Trusts Attorney in Austin, TX
Trusts Made Simple With Legal Guidance You Can Rely On
Estate planning and trusts do not need to be complicated.
At ME Law, we help individuals and families create thoughtfully-crafted trusts that secure their legacy, protect their loved ones, and minimize legal complications. Whether you’re planning for the future or addressing current estate issues, our Austin estate planning attorney is here to guide you with clarity and care.
Contact us online or at (512) 503-0707 to schedule a free consultation with our probate and estate planning law firm here in Austin, TX.
What is a Trust?
A trust is a fiduciary arrangement in which one party (the trustee) holds and manages property or assets on behalf of another (the beneficiary). The person who creates the trust is called the grantor or settlor, and they define how the assets should be used, distributed, or preserved—both during life and after death.
Trusts offer flexible, powerful tools for managing wealth and ensuring your intentions are honored long after you’re gone.
Learn more about how trusts work in our blog.
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Difference Between a Will and a Trust
Wills and trusts are both foundational estate planning tools—but they serve different purposes.
A will is a legal document that directs how your assets should be distributed after your death. It only takes effect upon your passing and must go through probate.
A trust, on the other hand, can become effective during your lifetime or upon your death and allows assets to be managed and distributed privately—often avoiding probate entirely.
For many clients, using both a will and a trust in tandem provides the most complete protection and peace of mind.
Types of Trusts
There are several types of trusts, each serving different legal and financial goals. Our Austin trust lawyer helps you select the right trust structure for your needs. The following are the different types of trusts:
- Revocable Living Trust: Allows you to maintain control of your assets during your lifetime, while ensuring seamless management and distribution upon death.
- Irrevocable Trust: Offers asset protection and potential tax advantages by removing the assets from your ownership and control.
- Special Needs Trust: Protects the long-term financial support of a loved one with a disability, without affecting eligibility for government benefits.
- Testamentary Trust: Created through a will and becomes effective after your death, often used for minor children or staggered inheritances.
- Charitable Trust: Supports philanthropic goals while potentially reducing estate and income taxes.
- Spendthrift Trust: Helps safeguard assets from creditors or poor financial decisions by the beneficiary.
Benefits of Establishing a Trust
A carefully planned trust can offer several important benefits for you and your beneficiaries. These include:
- Avoid Probate: Assets held in trusts pass directly to beneficiaries, without involvement of probate court.
- Privacy Protection: Trusts are not part of the public record, unlike wills probated through the court system.
- Protect Beneficiaries: A trust can protect assets from creditors, divorce, or mismanagement.
- Reduce Estate Taxes: Certain types of trusts can be structured to minimize federal estate taxes and preserve more of your estate for your heirs or charitable causes.
- Asset Management: A trust allows you to appoint a trusted individual or institution to manage assets professionally, which can be especially helpful for minors, elderly beneficiaries, or those with special needs.
The Trust Creation Process
Creating a trust is a proactive step that begins with understanding your goals. Our trust lawyer in Austin, TX, will walk you through the process from start to finish, and we provide ongoing support for when circumstances change. Here are the steps you can expect:
- Assess your needs and select the type of trust that fits those needs.
- Determine what assets to place in your trust.
- Select a trustee to manage the trust’s assets.
- Identify who the beneficiaries will be.
- Draft a trust document that defines the terms of the trust and have it signed and notarized.
- Transfer assets into the trust.
Contact Our Experienced Austin Trust Attorney Today
Your estate plan should reflect more than assets—it should reflect your values and your relationships. Whether you’re creating your first trust or refining an existing one, ME Law Firm is here to guide you with the care and clarity you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (512) 503-0707 or by filling out the contact form below.
What Our Clients Say
His communication was top-notch; I was kept informed every step of the way. Thanks to his dedication and hard work, I received a settlement that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Mikel Eggert to anyone facing property damage issues. He truly cares about his clients and works tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes!
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He was super timely with communications and most importantly helped resolve the issue without needing to escalate it to court.
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