Why families choose a trust
A will tells a court what to do. A trust does not need the court at all. You move your assets into the trust while you are alive, you keep using them exactly as before, and when you pass, the successor trustee you named distributes them according to your instructions.
- Avoids the court process — assets held in the trust pass directly to your beneficiaries.
- Stays private — a will becomes a public court record; a trust generally does not.
- Covers incapacity — your successor trustee can step in if you are unable to manage things, without a guardianship proceeding.
- Controls timing — you can distribute over time instead of in one lump sum, which matters for young or vulnerable beneficiaries.
- Handles out-of-state property — real estate in another state can otherwise mean a second court proceeding there.
Revocable or irrevocable
Revocable living trust
The common choice, and the right one for most families. You stay in control: you can change it, add to it, or undo it entirely at any time. Because you keep that control, the assets are still yours for tax purposes and still reachable by creditors. What you gain is avoiding the court process, privacy, and a plan for incapacity — not asset protection.
Irrevocable trust
You give up control of the assets, and in exchange they are generally no longer treated as yours. That can matter for certain long-term-care and tax planning goals, but it is a serious step and it is not right for most people. We will tell you honestly whether it fits your situation.
How the process works
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Free consultation
We look at what you own, where it is, and who you want it to go to.
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Whether you need one at all
Not everyone does. If a will and clean beneficiary designations would do the same job for less, we will say so.
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Drafting
Matthew drafts the trust and the supporting documents, including a pour-over will.
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Review and signing
We walk through it in plain language, adjust it, and execute it properly.
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Funding
Deeds, account retitling, and beneficiary updates — so the trust actually holds what it is meant to hold.
“Matt worked with my wife and me on our estate & trust. I found him to be very knowledgeable and gave solid advice while exhibiting patience and professionalism. I would recommend him to anyone.”
Common questions
Do I lose control of my assets?
Not with a revocable living trust. You are normally your own trustee: you buy, sell, spend, and change things exactly as you did before. Control passes to your successor trustee only if you become unable to manage, or when you pass.
Does a trust save on taxes?
For most families, no. A revocable trust is tax-neutral — income is still reported on your return and it does not reduce estate tax. Its value is avoiding the court process, privacy, and incapacity planning. Certain irrevocable trusts do have tax effects, and that is a separate conversation.
Do I still need a will?
Yes — a pour-over will, to catch anything that never made it into the trust and to name guardians for minor children.
Can I put my house in a trust if it still has a mortgage?
Usually yes. Transfers into your own revocable trust are generally protected from a lender's due-on-sale clause under federal law. We prepare and record the deed as part of funding.
Is a trust worth it for a modest estate?
Sometimes not. If most of what you own already passes by beneficiary designation or joint title, a will may be enough. You will get a straight answer rather than an upsell.