Why Do You Need a Trust?

A trust is an effective way to protect your assets, avoid legal complications, and secure your family’s financial future. Many assume that trusts are only for the wealthy, but that’s far from the truth. A trust offers significant advantages that a simple will cannot provide, regardless of your income level. Working with a Harrisburg estate planning lawyer at Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. can help you determine if a trust is the right choice for you.

Avoiding Probate and Maintaining Privacy

Probate can be costly and time-consuming, often delaying access to funds that your family may need immediately. When a will goes through probate, it may be a process that can take months or even years. Probate proceedings are also completely public, meaning anyone can access many more details about your wealth and estate.

A trust allows your assets to pass directly to beneficiaries without court interference. Your family gains faster access to what you intended for them, and your financial matters remain more private than if an estate is probated. A Harrisburg estate planning attorney at Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. can create a trust that streamlines the process and protects your privacy.

Controlling Asset Distribution

If you want to set conditions on how your assets are distributed, a trust may provide more flexibility than a will. Without a trust, assets are typically transferred to a beneficiary in a lump sum, which may not be ideal for young beneficiaries or those with financial struggles.

A trust allows you to control when and how funds are distributed. You can stagger payments over time, restrict access until a beneficiary reaches a certain age, or allocate funds for specific purposes like education or healthcare. A Harrisburg estate planning lawyer can help you craft a trust that meets your family’s needs.

Protecting Your Assets from Legal Challenges

A well-structured trust may shield your assets from creditors, lawsuits, and may even avoid the effect of a divorce. If an inheritance passes through a will, it may be vulnerable to legal claims. A properly executed trust may keeps assets secure and prevent them from being misused.

Certain trusts, like irrevocable trusts, offer even stronger protections. Once assets are placed into an irrevocable trust, they’re no longer considered your property, making them inaccessible to creditors. A Harrisburg estate planning attorney at Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. can help you decide which trust structure best safeguards your assets.

Taking the Next Step with a Harrisburg Estate Planning Lawyer

Creating a trust is not a one-size-fits-all process. Every family has unique needs; an estate plan should reflect those circumstances. Working with a Harrisburg estate planning lawyer at Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. gives you confidence that your estate plan is legally sound and tailored to your goals.

A trust isn’t just about passing down assets – it’s about protecting your family’s future. Waiting too long to establish a trust can leave your loved ones vulnerable to unnecessary legal and financial complications. Contact Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. online or call 717-238-6570 to discuss your estate planning needs and determine how a trust can benefit you.