Tag: probate

• What is a Will Contest and How Can It Be Avoided?

  

  In the intricate world of estate planning, ensuring the smooth realization of a person’s final wishes is paramount. But even the most carefully-drafted wills may face legal challenges. A Will contest is a formal challenge to a Will. It’s a messy, ugly process that can drain an estate (and the Beneficiaries) of the legacy. Let’s…

  

  In the intricate world of estate planning, ensuring the smooth realization of a person’s final wishes is paramount. But even the most carefully-drafted wills may face legal challenges. A Will contest is a formal challenge to a Will. It’s a messy, ugly process that can drain an estate (and the Beneficiaries) of the legacy.

  Let’s discuss the setting where Will contests take place, reasons behind them, and some of the proactive measures to safeguard a legacy.

  Probate Generally

  Before exploring what a Will contest entails, a basic understanding of probate is necessary.

  Probate is the legal validation of a Testator’s (deceased individual’s) Will and transfer of his or her property to the Beneficiaries. During this process, the probate court examines the authenticity of the Will and ensures compliance with the state’s testamentary formalities. This includes the Testator’s signature, witness attestation and signatures, and an affidavit of witnesses to prove the Will.

  After the court admits the Will to probate, the Executor then carries out the process of dealing with debts and distributing assets. There are administrative components to this, like publishing notice to creditors and handling creditors claims. The Executor may also need to handle a claim from TennCare for reimbursement if the Decedent was receiving long-term care benefits from the state.

  Once the Executor handles all claims against the Estate and other outstanding administrative matters, he or she then distributes assets to the Beneficiaries as the Will directs. Upon distributing all assets, the Executor petitions the court to close the Estate. Once the court enters an order for such, the matter is complete.

  Will Contests in Probate

  

  Most of the time, Executors handle their duties properly. But sometimes there is cause to believe the Will is invalid. Or there is a disgruntled party who simply doesn’t like what’s in the Will.

  Will contests can have a basis in a variety of claims. Or they can be a frivolous challenge to what the Testator’s wishes were.

  A Will contest is a lawsuit that takes place during probate. The court pauses distribution of assets until it resolves the matter. Because of the complexity of a Will contest, this can often cause a probate to take years.

  Some common reasons for Will contests include:

  • Fraud. There are generally two types of fraud for purposes of a Will contest: fraud in the inducement, and fraud in the execution. Fraud in the inducement is where someone misrepresents facts to the Testator, and the misrepresentation affects the Will’s disposition. Fraud in the execution is when someone tricks the Testator into signing the Will without truly understanding what the document says. He or she may not even know that the document is a Will.

  • Duress: There may be a Will contest if it’s believed the Testator signed the will under compulsion. This could involve threats, manipulation, or pressure from others (i.e., an offer one can’t refuse).

  • Undue Influence: Related to duress, undue influence occurs when an individual has a confidential relationship with the Testator and uses that relationship to have the testator change his or her Will. The changes generally do not reflect his or her true wishes. This can result in an unusual disposition of assets in favor of the person who had the confidential relationship. Such a situation often involves caregivers who are unrelated to the family.

  • Lack of Testamentary Capacity: For a Will to be valid, the Testator must have legal capacity to make the Will. The Testator must understand the nature of their assets, who their b=Beneficiaries are, how the Will distributes their assets, and the consequences of such decisions. If there is reason to believe the Testator was not of sound mind, this could lead to a Will contest.

  Who Can Contest a Will?

  A fundamental component of legal proceedings in the United States is the doctrine of standing. A party bringing a lawsuit must have some stake in the outcome. A random person off the street cannot contest someone else’s Will.  

  Tennessee law recognizes the right of certain parties to bring a Will contest. The Beneficiaries named in a will can contest it. They have legal standing specifically because the Will names them as Beneficiaries.

  On the other hand, those who are the heirs-at-law (Beneficiaries when someone dies without a Will) may also contest a Will. They may do so because, if they prevail, they receive assets by the laws of intestate succession.

  Some third parties, such as the State of Tennessee, may also have standing for a Will contest. There must be a possibility that some interest in the decedent’s Estate may pass to the state.

  How to Prevent a Will Contest

  

  Professional Guidance and Drafting

  Working with an attorney on a Will is one way to reduce the risk of a Will contest. If there is any sort of fraud, undue influence, duress, or lack of capacity, the attorney will likely be able to see what’s going on. He or she can then stop the process before the documents have signatures.

  Professional drafting provides some assurance that there were no red flags noticed before signing the documents.

  No-Contest Clause

  Also known as an in terrorem clause, a no-contest clause deters frivolous lawsuits. This clause directs that if someone brings a Will contest without probable cause, the Will disinherits that person.

  Someone may contest the Will based on reasonable grounds that there was fraud, duress, undue influence, or a lack of capacity. In such a case, the courts generally would not enforce a no-contest provision because he challenge was in good faith and not for frivolous purposes. The point of a no-contest clause is to prevent bad-faith challenges, not legitimate ones.

  Revocable Trust

  A Trust provides a great deal of privacy and efficiency. Generally, only named Beneficiaries will know of the Trust’s disposition. Other people who otherwise do not receive anything from the Trust will have a hard time contesting its provisions since there is no public process to access the instrument.

  A Trust can have its own no-contest clause for Beneficiaries who may challenge it. The wording in a Will or in a Trust may even be identical. The courts will enforce the provision against frivolous claimants, which usually leads to that person forfeiting all inheritance rights the instrument may have given.

  Final Thoughts on Will Contests

  Ultimately, nothing can 100% protect against a Will contest. There still may be someone who decides to bring a frivolous lawsuit in spite of all the preparation. But by preparing for such a possibility, there is a much higher probability that the Will contest is not going to succeed.

  Will contest are rare. And it’s even rarer that they are successful. But they sometimes happen, so it’s important to handle this subject carefully.

  Reach out to Connell Law, PLLC today to request a consultation if you believe a Will contest is likely for a recently deceased family member’s Will.

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• Executor vs Trustee: What’s the Difference?

  

  When it comes to estate planning, two crucial roles often come into play: executor and trustee. Both positions involve the administration and management of a person’s assets. But they differ in their functions, responsibilities, and the contexts in which they operate. While there is some overlap, the roles of executor vs trustee are distinct. Let’s…

  

  When it comes to estate planning, two crucial roles often come into play: executor and trustee. Both positions involve the administration and management of a person’s assets. But they differ in their functions, responsibilities, and the contexts in which they operate. While there is some overlap, the roles of executor vs trustee are distinct.

  Let’s explore some of the similarities and differences between these two positions and how they play into a person’s estate plan. We’ll discuss the fiduciary nature of these positions and the weight of holding these titles and their respective responsibilities.

  Executors: Managing Probate

  An executor—not to be confused with an executioner—is an individual appointed in a Will to carry out the deceased person’s wishes regarding their property. The executor’s primary responsibility is to manage the probate process. This ensures that the decedent’s debts are settled and the remaining assets are distributed to the Will’s named beneficiaries.

  The executor will need to several things during the probate process. This includes:

  • Filing a petition to probate the Will,
  • Filing an inventory of assets held by the decedent,
  • Notifying creditors of the decedent’s death,
  • Paying debts that creditors file claims for,
  • Conducting an accounting,
  • Distributing funds and property to the beneficiaries, and
  • Closing out the estate.

  In Tennessee, the executor is an office held solely for the management of the probate process. It is a limited position that is only supposed to last as long as needed to administer and close out the estate. Tennessee law states that probate should generally not take more than 15 months.

  Once the beneficiaries receive their legacies and the probate court orders the estate closed, the executor does not have any further role to play.

  Trustees: Administration of a Trust

  

  A trust instrument generally creates the office of trustee. This can be created during one’s lifetime (living trust), or by a Will at death (testamentary trust). The trustee will often have certain responsibilities that generally go beyond merely distributing property to beneficiaries upon a person’s death.

  Trusts, especially revocable living trusts, have broad grants of power to allow the trustee to manage assets the trust holds. For our purposes, let’s consider a revocable living trust with one Settlor (creator).

  The Settlor usually occupies three roles while living: Settlor, Trustee, and Beneficiary. The Settlor will manage the trust’s property for him or herself during life. The trust instrument will name specific beneficiaries to whom trust property will go after the Settlor passes away.

  The trustee will generally have powers to manage trust property during incapacity. Well-drafted trust instrument name Successor Trustees, as well. So, if our Settlor is in a coma after a major car crash, the Successor Trustee will manage trust assets on his or her behalf until the Settlor has recovered. This is similar to how a durable power of attorney for property functions.

  The trustee must adhere to the trust instrument’s instructions. This may include investment of funds on the beneficiary’s behalf, paying for higher education, assisting with major life expenses, and/or distributing at a certain age or life milestone.

  The main point is that the trust instrument will state its purpose, and the trustee must carry out that purpose as a fiduciary. He or she must follow those instructions closely and use good judgment in making decisions regarding management of funds. Decisions must be for the benefit of the beneficiary only and not for the trustee’s benefit.

  Similarities Between Executors and Trustees

  Whether executor or trustee, both roles are fiduciary positions. This means the one holding the office has a legal duty to certain people to act in their best interests. Executors and trustees must act with loyalty, competence, impartiality, and prudence in carrying out their duties.

  Both roles require the office-holder to follow another person’s instructions. Those instructions are typically in a document. If the executor or trustee fails to follow those instructions, the beneficiaries of the estate or trust could sue for breach of fiduciary duty.

  Additionally, the one naming who will occupy these positions generally does so in a written document. The Will names the executor, and the trust instrument names the trustee. For those who pass away without a Will, the one who handles the estate is an administrator (a subject for another article).

  Differences Between Each Role

  

  The differences between an executor vs a trustee are more numerous than the similarities. As noted above, the position of executor is supposed to be a short-term office. The primary goal is to oversee the transfer of assets to other people and to do so in an expeditious manner.

  On the other hand, a trustee may occupy the office indefinitely. It will depend on the purposes of the trust. One trust may direct the trustee to immediately transfer trust assets to the beneficiaries. Another trust may direct the trustee to make support payments to beneficiaries over a lifetime.

  Executors have some leeway on how they administer the decedent’s estate, but not much. Once the person dies, the Will comes into effect and the executor must generally follow the terms as written.

  But a trustee may have significant discretion in carrying out the trust’s objectives. This can include choice of investments, whether to make distributions, or even to create a new trust instrument and “decant” the trust’s assets into a new trust.

  What it boils down to is that executors have a smaller amount of discretion with their decision-making. Trustees will usually have wide discretion in carrying out their duties as trustee.

  Final Comments on Executors vs Trustees

  In an estate plan, it’s important to know how executors vs trustees fit into things. Some estate plans may just involve an executor. Others may have both executor and trustee. In many plans, the same person may occupy both roles.

  But for those involved, including the creator of the plan and the ones named as the officer-holders, they all need to know their place in things. They need to know what their duties are and who to contact for assistance in carrying out the plan.

  Connell Law, PLLC helps residents of Rutherford County and throughout Middle Tennessee with their estate planning needs. We take an educational approach to our practice, helping our clients understand the ins and outs of how their plans will work.

  Reach out to us today to discuss executors and trustees further, along with your other estate planning needs. We’re here to help you plan today for a more peaceful tomorrow.

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• Three Common Living Trust Myths

  

  Revocable living trusts are increasingly popular in estate planning. These highly flexible instruments offer many benefits, both during life and at death. But there are also a number of pervasive living trust myths about the benefits of this instrument. This could lead to unnecessary confusion or improper expectations of what the Trust can and will…

  

  Revocable living trusts are increasingly popular in estate planning. These highly flexible instruments offer many benefits, both during life and at death. But there are also a number of pervasive living trust myths about the benefits of this instrument. This could lead to unnecessary confusion or improper expectations of what the Trust can and will do.

  (more…)

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• Estate Planning is Not Just for the Affluent; Here Are 5 Reasons Why

  

  Estate planning is often associated with individuals who possess vast wealth or who are near end of life. But the truth is that estate planning is not just for the affluent, nor is it an end-of-life matter. Regardless of your current wealth level, engaging in proper estate planning is essential for everyone in Tennessee. Let’s…

  

  Estate planning is often associated with individuals who possess vast wealth or who are near end of life. But the truth is that estate planning is not just for the affluent, nor is it an end-of-life matter. Regardless of your current wealth level, engaging in proper estate planning is essential for everyone in Tennessee.

  Let’s go through five compelling reasons why estate planning is crucial for everyday people in a variety of situations. Having proper legal documents in place now will help carry out your wishes and minimize the risk of conflict and uncertainty in difficult situations.

  Estate Planning Helps Prepare for Incapacity

  Two fairly simple, but important types of documents are powers of attorney and a living will. Powers of attorney grant certain individuals the authority to make healthcare and/or financial decisions on your behalf. A living will provides end-of-life care instructions so your loved ones don’t have to guess what your wishes are.

  A power of attorney for property allows your agent to manage your financial affairs. This is especially important to have if you hold digital assets like cryptocurrency. Powers of attorney for property ought to expressly grant authority over cryptoassets.

  A power of attorney for healthcare allows your agent to authorize medical care if you are unable to speak on your own behalf. For example, after a major car wreck, an important surgery may be advisable to tend to injuries. The healthcare power of attorney authorizes your agent to communicate with healthcare providers about whether to proceed with the operation if you cannot do so.

  These powers of attorney are generally “durable.” This means the powers survive legal incapacitation so that your agent can actually make the decisions you want him or her to make for you.

  Additionally, a living will deals with end-of-life situations. If there is no hope for medical recovery, you may have particular desires about life support and administration of medications. The living will puts your desires in writing ahead of time and informs family members and healthcare providers what to do.

  Avoiding Family Disputes and Legal Battles

  

  Estate planning plays a pivotal role in avoiding family conflicts and legal battles that can arise after your passing. Clear instructions provided in a well-drafted will and/or trust can help prevent disagreements among family members regarding the distribution of your assets.

  If family members are upset about your estate plan, sometimes they may try to contest your will and/or trust. Estate and trust litigation can be very expensive and emotionally draining. And the expenses in defending against a claim may significantly reduce what your beneficiaries receive.

  One way to avoid this is through the drafting of an in terrorem (no contest) clause in your will or trust. This clause effectively disinherits anyone who brings a will contest without proper cause. This acts as a disincentive to engage in frivolous litigation.

  Another way to reduce the risk of a dispute is to have a revocable living trust that distributes your assets privately. While wills are public record, trusts are private instruments that pass property without court supervision. It is much harder to contest a trust than a will.

  Regardless of the size of your estate, disputes can arise, and emotions can run high. But having a comprehensive estate plan in place minimizes the risk of such conflicts. By clearly expressing your wishes and intentions, and planning for potential disputes, you can help maintain family harmony and protect your loved ones from unnecessary strain.

  Estate Planning Helps with Managing Small Businesses

  If you own a small business, estate planning becomes even more critical because others may rely on you for their paycheck. Without proper planning, your business may face uncertainties and disruptions in the event of incapacity or death.

  Estate planning documents—specifically a trust—allow you to designate a successor who will continue running the business. In order to ensure the security and continuing stability of your enterprise, a trust instrument should have an express clause granting authority to carry on business operations.

  Otherwise, your business has to go through probate, and a court-appointed receiver may have to oversee operations. This can be a major hindrance and cause stress and uncertainty for your workforce.

  Furthermore, proper estate planning can facilitate buy-sell agreements among business partners, protecting everyone’s interests and minimizing potential conflicts. It is important to consult with business partners and review any operating agreements when drafting your documents to ensure there is minimal risk of disputes or inconsistency.

  Taking Care of Special Needs Family Members

  

  If you have a loved with a significant disability, estate planning is also especially crucial. Creating a special needs trust allows you to provide for their financial well-being without jeopardizing eligibility for government assistance programs, such as TennCare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

  Through proper planning, you can rest knowing that their care, medical needs, and quality of life are protected, even when you’re no longer there to provide that support yourself.

  There are very specific limits on what assets an SSI recipient can hold. But with a special needs trust, you still can provide for these loved ones with special needs. The key aspect of these trusts is that they provide supplemental support. But these trusts prohibit the use of funds that would disqualify the beneficiary from government assistance.

  Appointing Guardians for Minor Children

  In your Last Will & Testament, you can (and should) name a guardian for your minor children. This applies whether you have a one- or two-parent home.

  For two parent homes, both spouses should name a primary and alternate guardian if both parents die simultaneously or one spouse predeceases the other. If you do not name this person yourself, the probate court will decide who your minor children’s guardian will be.

  Especially if you want your children raised with certain values, naming a guardian who will honor those desires is critical. Otherwise, the court may place your minor children into a home with values different than yours.

  The nominated guardian is often, but does not have to be, a family member. You may wish the guardian to be a family friend, instead. The important thing is that this person is responsible and will properly care for your children until adulthood.

  Final Thoughts on Estate Planning for Everyday People

  Estate planning is a vital process for everyone, not just the affluent. There are a variety of difficult situations that can happen to us in this life. But making your wishes made known through properly drafted and executed legal documents will minimize hardship on your family.

  Regardless of the size of your estate, making your estate plan maximizes the likelihood that your wishes will be honored, your loved ones will be provided for, and potential conflicts are avoided. Making these plans us an investment. But it does not have to be an exorbitant expense to get basic documents drafted and executed.

  Connell Law, PLLC is here to provide residents of Middle Tennessee with estate planning and small business legal services. Reach out today for your free consultation. Plan today for a more peaceful tomorrow.

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• How to Revoke a Will in Tennessee

  

  Estate planning is a crucial aspect of securing your legacy. But sometimes circumstances arise that require you to change or even revoke your will. In Tennessee, the law outlines various methods to revoke a will. If you wish to revoke your will as part of updating your estate plan, it’s important to know what your…

  

  Estate planning is a crucial aspect of securing your legacy. But sometimes circumstances arise that require you to change or even revoke your will. In Tennessee, the law outlines various methods to revoke a will. If you wish to revoke your will as part of updating your estate plan, it’s important to know what your options are and do so correctly.

  There are four specific ways to revoke a will that we will discuss. We will also address what happens with marriages and divorces, and how that can impact the validity of wills made prior to the marriage or divorce.

  Four Ways to Revoke Your Will in Tennessee

  • Execute a New Will: One of the primary ways to revoke a will in Tennessee is to create a new one. The new will may revoke the prior one by inconsistency or by express revocation. Many estate planning attorneys provide an express revocation clause in the wills they draft for their clients. This prevents unnecessary confusion about what the Testator’s (creator’s) intent is.

  • Document of Revocation: Tennessee law also recognizes the validity of a separate revocation document. To be effective, this document must adhere to all testamentary formalities necessary to execute a will. This means the Testator must be of sound mind, and must sign the revocation document before two disinterested witnesses. Those witnesses must also sign in the Testator’s presence and in each other’s presence.

  • Physical Destruction: You can revoke a will by physically destroying it with the intent and purpose of nullifying its effect. Acceptable methods include burning, tearing, canceling, obliterating, or any other form of deliberate destruction. This tangible act serves as a clear expression of the Testator’s intention to revoke that will. But if there are still copies, this could be a problem if someone offers it to the court for probate.

  • Subsequent Marriage and Birth of a Child: Changes in family circumstances can automatically revoke a Tennessee will. If the Testator marries and has a child after executing a will, the will is revoked by operation of law. If you have recently gotten married or had a child, this is a proper time to review your current documents and update your wishes as needed.

  Impact of Divorce on Wills in Tennessee

  

  In Tennessee, the dissolution of a marriage through divorce or annulment automatically revokes any testamentary dispositions to the former spouse. This includes not only bequests in the will, but also nominations for executor or trustee.

  The will may direct to the contrary if you wish. Though having an ex-spouse be the executor or a successor trustee is probably not a good idea.

  Keep in mind that this does NOT affect beneficiary designations. You must update these as your life circumstances change to prevent undesired outcomes.

  Interestingly, remarriage to the former spouse can revive the will after the revocation occurred by operation of law. Of course, if one executes a new will after the divorce or annulment, this may not necessarily be the case. That could cause conflict about which will is the “real one.” This example emphasizes the need to regularly review and update your estate plan to reflect changes in your marital status.

  Final Thoughts on Revoking Wills

  Estate planning is a dynamic process that requires careful consideration and occasional adjustments. Whether prompted by life events or changing intentions, understanding the ways to revoke a will in Tennessee is important before taking any action.

  If you find yourself contemplating such changes, consult with competent legal counsel first. An estate planning professional will help ensure your plan aligns with your current wishes.

  Connell Law, PLLC stands ready to provide trusted legal counsel to residents of Middle Tennessee. We are here to guide you through the intricacies of estate planning. Our staff are able to assist with changes to wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and living wills.

  Secure your legacy with confidence by seeking professional advice from our staff. Plan today for a more peaceful tomorrow.

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• How Beneficiary Designations Fit into Your Estate Plan

  

  Estate planning is a multifaceted process that involves careful consideration of how your assets will be distributed after death. While many individuals focus on creating a will or a trust, it’s easy to overlook another essential component of holistic estate planning: beneficiary designations. In this discussion, we will delve into the crucial role that beneficiary…

  

  Estate planning is a multifaceted process that involves careful consideration of how your assets will be distributed after death. While many individuals focus on creating a will or a trust, it’s easy to overlook another essential component of holistic estate planning: beneficiary designations.

  In this discussion, we will delve into the crucial role that beneficiary designations play in your Tennessee estate plan. We will specifically address how various accounts interact with your plan, including life insurance, retirement accounts, bank accounts, and investment accounts.

  Additionally, we’ll address naming primary and contingent beneficiaries, unique considerations for minor children, and emphasize the importance of reviewing and updating these designations regularly.

  What is a Beneficiary Designation?

  Beneficiary designations dictate who will receive the proceeds of these accounts upon your passing. You specify on various financial and insurance accounts who that beneficiary will be.

  Contrary to what many believe, these designations take precedence over your Last Will & Testament. This makes them a powerful tool in quickly directing the distribution of those assets. A beneficiary designation is a non-probate transfer. It happens quickly and outside the supervision of any court.

  Without designating a beneficiary on these types of accounts, the assets may end up in the probate estate. The result is significant delays in getting the asset to your loved ones.

  What Types of Assets Have Beneficiary Designations?

  

  We will cover four common types of accounts that have beneficiary designations: life insurance, retirement accounts, bank accounts, and investment accounts.

  • Life Insurance. This is an important component of many estate plans. It provides a financial safety net for your loved ones when you’re no longer there to support them. When you purchase a life insurance policy, you must name one or more beneficiaries to receive the death benefit. The death benefit passes to your named beneficiaries tax-free. If the policy has a cash-value, the insurance company often keeps this amount, though.
  • Retirement Accounts. Tax-advantaged retirement plans, such as your 401(k) and IRA, typically include beneficiary designations. The purpose of these accounts is to replace your working income in retirement years. But the beneficiary designation determines what happens to the remaining funds after death. For a 401(k), the default beneficiary is your spouse. Only a spouse can waive this, and it must be in writing. For IRAs and other retirement accounts, you must tell the custodial institution who the beneficiary will be.
  • Bank Accounts. Checking and savings accounts hold liquid cash that we use to pay our bills or save for various goals. These accounts are usually in our sole name or have joint ownership with a spouse. For jointly-owned accounts, ownership automatically passes to the survivor. But the person you designate as the payable-on-death (POD) beneficiary will receive the account balance at the time of your death.
  • Investment Accounts. If you hold securities in a brokerage investment account, chances are the account has a transfer-on-death (TOD) designation available. That person will receive the assets held in that account, as well as getting a step-up in tax basis. Efficient transfer of investment accounts is important, as market volatility may require swift action that probate would otherwise make difficult.

  Naming Your Beneficiaries

  Accounts that have a beneficiary designation usually have primary and contingent options. The primary beneficiary is who will receive that asset upon your death. But life doesn’t always go according to plan, and the ones we plan on leaving assets to may predecease us. The contingent beneficiary is the backup if that happens.

  You generally have the option of naming one or multiple beneficiaries on a given account. Spouses usually name each other as primary beneficiaries. Unmarried people will usually name a close family member. If you have multiple children, you may wish to distribute these assets equally, and can indicate so on the beneficiary designation forms.

  If a revocable living trust is part of your estate plan, naming the trust as the beneficiary may be a good option. But this is not always the case, so having trusted legal counsel is important to determine how to incorporate your trust into beneficiary designations.

  It’s essential to review and update these designations periodically to ensure they align with your current wishes. This is especially so when life events like marriages, divorces, or births occur. The last thing we want to see is a bitter ex-spouse get the entire balance of your retirement account or life insurance policy because you forgot to make a few simple changes.

  Considerations for Minor Children

  

  Naming minor children as beneficiaries raises unique considerations. While you may want to leave assets to your children, minors cannot directly inherit assets in their own name.

  Instead, you may opt to establish a trust. This can be either in your will (a testamentary trust) or as a separate entity (a revocable living trust). The trust will hold and manage the assets on behalf of your minor children.

  At Connell Law, PLLC, we often advise using the living trust. But each client’s situation has unique considerations that we take into account.

  Alternatively, you may designate a custodian under the Tennessee Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) to manage these assets for the minor’s benefit. Most states allow for an UTMA to hold property for the minor until age 21. In Tennessee, you may create an UTMA that holds property until the minor reaches age 25. Tenn. Code Ann. § 35-7-121.

  Final Thoughts on Beneficiary Designations in Your Estate Plan

  Comprehensive estate planning is not just about wills and trusts. Beneficiary designations play a pivotal role in ensuring that your wishes determine where your assets go. They also avoid the burdensome probate process.

  By properly naming primary and contingent beneficiaries, considering minor children’s needs, and vigilantly reviewing and updating these designations, you can make your estate plan more effective and reduce the potential for unintended conflicts.

  For assistance creating or updating your estate plan, including your beneficiary designations, reach out to Connell Law, PLLC today for a free consultation. We’ll help you plan today for a more peaceful tomorrow.

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• Will vs Trust: Which is Better?

  

  When it comes to estate planning, two common vehicles are often discussed: wills vs trusts. These legal instruments serve as essential tools for individuals to outline their wishes regarding the distribution of assets after their passing. But at the end of the day, which is better: a will or a trust? The answer to this…

  

  When it comes to estate planning, two common vehicles are often discussed: wills vs trusts. These legal instruments serve as essential tools for individuals to outline their wishes regarding the distribution of assets after their passing. But at the end of the day, which is better: a will or a trust?

  The answer to this question will usually depend on various factors, including individual circumstances and objectives. Let’s explore the workings of both wills and revocable living trusts, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.

  By the end of this article, you’ll be more informed about the basics of each instrument. You’ll also likely have better questions for your estate planning attorney about a will vs a trust for your family.

  Last Will & Testament

  

  A Last Will & Testament, commonly referred to as a will, is a legal document that outlines how a person’s assets should be distributed upon their death. It is a set of instructions for the executor, the individual responsible for carrying out the decedent’s wishes in court.

  Creating a will involves specifying beneficiaries, assigning assets, and, if applicable, naming guardians for minor children. Wills go through the probate process. In probate, the court validates the document, ensures its authenticity, and oversees asset retitling and distribution.

  Only assets subject to probate are affected by the terms of a will. Assets such as life insurance and retirement accounts are generally not affected by a will. The beneficiary designation controls who receives these assets.

  Advantages of a Will

  • Lower cost: Wills are typically more cost-effective to create than revocable living trusts. This generally makes them more accessible for individuals with smaller estates.
  • Less complexity upfront: The process of drafting and executing a will is often less complex and time-consuming than creating a trust.
  • Guardianship designation: Parents of minor children nominate a guardian in a will, ensuring their care and well-being in the event of the parents’ passing before the children become adults.
  • Creditor cutoff: If there are debts in your name, creditors must generally file a claim against the estate within four months of publication of the notice to creditors. Otherwise, the claim is forever barred.

  Disadvantages of a Will

  • Probate process: Wills must go through the probate process, which can be time-consuming, public, and potentially costly. If you own real estate in another state, ancillary probate is likely required.
  • Lack of privacy: Probate proceedings are public record, so the details of your estate and beneficiaries become accessible to anyone.
  • Opportunity for will contest: Because of the publicity, disgruntled parties may try to contest your will. This could be an expensive fight and may significantly reduce what your beneficiaries receive.
  • Limited flexibility: Wills usually don’t provide the same level of flexibility as trusts when it comes to managing assets, particularly in complex situations.

  Revocable Living Trust

  

  A revocable living trust is a legal entity that holds and manages assets during the Settlor’s (creator’s) lifetime. It also specifies distribution of those assets upon their death. Unlike a will, a trust avoids probate for the assets it holds.

  Trust instruments are generally lengthier documents than wills. There are many administrative provisions, including the powers that the trustee(s) have, what assets are included in the trust, and how the assets are to be managed and distributed.

  There are more complex considerations with creating a will vs a trust. But the additional complexity does come with significant benefits.

  Advantages of a Revocable Living Trust

  • Probate avoidance: Assets held in a trust generally bypass probate, saving time and money. This includes avoiding probate in another state if you own real estate outside Tennessee.
  • Privacy: Trusts offer greater confidentiality as they are typically not part of the public record. Trust instruments frequently state that there is not to be court oversight of its administration.
  • Prevention of a contest: It is much harder to find a trust than it is to find a will in probate. If a disgruntled party cannot find the trust, he or she cannot bring an action to contest its terms.
  • Flexible administration: Trusts provide a more versatile means of managing assets, especially for complex or ongoing situations. In Tennessee, trusts may last up to 360 years.

  Disadvantages of a Revocable Living Trust

  • Higher upfront costs: Because of the extensive nature of trusts, creating and funding a trust is usually more expensive than just drafting a will.
  • Ongoing maintenance: Trusts require regular maintenance, including updating as circumstances change. It is easier to amend a trust than a will, but as life changes, the trust instrument should be in alignment at all times.
  • Complexity: Managing a trust can be more intricate than handling a will because of the management requirements during life and after death. This is especially so if the trust estate will not be distributed to the beneficiaries immediately.
  • Need for a pour-over will: Even with a trust, it is necessary to have a will alongside it to “pour over” assets that may not be included in the trust. A will is also necessary to name guardians for minor children.

  Final Thoughts on Wills vs Trusts in Estate Planning

  

  The decision between a will vs a trust depends on your specific goals and circumstances. Wills are often suitable for those with smaller estates and no minor children or businesses.

  On the other hand, living trusts are often a better fit for parents of minors, business owners, those with real property in other states. They also work for those who simply want to avoid probate and have greater privacy.

  Ultimately, the choice should align with your objectives and preferences. It’s advisable to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney who can provide guidance on a will vs a trust.

  If you’re uncertain about which estate planning tool suits your needs, Connell Law, PLLC can guide your decision-making. Our staff will help you understand the nature of your situation and which documents are most likely to carry out your wishes.

  Let us help you plan today so that you and your loved ones can have a more peaceful tomorrow. Reach out today to schedule your free consultation.

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