Jennifer C. Rydberg, Attorney at Law
Washington State Living Trust Attorney
A living trust is a powerful estate planning tool for asset preservation, avoiding probate, and keeping your family matters private. Kent, Washington, wills and trusts lawyer Jennifer C. Rydberg can help you determine if a living trust is appropriate (or necessary) for your situation.
Ms. Rydberg has represented individuals and families in the Seattle area and surrounding communities of King County and northern Pierce County since 1978. Call (425) 235-5535 to arrange a meeting to discuss your estate planning needs.
What Is a Living Trust?
“Living trust” is a general term referring to any trust drawn up during the person's lifetime. A living trust allows you to retain control over your assets while you are alive, but avoids the costly probate process after your death. It is also known as a family trust because it protects assets for heirs, or a revocable trust because it can be revoked by the creators of the trust at any time and altered to reflect new circumstances.
The individual or couple are named as trustees, and they can still draw upon, sell, or manage their trust assets however they wish. A successor trustee (e.g., a family member, friend, or professional) is named to control the trust assets after death or incapacity. Upon death, your legal will "pours over" your non-trust assets into the living trust, to be distributed or managed as you direct.
Assets in trust do not have go through the cumbersome and expensive probate process. While probate is open to the public, the contents of a living trust are not. They pass directly to the intended heirs without need for a court proceeding.
Should Everyone Have a Living Trust?
A revocable living trust is not necessary for every estate. It is most appropriate for:
- Individuals who hold international property
- Individuals who own real estate in another state
- Minimizing estate and inheritance taxes on larger estates
- Maintaining privacy or avoiding probate
Living trusts are not only for the elderly or wealthy, but can be a cost-effective estate planning tool for middle-income and retired families. Jennifer C. Rydberg can help you decide whether a living trust is right for you, and how to establish it correctly to comply with Washington State probate and trust laws. Contact her today at (425) 235-5535 to schedule an appointment.
