What Does a Living Trust Do?

A living trust, also called an inter vivos or revocable trust, is an estate planning tool increasingly used by individuals and families of all income brackets as a way to pass on property while generally avoiding costs and delays associated with probate. It is one of the most important documents you can prepare in your lifetime. For this reason, it's essential you understand exactly what it can do for you, your estate, and your heirs.

Here are six things a living trust does:

1. Quickly distributes assets at your death.

A living trust is funded by your assets such as property, bank accounts, stocks, and bond accounts and certificates that are transferred to the trust during your lifetime; upon your death, these assets are distributed quickly and easily to your designated beneficiaries by your chosen representative, called a "successor trustee." Generally, no court action is involved.

Without a living trust, your estate may go through probate. The probate process can usually take six months to two years. Assets are usually frozen during this time, meaning nothing can be sold or distributed without the court and/or executor approval.

2. Does not go through probate.

When you set up a living trust you transfer your assets to the trust, meaning the trust, not you, owns that property. This allows you to avoid probate on the property you've placed into the trust. This doesn't mean that you no longer have control of your assets, however. Since you are typically the trust's initial trustee, you still have complete control of your property. When you pass, your successor trustee manages the distribution of your assets, which means:

• Your assets will be distributed to your heirs much faster, generally within weeks as opposed to months or years with a last will and testament;
• Aside from paying off your debts, your family will not have to worry about probate and court costs;
• Any out-of-state property escapes probate in that state as well. Without a living trust, if you own property in multiple states, your estate could be subject to multiple probates, each one according to the laws in that state.

3. May save on estate taxes.

If you have substantial assets, a living trust can also reduce federal estate taxes. In particular, joint living trusts designed for married couples can be especially effective in reducing or avoiding estate taxes.

In 2009, the estate tax exemption increased to $3.5 million each or $7 million per couple. In 2010, the estate tax will basically be eliminated for one year. Then, in 2011, the estate tax exemption will revert back to $1 million per person. A living trust can help a couple fully utilize their estate tax exemptions and reduce or avoid estate taxes.

4. Offers peace of mind.

A living trust can give you the peace of mind that your exact wishes will be followed upon your death and that your family will be provided for quickly. If you have children or grandchildren, a living trust can prevent court control of minors' inheritances and ensure assets remain in trust until you want beneficiaries to inherit them.

5. Keeps wishes private.

Unlike a will, a living trust is not public record. Accordingly, any and all transactions involved with a living trust, including distributions, are private both before and after your death.

6. Can let you keep control of your affairs if incapacitated.

If you become incapacitated, your handpicked successor trustee can manage your affairs without court intervention; but if you dispute your incapacity, you can still retain control of your affairs by revoking the trust.

Get started on your LegalZoom Living Trust today. A LegalZoom Living Trust includes a free pour-over will. A pour-over will transfers leftover or forgotten assets to your trust upon your death, ensuring that no assets are left outside the trust and subject to probate.