Episode 19
Host: Jill Mastroianni
Why You Need (or Don’t Need) a Trust
Most of us don’t understand what a trust is or what it does. In this bite-sized Tuesday Triage episode, Jill breaks it down in plain language: what a revocable trust is, what it can and can’t do, and how to know whether it’s the right tool for your situation.
What Jill Discusses:
What a trust is and what a revocable trust means
Why trusts are tools, not status symbols
Two key reasons people use revocable trusts: (1) to simplify management of assets during life and after death, and (2) to avoid probate after death.
Common situations where a revocable trust makes sense: (1) owning real estate in multiple states, (2) maintaining privacy, (3) avoiding court delays, and (4) avoiding percentage-based statutory probate fees (like in California)
A breakdown of how California calculates probate fees
What it means to fund a trust (and why it’s crucial!)
A reminder: trusts aren’t the only way to avoid probate
Resources & Links
Video: Do you need a Will?
Got a question for Tuesday Triage? Email Jill at jill@deathreadiness.com or visit www.deathreadiness.com/tuesdaytriage
Connect with Jill:
Website: DeathReadiness.com
Email: jill@deathreadiness.com
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