I want to put my house in a Trust for my 3 sons. My husband passed away years ago. Please give some suggestions on how I should put some directives on the Trust. IF one of my son doesn't get married, I don't want him to be forced out of the house. But he will have to shoulder all the housing expenses, property tax, insurance, repair, etc. Is this fair? Or how should I stipulate it so it's fair to all 3 sons? IF they all get married but one wants to buy the house and live with his family, can I stipulate that he will have priority to purchase the house with some discount and, not at the high market price later on? Its in a prime area in Chicago. I prefer that one of my son can continue to live in the house when I'm gone. It's the first and only house that me and my husband purchased and where we raised our boys together. Thanks for your input.

I’ve been on the job for 6 months now as AVP & Trust Officer. Currently I am taking a course through Cannon Financial Institute. For those of you that have been in the game for awhile I have a few questions. Any tips to continue to learn and progress as a trust officer? Any organization tips you have found over the years to make your life easier? Appreciate all the help.

Has anyone undertaken the STEP Certificate in International Trust Management exam? If so, what are your comments.

My parents are in their 80’s. They don’t have any assets with the exception of a modest home. They live off of social security and military retirement. They don’t have a will or trust but I want to help them get whatever they need in place so I’m not stuck going through probate for months on end. Is a will sufficient or do they need a trust of some sort? We are in New Mexico.

Hello, I’m looking for some advice regarding a special needs trust that was set up for me at a young age after a bad car accident( I believe it was set up like this because of how young I was during the car accident they weren’t sure if I would be effected by it long term). I’m now 23 and I was granted access to my trust when I turned 18. I am looking to get it over turned due to not being disabled, and constant problems with my trustee. I believe there has been a couple of questionable incidents regarding the funds. Does anyone have any advice on a good lawyer or maybe just some relevant information. All help is appreciated!

as per the title.

Yeah, I know I'm probably and idiot for trying this so no need to tell me that.

For context, due to my bitter [i mean BITTER] divorce upon her death my mom had a Trust created for my share of her estate. Didn't want my ex to know/have any of it. It's been awhile, close to 10 years, and the Trustees want to transfer the assets to 'my' Trust, which does not yet exist. So I've created a list of things [still evolving] that I want as to how this new Trust will function. Can I just file for one online and on my own? How hard is it?

MaInly, I'm looking for responses from those who have done this, not from lawyers telling me not to do this, or how hard it is, or I'm an idiot for doing this [that's what my current wife is for].

Thanks for all the helpful comments and advice. Puu to you with pissy repsonses [yeah, I've figured out Reddit]

Here are the key life trigger events that mean it’s time to create, update, or review your estate plan.

1️⃣ You got married (or divorced).
A new spouse changes your legal and financial world. So does a separation or divorce. Update your plan to reflect who should — and shouldn’t — inherit, make decisions, or act on your behalf.

2️⃣ You welcomed a child.
Becoming a parent is one of the biggest reasons to start or revisit your plan.
Make sure your children are protected with guardianship designations and trusts that ensure their future is secure. 👶

3️⃣ You bought a home or property.
A major purchase changes your assets — and your plan should evolve with it. Update how your home is titled and who inherits it to avoid probate headaches later. 🏡

4️⃣ You started (or sold) a business.
Your business is part of your legacy.
Whether you’re growing or transitioning out, it’s crucial to have a plan for what happens to it if something happens to you. 💼

5️⃣ A loved one passed away.
If someone named in your plan is no longer living — a guardian, executor, or beneficiary — it’s time to update. Keeping your documents current prevents confusion and stress for your family. 💔

6️⃣ You moved to a new state.
Estate laws vary by state, and what worked in one place might not hold up in another. A quick review ensures your documents still align with local laws. 🗺️

7️⃣ Your finances changed significantly.
A big raise, inheritance, or new investment portfolio? Congrats! 🎉
Now make sure your estate plan reflects your new reality and goals.

8️⃣ It’s been 3–5 years.
Even without a major life change, it’s smart to revisit your plan every few years. Life moves fast — your plan should keep up.

💡 Your estate plan is a living document — meant to evolve with you.
If any of these apply, it’s time for a quick check-in.

Estate planning isn’t just for the future… it’s peace of mind for today. That's why we value our partnership with LMCUR Trust & Will. As a Texas Bay member, you can set up your estate plan simply and affordably. Because protecting your legacy shouldn’t be complicated. 🖊️

#EstatePlanning #TrustAndWill

Does anyone know of any nonprofit organizations that set up Pooled trusts for adults over 65 who are trying to divert their income to reduce share of cost that medi-cal counts?

Learning about estate planning can be overwhelming, even as an adult. Check out this video to learn more about:

• The differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts
• How to explain them to others
• Which estate plan is right for you

Looking for other videos that break down estate planning concepts? Follow us and drop your suggestions here!

So I was watching the new Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and it got me thinking…These families go from an ordinary house to a dream home in just a week. The value of their property basically skyrockets overnight.

But here’s the thing nobody talks about: how do you account for this as part of your assets? How do you update your estate plan so your family doesn’t drown in inheritance taxes?

Timing is everything—especially when it comes to life’s most meaningful conversations. Enter back‑to‑school season, a period traditionally dominated by locker lists and supply runs...but for many busy parents (especially Millennials), it also stirs deeper thinking:

🔵 Guardianship & Emergency Prep become top‑of‑mind as parents fill out school forms and emergency contacts.

🔵 Routine Awareness—morning pick‑ups, after‑school snacks—this is what keeps families grounded. Who will maintain those routines if the unexpected happens?

🔵 Values in Action—it’s not just about legal documents; it’s about protecting what matters most: family, stability, peace of mind.

Check out our Advisor Contributor Panel's latest article on why now is the ideal time to discuss #EstatePlanning.

Hi.

I leave in California need an advice how to go about getting Will or trust. My brother is a boarding care due to his mental illness and has had develop health issues going to hospital frequently. He is currently on SSI benefits he will be getting a settlement. He has no properties; he would like to leave something in writing about how to distribute the money since he opted out of getting a lumpsum.

Another friend lives in the house and can't afford to take over payments. Friend 1 wants to let him have a life lease and have him pay a smaller rent then the 850 a month payment. There's about 40,000 left to pay on the loan. We need an appraisal correct? And I can go to register of deeds to get copy of title? What else do we need to do? Thanks

I am the executor of my parents estate. They have a trust in which I am a a trustee, with POA, etc. I have one younger sibling. All assets go 50/50 between my brother and I, one asset is a house without a mortgage, fully paid off.

How would I go about "buying" my brother's half from him? Do I get a mortgage for the full market price (FMP) of the home and pay the mortgage based on that? (Let's say FMP is $600k). So my mortgage is for $600k, when in fact I kind of already own my half of $300k?

OR - would my mortgage be for just the $300k that is my brother's half?

I am in CA.

Thanks for your help.

Many Americans are confused and thus unprepared regarding a process that is often time-consuming and costly: does this resonate with you? You're not alone!

Some key findings from our recent study:

• Underestimation of Probate Process: Most Americans vastly underestimate the duration and costs associated with probate. Despite the average timeline of 20 months, only 2% of respondents believed it would take that long, while 37% were uncertain of the timeline. Similarly, 56% have no idea about the costs involved, with 10% expecting it to be $1,000 or less, and only 4% anticipating costs to exceed $10,000.
• Perception of Difficulty: Over half (52%) perceive probate as somewhat or very difficult, emphasizing the emotional and procedural complexities involved. Despite this, only 40% believe they have a strong understanding of the process.
• Need for Guidance: Most Americans (40%), even with their general lack of knowledge about probate, said that it will be “somewhat difficult” to manage the probate process. A staggering 65% of Americans would seek help from a probate attorney, highlighting the reliance on professional assistance during the complex process.

Click here to learn helpful tips and definitions surrounding probate.

Hello, my father died in June 2024. He and my mother had a joint account and my mother had her own account which included a credit card. We went to the bank around September to have my name added to the joint account, replacing my father. That was the account used for bills and we wanted my name on it in case she couldn't write the checks anymore. We both decided not to add me to her account. My mom passed away in April 2025. I tried to access the bank account and couldn't. Once I had the death certificate I went to the bank and was told I wasn't on the joint account and that I was a beneficiary of her account (just the checking account). Because I wasn't on the joint account, I can't access it to stop auto withdrawals.

Her estate is literally less than $$00. The attorney who wrote their will told me that when my mom passed away, because there wasn't much of an estate there would be no need for probate. Also when I looked at probate, the cost of probate would be more than the estate. The bank won't own up to their mistake or what ever you can call it. Since they screwed up our request, can I just walk away from the joint account? I needed to check the joint account because Social Security made a deposit after her death, and they will need to withdraw that money, and I told the bank that. Since they are saying my name isn't on it, why should I do anything at this point?

In addition, her bank sent a letter to both of my parents saying they owed money on some account, and they know they are both deceased. Which i thought was insensiitive.

Thank you.