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Making plans for how you want your estate administered after you have passed away is essential to protect your family and loved ones who you want to receive your assets as beneficiaries. You will eventually have to choose from a variety of different estate planning tools. Each estate planning instrument will have its own advantages and disadvantages you will want to consider. One common estate planning tool is the irrevocable trust.

 

What is an irrevocable trust?

An irrevocable trust is a type of trust which cannot be altered, amended, or revoked once it has been established. This type of trust is often used for estate planning and asset protection purposes. However, it is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks before deciding if it is the right choice for you.

 

Protection from creditors and litigation

One of the primary benefits of an irrevocable trust is the ability to protect assets from creditors and lawsuits. Once assets are transferred into the trust, they are no longer considered the property of the grantor, and therefore cannot be seized by creditors or litigants. This can provide peace of mind for those who are concerned about potential legal or financial challenges in the future.

 

Tax advantages

Another advantage of an irrevocable trust is the potential for tax savings. Depending on the structure of the trust and the type of assets it holds, an irrevocable trust may be able to reduce the amount of estate taxes owed upon the grantor’s death. In addition, some types of irrevocable trusts can also provide you with income tax benefits during your lifetime.

 

Relinquishing control of assets

On the other hand, there are also some drawbacks to consider when deciding whether or not an irrevocable trust is a good idea. One of the biggest disadvantages is that once the assets have been transferred into the trust, the grantor no longer has control over them. This means the assets cannot be sold, invested, or used for any other purpose without the permission of the trust’s beneficiaries or via a court decree.

 

Lack of flexibility

Another potential drawback is the loss of flexibility. An irrevocable trust cannot be changed or revoked once it has been established, which means the grantor must carefully consider all of the terms and conditions of the trust before establishing it. This can be particularly problematic if the grantor’s circumstances change in the future, and they no longer agree with the terms of the trust.

 

 

Whether or not an irrevocable trust is a good idea depends on the individual circumstances of each person. For some, the benefits of asset protection, tax savings and estate planning may make an irrevocable trust a valuable tool. However, for others, the loss of control and flexibility may make it a less desirable option. Your financial advisor can help in understanding how an irrevocable trust would affect your specific circumstances and whether or not this option is right for your wealth management aims.

 

 

While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your own legal or tax professional for more detailed information on tax issues and advice as they relate to your specific situation.