-over will to ensure assets are distributed according to the grantor’s wishes. The ILIT typically focuses specifically on the ownership and administration of life insurance proceeds, while the revocable trust and will address other assets and personal property. Coordinating beneficiary designations and ownership across these documents prevents conflicts and reduces the likelihood that probate or contradictory instructions will interfere with the grantor’s intent. A pour-over will can be used to transfer any remaining assets into the main trust at death, while an ILIT remains a separate instrument focused on insurance proceeds. Cross-references and consistent beneficiary naming help ensure that each element of the estate plan forms a cohesive whole that reflects the grantor’s goals across assets and instruments.
Common pitfalls when creating or funding an ILIT include failing to complete necessary ownership transfers with the insurance carrier, not documenting premium gifts properly, and establishing ownership too close to the grantor’s death that could cause estate inclusion. Inconsistent beneficiary designations or omissions in trust documentation can also result in unintended outcomes. Addressing these administrative details at the outset reduces the risk of disputes and unintended tax consequences. Another potential issue is naming a trustee without clear guidance or successor provisions, which can create administrative delays when a trustee cannot serve. Careful drafting, timely coordination with insurers, and ongoing recordkeeping are practical measures to prevent these problems and help ensure the ILIT operates as intended.
The time required to set up an ILIT and transfer policy ownership depends on factors such as the readiness of existing policy documents, the insurer’s processing timelines, and the complexity of the trust’s terms. Drafting the trust instrument and obtaining signatures can often be completed within a few weeks, while transferring ownership with the insurance carrier and confirming acceptance may take additional time depending on the carrier’s procedures. If a new policy is being issued to the trust, underwriting timelines for insurance applications also factor into the overall schedule. Prompt coordination and clear communication with the insurer and trustee accelerate the process. Our office helps manage these steps and follows up with carriers and trustees to confirm that ownership transfers and funding arrangements are completed and documented so the trust is operational without unnecessary delay.
Trustees should maintain comprehensive records that document premium payments, gifts to the trust, trust asset statements, insurance carrier communications, and any distributions made to beneficiaries. These records support correct administration and provide evidence for tax reporting if necessary. Trustees should also preserve copies of the trust instrument, any amendments, and confirmations of ownership or beneficiary changes from the insurer to ensure a clear administrative trail. Good recordkeeping helps protect trustees and beneficiaries by demonstrating adherence to the trust’s terms and by facilitating transparent decision-making. Regular reconciliation of trust accounts and careful documentation of significant actions make administration more straightforward and reduce the potential for disputes or misunderstandings among family members.
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