Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts: What Really Changes When You Give Up the Power to Amend
A revocable trust avoids probate but stays in your Federal taxable estate; an irrevocable trust removes assets from it — at the price of control.
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Testamentary Trusts, Explained: The Trust Inside Your Will That Protects Minor Children and Spendthrift Heirs
A testamentary trust springs from your US will after probate — it staggers inheritances for minors but can't skip probate like a living trust.
Spendthrift vs. Discretionary vs. Support Trusts: Which One Actually Protects the Inheritance
Under US trust law, a discretionary trust plus a spendthrift clause blocks most creditors; a support trust's HEMS payments can be reached.
Fiduciary Accounting Income, Explained: How Trustees Split Principal From Income
Fiduciary accounting income, not taxable income, sets trust distributions — dividends and rent to the income beneficiary, capital gains to principal.
Simple vs. Complex Trusts: The Three Tests That Decide Who Pays the Tax
Miss one of three tests and your trust files Form 1041 as complex — taxed at 37% past $16,000 instead of at your beneficiary rate.
Pet Trusts, Explained: How to Fund Your Animals' Care After You're Gone
A pet trust sets aside money and names a trustee and caregiver so your animals are cared for after death or incapacity — a will alone cannot do that.
General vs. Limited Powers of Appointment: Why One Pulls Trust Property Into Your Taxable Estate
A general power of appointment under Section 2041 pulls trust property into your taxable estate; a limited power or HEMS wording keeps it out.
Selling or Swapping a Life Insurance Policy Can Make the Death Benefit Taxable
Under IRS Section 101(a)(2), selling a life policy for value makes the death benefit taxable above your cost — five exceptions decide if you owe.
Your Living Trust Owns Nothing Until You Fund It
An unfunded living trust controls nothing — retitle real estate, accounts, and business interests into it, and back it with a pour-over will.
Law Firm Trust Accounting: Why a Three-Way IOLTA Reconciliation Is Your Best Defense Against Bar Discipline
A three-way reconciliation proves the bank statement, trust ledger, and every individual client ledger agree to the penny. It is the monthly process that keeps a pooled IOLTA account compliant with ABA Model Rule 1.15 and out of bar discipline.
Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs): How Business Owners Move Future Growth Out of Their Estate
A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) lets a business owner move an appreciating asset — and all its future growth — out of the taxable estate while the beneficiary spouse retains access to distributions. With the 2026 lifetime exemption set at $15 million per individual, this guide covers the mechanics, valuation discounts, the reciprocal trust doctrine, and the divorce and death risks to plan around.
Funeral Home and Cemetery Bookkeeping: How Pre-Need Trusts and Revenue Recognition Actually Work
Pre-need funeral contracts can span 40 years between payment and service, so GAAP defers the revenue as a liability until delivery — while cemetery plot sales are recognized immediately as real-estate-like transactions. A guide to state trusting percentages, perpetual care funds, and the bookkeeping separations that keep deathcare businesses compliant.