Why One Should Consider Putting Assets In A Family Trust

By Patricia Young


When one would hear of the word trust from a financial perspective, most would think of a bank account that is left for the next generation. While this is partly true, a family trust is actually much more than just that. It is actually a passing on of certain assets or properties from the parent to the child during a certain time in the childs life to help him or her live. Here are some reasons as to why setting one up is very important.

The first and most important reason to have trusts is for the parent to ensure that the child is taken care of. In the event that the parents are no longer there, money will at least be put aside to pay for all the expenses of the child. It will also help the child start up his or her career when he or she reaches a certain age of adulthood.

Another very important benefit of trusts is that it can protect certain assets from creditors. If one owns an asset, for instance real estate, and puts it into trusts for his children, creditors will not be able to touch that piece of land. This rule applies even if the original asset holder still has an outstanding debt.

When a son or daughter gets married, all of his or her assets will also be available to their respective partners. This is a mandate of the relationship or marriage law of most countries. However, putting assets in trusts instead of giving it to them directly, will prevent third parties from taking the asset without the permission or authorization.

Of course, trusts are not simply avenues for the kids to get assets and wealth. Trusts can also have limits imposed on them so that the kids will not just use the wealth foolishly. For example, there are actually some parents who would put a limit on the trusts of their kids so that the kids can only use the money to pay for education or living expenses.

For those who are divorced, a nicely structured trust will prevent a former partner from trying to control the assets away from the children. If one decides to put trusts for his children and only give them access to it once they reach a certain age, the former partner will not be able to have control over it. This applies even to when the original asset holder passes away.

Lastly, trusts can actually reduce certain taxes. When one dies but puts a piece of property in several trusts to his children, the piece of property will not have to go through so many levels of real estate tax. That is one way of very effective tax avoidance.

As one can see, family trusts are very crucial to most families because it already ensures everything will okay with the children when the primary owner of the assets dies. In a way, it is a form of planning in order to avoid any internal conflict in the next generation. Trusts are actually more effective than wills since trusts are more solid in structure.




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