Revocable living trusts offer privacy, flexible control, and probate avoidance. They can simplify guardianship for minors, streamline asset management during incapacity, and support seamless wealth transfer across generations. They provide a framework to adapt to changing family needs, minimize court involvement, and help preserve privacy around asset ownership.
A well-integrated plan reduces delays and confusion by aligning titles, accounts, and beneficiary designations, making distributions smoother for heirs and executors.
Hatcher Legal, PLLC offers personalized guidance, transparent fees, and a track record of practical results in North Carolina. We focus on clear explanations, respect for your goals, and collaborative planning with families and professionals.
After funding, we establish a plan for regular reviews, trustee guidance, and updates to reflect life changes or new laws. Ongoing administration helps minimize surprises and protect family interests over time.
A revocable living trust is a flexible estate planning tool that you create and control. You can modify, revoke, or replace it during your lifetime, and you name a trustee to manage assets. Funding the trust and understanding its terms help ensure your instructions are followed and avoid probate where possible. We can tailor a plan to your family and assets in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, a properly funded revocable living trust can avoid probate for assets owned by the trust. This means simpler administration and privacy, but real estate and certain accounts may require careful titling. Still, a will often serves as a backup and directs assets outside the trust. We advise combining documents strategically for a comprehensive plan.
Assets transferable into trust include real property, bank accounts, investment accounts, and business interests. You should retitle assets in the name of the trust and update beneficiary designations as needed. We review each asset type and provide a plan to fund the trust consistently, reducing probate and ensuring control.
Time to set up depends on complexity. Simple trusts may be created in a few weeks, while more complex arrangements take longer. We work efficiently, with clear milestones and open communication.
Costs vary; we provide transparent pricing; there may be filing or recording fees; ongoing reviews. We discuss fees up front and customize services to fit your goals and budget.
After the grantor dies, the successor trustee administers the trust according to its terms, often avoiding probate for assets inside the trust. Some assets may still pass through probate if not properly funded, so thorough funding remains essential.
Yes, you can serve as the initial trustee of your own revocable living trust. Many clients name a successor trustee and, if helpful, a co-trustee to handle duties if you are unavailable.
Yes, a will often complements a trust by guiding assets not funded into the trust and naming guardians. Pour-over provisions connect assets to the trust, and a healthcare directive ensures your medical wishes are known.
Review your trust every few years or after major life events to maintain alignment. We recommend periodic check-ins with your attorney to keep documents up to date.
Funding a trust involves retitling property, updating accounts, and coordinating with financial institutions. Our team provides a detailed funding plan and steps to complete the process in North Carolina.
