A1. Trusts are separate legal entities, like a partnership or company. They were created by you, friend, parent or even a grandparent. It holds assets for the benefit of you or others. The trust spells out how the assets are managed and how the money should be distributed.

A2. Trust Administration, Investment Management, Tax Preparation and Financial Planning

A3. Living trusts, charitable trusts, irrevocable trusts, life insurance trusts, dynastic trusts, asset protection trusts are some examples.

A4. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, cash, partnerships, real estate, private company stock, life insurance, art, collectibles are some examples.

A5. Manage your estate tax exposure, make a tax-advantaged charitable gift, protect assets from a creditor or ex-spouse, allow for your assets to be managed and distributed the way you want when you pass away and so much more.

A6. You can choose among our 6 core services and mix and match them to your needs. The more services you choose to have with us, we believe, the simpler your financial life will be.

A7. No. Never. We created this trust company for advisors to use for their clients.

A8. Not everyone needs a trust, but most people should consider one. Trusts aren’t just for the affluent. Setting up a trust is an excellent way to control what happens to your estate, regardless of its size, to possibly reduce estate taxes and protect against the expense and aggravation of probate. Unlike wills, trusts are not subject to probate and therefore allow you to keep your affairs private.

A9. Most of them. We are custodian neutral.

A10. As a courtesy to future clients, we review trust documents free of charge.  Our trustee fee begins when acting as the trustee.

A11. No, fees will be charged only after our agreements comes to effective.

A12. Very flexible. We have separate pricing for Directed and Delegated Trusts. We also charge separately for holding partnership interests.

A13. Pretty darn easy. We do all the work for you.

A14. Usually attorneys draft trusts.

A15. Generally, fees for trust services are spelled out in the trust document. Under normal circumstances, they are calculated annually, based on the level of responsibility assumed by the trustee and the value of the assets in the trust. Fees are charged quarterly or monthly and a portion may be tax-deductible.

A16. Ultimately, it is the purpose of the trust that determines how the assets are invested, and it is the responsibility of the trustee to see that the purpose is carried out. Often, the person who creates the trust will name a professional investment manager to work with the trustee and make investment recommendations based on the goals of the trust, the needs of the beneficiaries and the time horizon.

A17. Even people of moderate means may be subject to estate taxes, which could be significantly higher than income taxes. But saving on taxes isn’t the only reason for trusts. Some families want to plan for long-term care or education for their children or grandchildren. Others want to provide for a favorite charity. One thing is certain: if a trust is needed, the time to plan for it is now.

A18. There are many reasons to set up trusts. Married couples often realign the ownership of their assets to save substantial federal estate taxes and pass more on to their heirs. Rather than owning assets jointly, they choose to own assets individually so that they can each take full advantage of the increasing unified credit amount. Preserving each spouse’s unified credit can save hundreds of thousands of dollars in estate taxes. If the time comes that you are no longer able to handle your own affairs, trusts can ensure that there will be someone who is experienced and objective to “mind the store.” If there is a serious illness or disability, a trust ensures that a plan is in place to take care of your needs and those of your loved ones. When the trust is managed by a full-service trust company, other professional services can be provided, such as bill paying. Business owners can use trusts to save on estate taxes when passing along businesses to heirs. Trusts are also useful for blended families with spouses or children from previous marriages. The trust can spell out exactly how marriage affects the inheritance of children or grandchildren from a first marriage. Naming an independent trust company removes the emotional element often associated with friends or family members.

A19. Many people prefer to name an independent trust company to handle their affairs. Trustees who do not deal with trusts on a regular basis can be overwhelmed by the duties required of them. Also, naming an independent trust company removes the emotional element often associated with friends or family members and assures that your wishes are fulfilled exactly as they are spelled out in the trust.

A20. Financial planning can help you meet your financial goals and enjoy life’s milestones with a sense of security. For example:

Getting married

Buying your first (or vacation and/or income producing) home

Growing your family

Paying off debt

Sending your kids or grandchildren to college

Starting a business

Living your dream retirement

Protecting your family should something happen to you

Passing on your assets how you choose

Once you have a sense of what your goals are and the timeline you want to reach them by — whether that’s in the short or long term — a financial planner helps you assess what you need to do to get there. Sometimes you may not even be clear on what your goals should be; a financial planner can help with that, too. Next you look at what you earn, spend and save to evaluate what decisions and changes may be necessary to help ensure you stay on track. It’s all done with the help of a financial plan.