Almost all of our clients ask us whether they should have a revocable living trust (RLT). While we absolutely love the flexibility and protections RLTs provide, not everyone under the sun needs one. Use this checklist as your own. If any of these statements ring true to you, place a checkmark in the corresponding box like this ☑.

I want to:

☐ Control my property while I’m alive

☐  Take care of myself and my loved ones even if I become incapacitated or disabled

☐ Pass my property to my heirs when and how I want

☐ Keep my family and financial affairs private

☐ Avoid court interference

☐ Avoid probate

☐ Give all inheritances layered in asset protection, so my beneficiaries don’t lose their inheritance during divorce, bankruptcy, medical crisis, business failure, car accident, lawsuit, etc.

☐ Protect my assets so that they cannot be lost if my spouse/partner gets remarried

☐ Avoid beneficiary overspending and misuse of funds

☐ Educate my children and grandchildren

☐ Reduce the risk of will contests

☐  Minimize taxes

☐ Minimize attorney, court, and administrative fees

☐ Benefit a charity

☐ Protect and provide for a pet

If you check off something on this list, then let’s discuss whether an RLT is a good fit for you. If you check off many things on this list, an RLT is probably a good fit; and, if you check off nothing, will-based planning may be a better fit. Rest assured, this checklist is just an initial measurement of goals; we always talk everything through with our clients to make sure you have the absolutely best plan for your individual situation.