Estate Planning Lawyer

What’s the Difference Between a Living Will and Last Will and Testament?

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Cleveland, Ohio estate planning attorney, Daniel A. Baron, offers the following helpful answers to your questions about the difference between a Living Will and a Last Will and Testament.
Confusing these terms happens quite frequently as there are those that think that these are one in the same, however, they are entirely two distinct legal documents which cover many different needs.

A Living Will, what is it and do I need one?

 

 

Should you become extremely ill or completely incapacitated and cannot convey their medical care wishes; having a living will in place, (which is a legal document AKA as an advance directive), gives instructions as to the medical care you wish to receive.

Some of the details of a Living Will would include

  • Do I want to be placed on a breathing tube
  • Do I want a feeding tube
  • Would I rather not be resuscitated (AKA DNR – Do Not Resuscitate)

Also, at this point it would be wise to consider having a Power of Attorney put in place in the event that you do become incapacitated so that there is someone making sure that your wishes are carried out as you have communicated in your Living Will. Naming a Power of Attorney can be done at the time of penning your will.

 

 Last Will and Testament, is it different than a Living Will?

Your last will and testament, also simply known as a will, is a legal document that stipulates the transferring of your estate to somebody else by sale or gift upon your demise. Should you pass away without a will, your assets then become “intestate”.  At this time state intestacy laws govern the distribution of your assets.

If you have minor children, you should unquestionably have a will. At the same time of the writing of your will, it is possible for you to name a guardian for your minor children.  You can also name the guardian to manage the minor’s financial affairs or another party to act on behalf of the children.

As you are drafting your will, it will be necessary for you to select an Executor of your estate. The Executor is one who carries out the will’s requests throughout the process of probate.

Living Will and Last Will – when do they take effect?

Now that you are aware of the differences between a Living Will and a Last Will, you may question as to when the two take effect.

Keeping in mind that the Living Will outlines your medical wishes should you become incapacitated or seriously ill and unable to convey your wishes, this comes into play while you are still alive but unable to voice your wishes.

To stipulate your wishes of how to distribute your estate upon your passing comes into play by using a Last Will and Testament .

So as you can see a Living Will and a Last Will and testament are two separate, but very important legal documents for everyone to have in place.

Living Will vs. Last Will?

If you are pondering the questions as to whether you need a last will or a living will. The answer to that question should be very easy; just about everyone should have both. Each of these important documents are ones that every person doing their Estate Planning should secure as these offer you the peace of mind that your wishes will be followed when you can’t make them known due to a serious illness and/or incapacitation or death.

Having a last will and testament, also makes the probate process go more smoothly, and with a living will, it can provide direction to your loved ones or Power of Attorney, in making challenging decisions during a stressful and difficult time.

So when is the best time for me to get a living will and a last will?

Unless you have a crystal ball which states otherwise, the future is uncertain. Securing both a living will and a last will and testament and recording your wishes is best done sooner than later.

Both a Living Will and a Last Will and Testament are only two of the many parts to a comprehensive estate plan. For information regarding living wills, trusts, power of attorney, or a pour-over will, or further questions on Powers of Attorney, contact Daniel A. Baron of Baron Law at 216-573-3723 to make an appointment.

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Revocable Living Trusts

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Cleveland Estate Planning and Trust Attorney Dan A. Baron Offers the Following on Revocable Living Trusts:

Revocable living trusts are used to control assets left to beneficiaries after the death of the creator.  Unlike testamentary trusts which are funded after the death of the testator, revocable living trusts are funded during the trustmaker’s lifetime.   Because living trusts are revocable, they do not offer creditor or litigation protection for the trustmaker.  Instead, just like with a testamentary trust, the assets held in trust are protected for the trustmaker’s beneficiaries.

For example, let’s say Mom and Dad have children from a previous marriage.  Dad dies leaving his two kids who are attending college.  Before his death he set up a revocable living trust leaving the majority of the money to his current spouse but in addition left $100,000 for his children IF they attain a college degree.  Here Dad is able to monetarily encourage his children to finish school even after he passes away.

The benefit of having the revocable living trust is that money left to beneficiaries is protected from creditors and litigation.  Once the creator dies, the trust then becomes irrevocable and the wishes of the trustmaker can no longer be changed.  In addition, because the trust is now irrevocable, the assets contained within the trust avoid probate and can be transferred immediately or at the discretion of the Trustee.

One disadvantage to revocable living trusts is that there is limited protection for the trustmaker.  Because the trust is revocable before death, the trustmaker does not enjoy the same protections as his beneficiaries.  For larger estates, the trustmaker might consider an Ohio Legacy Trust instead.

To learn more about revocable living trusts call Baron Law LLC today.  You will speak directly with an attorney who can help answer your questions.  Call today at 216-276-4282.

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QTIP Trusts – Estate Planning for Those With Children From a Prior Marriage.

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Cleveland, Ohio Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney offers the following:

The main benefit of a Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trust is being able to control your estate after your gone.  In addition, there are several tax advantages for larger estates.

Each spouse can set up a QTIP trust, leaving assets to the other in trust.  When the first spouse dies, the survivor gets what is called a “life estate” in the assets that are left to the QTIP trust—that is, the survivor is entitled to any income the assets produce, and in the case of real estate, to its use. Only the surviving spouse can be named as the life beneficiary. The survivor does not, however, have full ownership of the trust assets and cannot sell them or give them away.

In order to qualify for the marital exemption, the spouse must receive all of the income from the trust and the Executor must make an election on the tax return.  QTIP’s are very similar to family trusts, or bypass trusts.  And in fact, many times you create a family trust in conjunction with a QTIP.  The difference is that QTIP’s are more restrictive and are useful for those who are in second marriages.

There may also be several tax advantages. Here’s an example:

  • Jim’s share of the marital estate is $12 million. He passes in 2016, leaving a spouse, Karen, and sons from a prior marriage. He had a revocable living trust, which becomes irrevocable upon his death.
  • Upon Jim’s death, his trust sub-divided into an “A” and a “B” trust. $5.43 million is diverted to his “B” trust. Karen is the beneficiary, with limited access.  Because this trust is under the federal estate tax limit, estate tax is $0.00.  Over the next 20 years, because of robust growth, the “B” trust is now $17 million.  Upon the Karen’s death, trust “B” passes to the son’s entirely estate tax free.
  • The remaining $6.57 million in assets are diverted to the “A” trust. Karen again has restricted access, but can use these funds for her health, maintenance and support. When Karen has expenses she uses the “A” trust and saves the “B” trust only for dire necessities.
  • Upon her death the “A” trust has been reduced (or eliminated) and the tax is minimal, if there is any at all. The remaining balance of the “A” trust goes to Jim’s sons.

There are many advantages to setting up a QTIP trust.  Every estate plan is unique and its important to contact an elder law and estate planning attorney who can analyze your estate.   Contact Cleveland, Ohio attorney Dan A. Baron at 216-276-4282 to learn more about QTIP or other trusts.  Baron Law is a Cleveland, Ohio law firm.

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Testamentary Trusts

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Cleveland, Ohio Estate Planning Attorney Dan A. Baron offers the following on Testamentary Trusts.

Testamentary trusts are a great way to plan and safeguard your assets for minor children.  In other uses testamentary trusts can be used for beneficiaries with addictions or disabilities.   Unlike most trusts, testamentary trusts are incorporated into your last will and testament and are funded only after the creator’s death.   The biggest reason people use testamentary trusts is because they are able to control their assets after they die.

For example, if Mom and Dad die in a car accident leaving behind two young children, they would not want their $500,000 estate being left in the hands of nine and ten-year old.    Instead, Mom and Dad create a last will and testament and incorporate language that appoints a guardian for the children and trustee of their testamentary trust.   The trust parameters outlined for the Trustee to follow often include broad language like “to provide for the health, education, and well-being of my children.”   The trustee controls the money and then distributes it to the children as they need it.  Most often, the remaining balance left in the trust is distributed to the children once they reach the age of 25.

It’s important to remember that unlike most trusts, testamentary trusts do not avoid probate.  Instead, testamentary trusts are created after the probate process is complete.  Assets left from probate fund the trust and the trustee is then responsible for carrying out the wishes of the deceased.  Once the assets are in trust, they are protected from creditors and litigation.  However, there is no asset protection for the creators before death.

To learn more about testamentary trusts and how they might be beneficial for your estate plan, contact Baron Law LLC today at 216-573-3723.  You will speak directly with an attorney who can assist you.

 

The information contained in this article is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. This article is not meant to provide legal advice. If you wish to receive a legal opinion or tax advice on the matter(s) in this report please contact our office and we will speak with you directly. 

 

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Difference Between a Trustee and Executor Within a Testamentary Trust

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Cleveland, Ohio Estate Planning Dan A. Baron Explains the Difference Between an Executor and Trustee:

Estate planning can be complicated and sometimes difficult to bear when charged with the responsibility as executor or trustee of an estate. If you have minor children, then you probably have set up some form of testamentary trust coupled with your will and power of attorney. Within these estate planning documents, there are designated executors and trustees that have been carefully selected to administer your estate after you pass. It’s important to talk with your executor and trustee and let them know their responsibilities after your’re gone. Below is a quick summary of the difference between executor and trustee of a testamentary trust.

The Executor’s responsibility is to liquidate or otherwise gather all estate assets, pay any outstanding bills and then transfer assets from the name of the decedent to the beneficiaries named in the Will (most often the decedent’s children). They also make any necessary filings with the court and attend any court hearings. Most Executor’s elect to use an attorney to help them with this so the process runs smoothly. Once all assets are in the name of the beneficiary, the Executor’s job is done. The complexity of the estate will determine how long the Executor is needed.

In comparison, a Trustee receives the assets from the Executor and then, with court approval, invests the trust assets in savings account, investment accounts, or whatever they deem appropriate. Most importantly, the Trustee manages the funds and makes distributions to the trust beneficiary (usually children) when needed (i.e. to pay school tuition, living expenses, doctor bills, etc.). Most clients set a maturity age of 25. When the children reach the age of 25, the trustee distributes the balance of the trust funds and that particular child’s trust is terminated. The Trustee will be required every two years to make reports to the court as to the value of the trust. As you can imagine, the length of time the Trustee will be needed will depend upon the age of the children.

If you would like to learn more about the responsibilities and an executor and trustee, or have questions, contact our office at 216-276-4282. You will speak directly with an Cleveland, Ohio estate planning attorney who can help you set up a trust, will, power of attorney, medicaid planning, and more. If you would like to attend one of our FREE seminars, please visit this link.

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Utilizing “QTIP” Trusts for Families in Second Marriages

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Utilizing “QTIP” Trusts for Families in Second Marriages

Estate planning in second marriages can be especially complicated when trying to secure the well-being of loved ones from a previous marriage. Much of the complexity arises from rights granted to a surviving spouse. In Ohio, spouses (male or female) are entitled to dower and elective share rights that often create tension between children from a prior marriage and your second marriage partner.

However, most of these uncomfortable tensions can be avoided through careful estate planning, which often includes a QTIP (or, Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trust). Such an arrangement is especially effective in providing for children from a previous marriage.

Consider the following example:

Let’s say Michael dies while married to his second wife, Kathy. Michael loved Kathy, but out of concern that she might not take the well-being of his children from a previous marriage into account, he established a will that left most of his estate (worth about $12 million including a marital home) to his children. He did, however, bequeath his $100,000.00 IRA entirely to Kathy.

And here is where things become complicated…

Unfortunately, Kathy then dies a week later intestate (without a will), so Michael’s hard-won IRA is automatically transferred to Kathy’s closest relative – her idiot brother, Frank. Because Kathy was entitled to the marital home through Ohio’s spousal rights, the marital home also transfers to Frank. The kids end up with hardly anything. Had Michael properly planned, he could have protected his children’s inheritance, provided income for his wife, and saved considerably on taxes.

QTIP Trusts

In the example above, Michael could have provided for both his children and Kathy had he created a QTIP trust or proper will.  Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trusts are commonly referred to as a “Family Trust”, or “Marital Trust.”  A QTIP Trust subdivides into (A) marital and (B) family Trusts: the B Trust preserves the children’s interest by restricting the spouse’s access.  The remaining spouse receives income and a life estate that satisfies Ohio’s spousal rights.   After the second spouse dies, the children receive the remaining assets in the B Trust.

Consider another version of the above example:

Instead of ignoring Ohio’s marital election, Michael plans ahead and created a revocable living trust with a QTIP election.   Upon Michael’s death, his trust is sub-divided into an “A” and a “B” trust.  Here, $5.43 million of his estate is diverted to his B trust.  Kathy is the beneficiary of this B trust, with limited access and receives income from the trust.   Because this trust is under the federal estate tax limit, Kathy’s estate tax is $0.00.  Over the next 20 years, because of robust growth, the “B” trust is now $17 million.  Upon Kathy’s death, trust “B” passes to the Michael’s sons entirely estate tax free.

The remaining $6.57 million in assets are diverted to the “A” trust.  Kathy again has restricted access, but can use these funds for her health, maintenance and support.  When Kathy has expenses, she uses the “A” trust and saves the “B” trust only for dire necessities.  Upon her death, the “A” trust has been reduced (or eliminated) and the tax is minimal, if there is any at all.  The remaining balance of the “A” trust passes to Michael’s sons.

QTIP trusts are very popular for people in second marriages.  As you can see, the trust provides income for the remaining spouse, yet it preserves your children’s assets.

Prenuptial Agreements

A QTIP trust may not fit under certain circumstances.  In cases where there is a disproportionate estate among spouses, a prenuptial agreement may be considered.  Certain statutory rights of a decedent’s surviving spouse may be waived by a valid prenuptial agreement.  In other words, people may contract for anything in life.  This includes signing away your inheritance.

It’s important to remember that a prenuptial agreement may often bring tension among couples.  Also, although Ohio recognizes prenuptial agreements to be valid, the state also does not allow you disinherit your spouse.   In that regard, oftentimes antenuptial agreements are coupled with estate plans to provide some form of financial security for the surviving spouse.

Prenuptial agreements are valid and enforceable (1) if they have been entered into freely without fraud, duress, coercion, or overreaching; (2) if there was full disclosure, or full knowledge and understanding of the nature, value and extent of the prospective spouse’s property; and (3) if the terms do not promote or encourage divorce or profiteering by divorce.

Prenuptial agreement agreements are a great tool when coupled with a QTIP trust.  When combined together, the surviving spouse is provided income and preserved an estate for his or her lifetime.  In addition, the children’s inheritance is given extra protection in case of divorce.

Summary

QTIP trusts and prenuptial agreements are two of many ways to provide security for your spouse and children.   Through proper estate planning, you can provide a steady stream of income for your spouse and preserve your children’s inheritance.  It’s important to consider all options when preparing your estate plan.   For more information and or questions, contact attorney Dan Baron at Baron Law LLC – 216-573-3723.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Will Trump’s Presidency Affect Your Trust?

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How will Trump’s Presidency Affect Your Trust?

With the impending inauguration of Donald Trump as our nation’s president, we would all be wise to prepare for a more conservative economic landscape that will likely include the elimination of some gift and estate taxes, lower overall rates, and new deductions. Particularly, if Trump moves forward to repeal the estate tax, many questions surface around the tax consequences within family trusts.

Whether you currently have or are thinking of establishing a trust, here are some important considerations going into the next year with our new president.

Federal Estate Tax

Trusts are an important estate planning tool for avoiding probate, protecting assets, and Medicaid planning.  For people with larger estates, trusts are also an effective way to save money on taxes. For example, commonly used A – B and QTIP trusts allow you to divide your estate into several sub-trusts to avoid the federal estate tax of forty percent (40%). However, Trump’s proposed repeal of the current federal estate tax could eliminate this estate tax entirely.  Thus, notwithstanding the other benefits of a trust, the new proposal would limit the need for a trust. This could mean savings upwards of $268 billion over the next ten years, collectively, for those with larger estates.

Marital Exemption

It’s important to keep in mind that Trump has no interest in changing the unlimited marital exemption that is currently in place.  For example, let’s assume Henry and Wilma have an estate worth $10 million.  Henry dies leaving Wilma the entire estate.  Even before Trump’s plans are proposed, the entire $10 million would pass to Wilma, estate tax free.  In other words, Wilma would receive the entire amount and not have to pay a 40% tax. Wilma avoids paying any tax because our current laws allow for your entire estate to pass tax free to your spouse.

Advantages of a Trust

Less than five percent of Americans would be affected by Trump’s estate tax proposal.  However, there are numerous non-tax related benefits for having a trust as part of your estate plan.  The biggest advantage is that trusts allow your loved ones to avoid probate.  Under Ohio law, an estate caught up in the probate process will likely be trapped there for a minimum of six months, and ultimately could take years to administer.  A trust eliminates the need to go through the probate court and keeps your estate private.

Other Types of Trusts and their Advantages

There are many different types of trusts that can be beneficial under specific circumstances. For example, a charitable trust is a unique tool used to establish your legacy with a charity while saving on your income taxes. Charitable trusts can effectively remove you from a higher income tax bracket and provides income over your lifetime.  Revocable and irrevocable trusts are another form that might help provide protection against creditors, Medicaid, and law suits.  And finally, special needs trusts might help protect your special needs child or family member.

In sum, regardless of the changes implemented by our new administration, establishing a trust remains an effective way to save time, money, and to avoid prolonged probate headaches for your loved ones. Furthermore, not only does a trust help avoid the probate process, it also protects your assets against opportunistic creditors and other litigative perils.  Most importantly, a trust ensures the right people inherit your legacy, and that nothing can be claimed by the State.

Join us for this FREE workshop to learn more about the benefits of trusts and other asset protection tools.

Update: This workshop is no longer available; therefore we have removed the link to the event workshop. 06/2019

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Advantages of Establishing a Trust

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There are many estate planning tools out there.  But simply put, a trust is an estate planning tool that allows you to plan in advance.  A trust allows you to control your assets even after your death and may allow for certain tax advantages as well as privacy and the avoidance of probate.

There are many different types of trusts and each is used under specific circumstances.    For example, a charitable trust is a unique tool used to establish your legacy with a charity while saving on your income taxes.  Revocable and irrevocable trusts are another form that might help provide protection against creditors, Medicaid, and law suits.  And finally, special needs trusts might help protect your special needs child or family member.

The main difference between a will and trust is that only a will passes through probate.  However, through a trust, your assets will pass to your loved ones privately and does not involve the probate court.  Through a will the probate court oversees the administration of the will and ensures the will is valid. The court will then also administer the property making sure it gets distributed the way you intended.   One disadvantage of a will is that all information and transfers through a will are public, and are reported with the state.

If the court authenticates your will, it will pass through probate reaching your intended beneficiaries.  If the will is not authenticated, your money might end up with the state, instead of your loved ones.  Comparatively, courts do not need to oversee the distribution of a trust, which can sometimes save time and money.

Another benefit of having a trust is that a trust takes effect as soon as it is created.  Comparatively, a will takes effect only after you die.   Through probate, a will determines who will receive your property at your death and it appoints a legal representative to carry out your wishes.  This person is called the Executor.   In comparison, a trust may be used to distribute property before death, at death or afterwards.  A will covers any property that is only in your name when you die. It does not cover property held in joint tenancy or in a trust.

In sum, if you want to effectively save time, money, and headache for your loved ones then you might consider establishing a trust.  A trust avoids the probate process and protects your assets against creditors and lawsuits.  Most importantly, a trust ensures the right people inherit your estate, and that nothing is left with the State.  Contact Cleveland, Ohio estate planning attorney Dan A. Baron for a free consultation.    Contact our Cleveland, Ohio office today at 216-573-3723.

 

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What is a Trust?

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Cleveland, Ohio Trust Attorney

What is a trust?  What is the difference between a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust?  Why might my estate plan include either one?

Simply put, a trust helps manage your assets and provides clarity for the future.  A trust is a tool that may be used to achieve your financial goals.  There are different types of trusts for specific situations, from special needs trusts for family members with disabilities to charitable trusts that allow charitable giving while maintaining income as needed.  Trusts also fall into the categories of revocable (or living) trusts and irrevocable trusts.

Differences between a revocable and irrevocable trust

  1. Changes or modifications

An irrevocable trust generally cannot be changed or modified under any circumstances, whereas a revocable trust can be modified or revoked at the discretion of the Grantor.  However, the Grantor may maintain a special power of appointment in an irrevocable trust giving him or her the freedom to modify the beneficiaries without changing the benefits.

  1. Property ownership and asset protection

Assets placed in an irrevocable trust no longer belong to the Grantor.  The trust has its own identity.  The Grantor may still use assets for his or her benefit as specified in the trust, but he or she does not own the assets (much like leasing). Creditors cannot claim assets from the Grantor in this case, as the Grantor does not own the assets.

In a revocable trust, the Grantor retains complete ownership of the property.

  1. Estate taxes

As seen above, in an irrevocable trust, the Grantor no longer owns the property.  Thus, it is not included in the value of property at the time of death.  A revocable trust does not change ownership, and thus the value of the property would be included at the time of death. However, keep in mind the unlimited marital exclusion.  Surviving spouses may effectively pass their estate, tax free, to their spouse.  In addition, the 2016 estate tax exclusion is $5.34 million.

  1. Trustees

With an irrevocable trust, the Trustee should be an independent person chosen by the Grantor.  The Trustee should not be a family member, as this could create conflict.  However, with a revocable trust, the Grantor most often serves as the Trustee, maintaining control over the assets in the trust.

  1. Income tax effects

With an irrevocable trust, the trust is its own entity and typically has its own tax identification number and is responsible to file a 1041.  For a revocable trust, the Grantor still owns the assets and files everything on their 1040.

As seen above, the main purpose of an irrevocable trust is to protect assets.  The main purpose of a revocable trust is to avoid probate, simplifying the transfer of assets.  Determining the reason for the trust will allow the Grantor to make an informed decision about what type of trust is best for his or her situation.

And as with all legal and financial planning, laws change, so a consultation with an attorney is advised before creating a trust or any estate plan.  For more information, or to speak with an expert, contact Baron Law LLC at 216-573-3723 or email Dan@baronlawcleveland.com.