As tax season rolls around, it’s not just a time for crunching numbers; it’s also the perfect opportunity to review your living trust. With your financial information already in order and at your fingertips, a trust review can be a seamless part of your financial health check-up. But what exactly does “review your trust” entail? Let’s break it down with insights from a Long Beach trust lawyer.
Understanding a Living Trust Review: More Than Just a Glance
Reviewing your trust is a critical exercise to ensure that it still serves your intended purposes and aligns with your current situation. It’s a time to reflect on life changes and update your documents accordingly. But what specifics should you be looking for?
Key Elements to Review in Your Living Trust
- Beneficiaries and Successions: Life events such as marriages, births, divorces, and deaths can affect who you wish to benefit from your trust. Check that all beneficiaries are current and that successor trustees are still able and willing to serve.
- Asset Inventory: Confirm that all your significant assets are properly titled in the trust. Any new assets acquired since your last review should be added to avoid probate.
- Distribution Plans: Make sure your distribution instructions still reflect your wishes. This includes when and how beneficiaries will receive their inheritance.
- Fiduciaries: Review the individuals you have named as trustees or powers of attorney to ensure they remain the best choices for their roles.
- Tax Laws: With the ever-changing tax landscape, it’s important to review your trust with a Long Beach trust lawyer to ensure it is optimized for tax efficiency.
- Life Changes: Reflect on any significant changes in your life that might impact your trust, such as relocating to a different state or changes in your financial goals.
The Role of Your Long Beach Trust Lawyer in the Review Process
A thorough review of your trust can be complex. A Long Beach trust lawyer can help navigate the nuances of your trust, ensuring that it continues to work in your best interest and adheres to current laws and best practices.
Bottom Line: Keep Your Trust Aligned with Your Life
Don’t let another tax season pass by without ensuring your living trust is up to date. Contact our Long Beach trust lawyers at 310-782-6322 for a comprehensive review. Whether it’s updating beneficiaries, re-evaluating assets, or adapting to new tax laws, we’re here to guide you through the process, ensuring your trust meets your current needs and future goals.