• Probate and Estate Attorney

  • Introduction
  • Exploring the Different Types of Trusts Available in West Jordan Utah
  • How to Protect Your Assets with Estate Planning in West Jordan Utah
  • What to Know About Summary Probate in West Jordan UT
  • Exploring the Different Types of Wills Available in West Jordan Utah
  • Understanding the Benefits of an Irrevocable Trust in West Jordan UT
  • How to Choose the Right Estate Planning Lawyer in West Jordan
  • What to Expect During an Initial Consultation with an Estate Planning Lawyer in West Jordan UT
  • Why You Need to Hire an Attorney for Estate Planning
  • Q&A

“Secure Your Future with Estate Planning Lawyer West Jordan Utah”

Introduction

Welcome to Estate Planning Lawyer West Jordan Utah. We are a team of experienced attorneys dedicated to helping individuals and families in the West Jordan area with their estate planning needs. Our attorneys have extensive experience in estate planning, probate, trust administration, and other related areas of law. We understand the importance of protecting your assets and providing for your loved ones. We strive to provide our clients with the highest quality legal services and advice. Our goal is to ensure that your estate plan is tailored to your individual needs and goals. We look forward to helping you with all of your estate planning needs.

Exploring the Different Types of Trusts Available in West Jordan Utah

Trusts are an important part of estate planning in West Jordan, Utah. They are a legal arrangement that allows a person to transfer assets to another person or entity for the benefit of a third party. Trusts can be used to protect assets, provide for the care of dependents, and minimize taxes. There are several different types of trusts available in West Jordan, Utah.

Revocable Living Trusts: A revocable living trust is a trust that can be changed or revoked by the grantor at any time. This type of trust is often used to avoid probate and to provide for the care of dependents. The grantor can also name a trustee to manage the trust assets.

Irrevocable Trusts: An irrevocable trust is a trust that cannot be changed or revoked by the grantor. This type of trust is often used to protect assets from creditors and to minimize taxes. The grantor cannot access the trust assets, and the trustee is responsible for managing the trust assets.

Charitable Trusts: A charitable trust is a trust that is used to benefit a charitable organization. This type of trust can be used to provide for the care of dependents, to provide for charitable causes, or to minimize taxes.

Special Needs Trusts: A special needs trust is a trust that is used to provide for the care of a disabled individual. This type of trust can be used to provide for the care of dependents, to provide for medical expenses, or to minimize taxes.

Spendthrift Trusts: A spendthrift trust is a trust that is used to protect assets from creditors. This type of trust can be used to provide for the care of dependents, to protect assets from creditors, or to minimize taxes.

By understanding the different types of trusts available in West Jordan, Utah, individuals can make informed decisions about their estate planning needs. It is important to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure that the trust is properly drafted and administered.

How to Protect Your Assets with Estate Planning in West Jordan Utah

Estate planning is an important part of protecting your assets and ensuring that your wishes are carried out after you pass away. In West Jordan, Utah, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your assets are protected and that your wishes are respected.

First, you should create a will. A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after you pass away. It can also include instructions for guardianship of any minor children, as well as any other instructions you may have. It is important to have a will in place so that your wishes are respected and your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Second, you should consider setting up a trust. A trust is a legal entity that can be used to manage and protect your assets. It can be used to provide for your family after you pass away, or to manage assets for a minor child. A trust can also be used to protect assets from creditors or lawsuits.

Third, you should consider setting up a power of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This can be a spouse, family member, or trusted friend.

Finally, you should consider setting up a living will. A living will is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding medical care if you become incapacitated. It can also include instructions for end-of-life care.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your assets are protected and that your wishes are respected after you pass away. Estate planning is an important part of protecting your assets and ensuring that your wishes are carried out.

What to Know About Summary Probate in West Jordan UT

Summary probate is a simplified probate process available in West Jordan, UT. It is designed to provide a quicker and less expensive way to settle an estate than the traditional probate process. Summary probate is available for estates with a gross value of $100,000 or less, excluding the value of the decedent’s homestead.

In order to qualify for summary probate, the decedent must have died with a valid will in place. The will must name an executor, and the executor must be willing and able to serve. The executor must also be a resident of Utah.

Once the executor has been appointed, they must file a petition for summary probate with the court. The petition must include a copy of the will, a list of the decedent’s assets and liabilities, and a list of the heirs and beneficiaries. The executor must also provide proof of death, such as a death certificate.

Once the petition is filed, the court will review it and determine whether summary probate is appropriate. If the court approves the petition, it will issue an order granting summary probate. The executor can then proceed to settle the estate according to the terms of the will.

Summary probate is a useful tool for settling smaller estates quickly and efficiently. It can save time and money, and provide peace of mind to the executor and heirs. However, it is important to note that summary probate is not available for all estates. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney to determine if summary probate is the right option for your situation.

Exploring the Different Types of Wills Available in West Jordan Utah

When it comes to estate planning, having a will is an important part of the process. A will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s assets and property should be distributed after their death. In West Jordan, Utah, there are several different types of wills available to meet the needs of individuals and families.

The most common type of will is a simple will. This type of will is used to distribute assets and property to beneficiaries in a straightforward manner. It can also be used to name an executor, who is responsible for carrying out the wishes of the deceased. Simple wills are typically used by individuals who have a relatively small estate and do not need to make complex arrangements.

Another type of will available in West Jordan is a living will. This type of will is used to outline a person’s wishes regarding medical care and end-of-life decisions. It can also be used to appoint a healthcare proxy, who is responsible for making medical decisions on behalf of the deceased.

A trust will is another type of will available in West Jordan. This type of will is used to create a trust, which is a legal entity that holds and manages assets for the benefit of a beneficiary. Trusts can be used to manage assets for minors, provide for long-term care, or minimize taxes.

Finally, a pour-over will is a type of will that is used in conjunction with a trust. This type of will is used to transfer any assets that are not already in the trust to the trust upon the death of the testator.

When it comes to estate planning, having a will is an important part of the process. In West Jordan, Utah, there are several different types of wills available to meet the needs of individuals and families. These include simple wills, living wills, trust wills, and pour-over wills. It is important to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to determine which type of will is best for your situation.

Understanding the Benefits of an Irrevocable Trust in West Jordan UT

An irrevocable trust is a powerful estate planning tool that can provide numerous benefits to individuals in West Jordan, UT. An irrevocable trust is a legal arrangement in which a person, known as the grantor, transfers assets to a trustee to be held and managed for the benefit of a designated beneficiary. Once the trust is established, the grantor cannot make any changes to the trust or revoke it.

Here’s how potential rate changes could affect your wealth transfer plans. Some popular estate planning strategies rely on interest rates to calculate the value of assets that are gifted or loaned to a family member or a trust.

When rates are relatively low, interfamily loans and GRATs are often more effective.

High-interest-rate environment

Estate planning in a high-interest-rate environment entails reducing the actuarial value of a future gift that would otherwise be taxable. The higher the prevailing rate, the more beneficial these strategies will be. Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRT) and Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRT) are two common techniques that we’ll consider in turn.

As rates continue to rise, families may want to consider techniques like qualified personal residence trusts and charitable remainder trusts that are more effective in higher-interest rate environments.

The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates 5 times in 2022, with the potential for more increases on the horizon. For individuals and families interested in passing assets to the next generation, these moves could affect the tax efficiency of certain popular wealth transfer strategies, explains Michael Christy, vice president, advanced planning at Fidelity—in some cases for the better and in some for the worse.

Because it seems possible that rates will continue to rise, it’s worthwhile to consider how different estate planning strategies may be affected, now and going forward. Since these techniques are complex, you’ll want to discuss with your tax attorney and financial professional which may be best suited for your family’s situation.

Intrafamily loan

How it works: An intrafamily loan is a private loan between family members. The loans can be used to help children purchase a new home, for example, at potentially more favorable interest rates than are commercially available. This strategy can also be leveraged as a wealth transfer technique. That’s because any appreciation on the loaned funds that exceeds the interest rate charged isn’t included in the lender’s estate. “For estate tax purposes, the value of the asset being loaned is frozen and the appreciation passes to the beneficiary free of estate and gift tax.”

Why interest rates matter: To avoid an intrafamily loan being treated as a gift, the IRS requires, among other formalities, that a minimum amount of interest be charged. Accordingly, the IRS sets the minimum interest rates for intrafamily loans, generally at a rate well below what borrowers would find at a commercial lender. Known as the Applicable Federal Rate (AFR), it is based on the prior 30-day average market yields of corresponding US treasury obligations, such as T-bills. You can find current rates on the IRS website. In September 2022, the minimum interest rate that must be charged for loans that will last between 3 and 9 years was 2.93%. During the term of the loan, any income and growth the borrower receives on the loan assets above the AFR rate isn’t considered as part of the lender’s estate.
“As interest rates increase, AFRs will increase as well, which means that this technique could become less effective.”

Although interest rates had been sitting at historically low levels since 2010, they have begun to rise as inflation moves higher. Each month, the Internal Revenue Service publishes two important rates that impact certain estate planning techniques: the Applicable Federal Rates (AFR) and the Section 7520 rate. The AFR reflects the minimum interest rate to be charged for loans between related parties in order to avoid a gift tax. The Section 7520 rate is used to calculate annual payments that must be made to the beneficial parties when utilizing various techniques for financial products like annuities. These rates are calculated based on the yields of government debt instruments and the target federal funds rate.

Grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT)

How it works: A grantor places certain assets—generally those with the potential to highly appreciate, such as shares of a business—in a trust. In return, the grantor receives a stream of payments (in the form of an annual distribution) for the trust’s duration (the “retained annuity”). If structured properly, assets that remain in the trust at the end of the trust term can pass on to heirs, potentially free of any gift tax.

Why interest rates matter: The amount of interest required to be returned to the grantor is calculated using what’s known as the §7520 rate or hurdle rate, which is 120% of the midterm AFR. Any appreciation of the assets in the GRAT in excess of the hurdle rate passes to the beneficiaries outside the grantor’s taxable estate. “The §7520 is fixed for the duration of the GRAT, so this strategy is more likely to be successful when rates are relatively low.”

Intentionally defective grantor trust (IDGT)

How it works: This somewhat oddly named strategy is similar to a GRAT, except that the grantor generally makes an initial lump sum gift to the trust, and then can subsequently sell or loan additional assets to the trust. The transfer of assets to an IDGT is irrevocable and for estate tax purposes are treated as no longer part of the grantor’s estate. However, the trust is structured so that the grantor is still taxed on the trust’s income. The result is a trust that is intentionally “defective” for income tax purposes, (hence the “defective” part of the name) to enable trust assets to appreciate without the liability of income taxes.

Why interest rates matter: When assets are lent to an IDGT, it works similarly to an intrafamily loan, except instead of loaning assets to an individual, the grantor makes the loan to the trust. In return, the grantor receives an interest-bearing promissory note, payable by the trust.

If assets are sold to the IDGT by the grantor, it is structured as an installment sale with the grantor taking back an interest-bearing promissory note, also payable by the trust. In both cases, the rate on the note is determined by the AFR. “The lower the AFR, the more likely it is that the assets placed in the IDGT will appreciate in value at a faster pace than the AFR rate.”

Charitable lead annuity trust

How it works: For families who might want to provide financial support to a charity, a charitable lead annuity trust (CLAT), allows a grantor to direct a stream of payments generated from trust assets to one or more charities. When the grantor dies or a certain fixed term of years is reached, the assets in the trust are distributed to non-charitable beneficiaries—such as family members. A CLAT is often set up for a certain number of years, and, depending on the type of CLAT, the grantor may be eligible to take an immediate tax deduction when the trust is funded.

Why interest rates matter: At the time the assets are transferred to the CLAT, the present value of the remainder to the family is a taxable gift, thereby using a portion of the grantors’ lifetime estate and gift tax exemption. Like with a GRAT, the IRS §7520 rate is used to determine the value of the gift—so the lower §7520 rate, the lower the value of the gift, and the less lifetime estate and gift tax exemption is consumed.

If rates continue to rise

There are certain strategies that tend to be more effective in a higher interest rate environment.

Qualified personal residence trust (QPRT): This strategy allows a homeowner to remove the home from their estate by transferring ownership to a trust, while retaining the right to live in the property. When the term of the trust ends, the home is passed to the beneficiary. The transfer of the home to the QPRT is treated as a gift, but the value of the gift is reduced by the value of the grantor’s retained rights at the time the gift transfer was made. The higher the interest rate, the lower the value of that gift and the less estate and gift tax is consumed when funding the QPRT. This is also considered a freeze technique because the QPRT freezes the value of the home for estate tax purposes.

Charitable remainder annuity trust (CRAT): Essentially the inverse of a CLAT, a CRAT allows the grantor to provide a regular income stream to non-charitable beneficiaries for the term of the trust, with the remaining trust assets left to charitable beneficiaries. When the assets are gifted to the CRAT, the grantor will receive a potential income tax deduction based on the remainder value that is being left to charity. The §7520 rate is used to calculate the value of the remainder to charity, so the higher the §7520 rate, the higher the potential income tax deduction. As a result, a CRAT becomes a potentially more attractive philanthropic vehicle as interest rates rise.

Estate and tax planning can be complicated, and careful consideration needs to be given to the implications of any arrangement. If you think any of these strategies might be appropriate for you, contact your attorney and tax professional to discuss how they may fit within your overall wealth plan.

One of the primary benefits of an irrevocable trust is that it can help protect assets from creditors and lawsuits. Since the grantor no longer owns the assets, they are not subject to the claims of creditors or judgments against the grantor. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who are concerned about protecting their assets from potential creditors or lawsuits.

Another benefit of an irrevocable trust is that it can help reduce estate taxes. Since the assets are no longer owned by the grantor, they are not included in the grantor’s estate for tax purposes. This can help reduce the amount of estate taxes that must be paid.

In addition, an irrevocable trust can help ensure that assets are distributed according to the grantor’s wishes. The trustee is responsible for managing the trust assets and distributing them according to the terms of the trust. This can help ensure that the grantor’s wishes are carried out after their death.

Finally, an irrevocable trust can help avoid probate. Since the assets are no longer owned by the grantor, they do not need to go through the probate process. This can help save time and money, as well as ensure that the assets are distributed according to the grantor’s wishes.

Overall, an irrevocable trust can provide numerous benefits to individuals in West Jordan, UT. It can help protect assets from creditors and lawsuits, reduce estate taxes, ensure that assets are distributed according to the grantor’s wishes, and avoid probate. For these reasons, an irrevocable trust can be an invaluable estate planning tool.

How to Choose the Right Estate Planning Lawyer in West Jordan

When it comes to estate planning, it is important to choose the right lawyer to ensure that your wishes are carried out. An experienced estate planning lawyer in West Jordan can help you create a comprehensive plan that meets your needs and protects your assets. Here are some tips to help you choose the right estate planning lawyer in West Jordan:

1. Research: Before you hire an estate planning lawyer, it is important to do your research. Look for lawyers who specialize in estate planning and have experience in the area. Check their credentials and read reviews from past clients to get an idea of their level of expertise.

2. Ask Questions: Once you have narrowed down your list of potential lawyers, it is important to ask questions. Ask about their experience, fees, and the services they offer. Make sure you understand the process and the timeline for completing your estate plan.

3. Meet in Person: Once you have chosen a few potential lawyers, it is important to meet with them in person. This will give you an opportunity to get to know them and ask any additional questions you may have. It is also a good idea to bring a list of questions to the meeting so you can make sure all of your concerns are addressed.

4. Get References: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients. This will give you an idea of how they handle estate planning cases and how satisfied their clients are with their services.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you choose the right estate planning lawyer in West Jordan. With the right lawyer, you can create a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your assets.

What to Expect During an Initial Consultation with an Estate Planning Lawyer in West Jordan UT

An initial consultation with an estate planning lawyer in West Jordan, UT is an important step in ensuring that your estate is properly managed and distributed according to your wishes. During the consultation, the lawyer will ask you questions about your assets, debts, family members, and other important information. The lawyer will also explain the various estate planning options available to you and help you decide which option is best for your situation.

At the beginning of the consultation, the lawyer will ask you to provide information about your assets, debts, and family members. This includes information about any real estate, investments, bank accounts, and other assets you may have. You should also provide information about any debts you may have, such as mortgages, car loans, or credit card debt. Additionally, you should provide information about any family members who may be involved in your estate, such as children, grandchildren, or other relatives.

The lawyer will then explain the various estate planning options available to you. This includes wills, trusts, and other legal documents that can help you manage and distribute your assets according to your wishes. The lawyer will also explain the tax implications of each option and help you decide which option is best for your situation.

Finally, the lawyer will discuss any other questions or concerns you may have about estate planning. This includes questions about how to protect your assets from creditors, how to ensure that your wishes are followed after your death, and how to make sure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes.

An initial consultation with an estate planning lawyer in West Jordan, UT is an important step in ensuring that your estate is properly managed and distributed according to your wishes. During the consultation, the lawyer will ask you questions about your assets, debts, family members, and other important information. The lawyer will also explain the various estate planning options available to you and help you decide which option is best for your situation.

Why You Need to Hire an Attorney for Estate Planning

Estate planning is an important process that helps individuals and families protect their assets and plan for the future. It involves making decisions about how to manage and distribute assets, such as property, investments, and other financial resources. Estate planning also involves making decisions about who will manage your affairs if you become incapacitated or pass away.

Hiring an attorney to help with estate planning is essential for ensuring that your wishes are carried out and that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. An experienced attorney can provide valuable advice and guidance on the best way to structure your estate plan. They can also help you understand the legal implications of your decisions and ensure that your estate plan is legally sound.

An attorney can help you create a will, trust, or other legal document that outlines your wishes for the distribution of your assets. They can also help you create a power of attorney document that allows you to designate someone to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated. An attorney can also help you create a living will, which outlines your wishes for medical care if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.

An attorney can also help you understand the tax implications of your estate plan. They can help you structure your estate plan in a way that minimizes taxes and ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. An attorney can also help you understand the probate process and ensure that your estate is handled according to the law.

Finally, an attorney can provide valuable advice and guidance on how to protect your assets from creditors and other potential claims. They can help you create a plan that ensures that your assets are protected and that your wishes are carried out.

Hiring an attorney for estate planning is essential for ensuring that your wishes are carried out and that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. An experienced attorney can provide valuable advice and guidance on the best way to structure your estate plan and ensure that it is legally sound. They can also help you understand the tax implications of your estate plan and protect your assets from creditors and other potential claims.

Q&A

1. What services does an estate planning lawyer in West Jordan, Utah provide?

An estate planning lawyer in West Jordan, Utah can provide a variety of services, including drafting wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents; advising clients on tax planning strategies; and helping clients navigate the probate process. They can also provide guidance on asset protection, elder law, and other related matters.

2. What should I look for when choosing an estate planning lawyer in West Jordan, Utah?

When choosing an estate planning lawyer in West Jordan, Utah, it is important to consider their experience and qualifications. You should also look for a lawyer who is knowledgeable about the laws in your state and who is willing to take the time to understand your individual needs and goals.

3. How much does an estate planning lawyer in West Jordan, Utah typically charge?

The cost of an estate planning lawyer in West Jordan, Utah will vary depending on the complexity of the case and the services provided. Generally, lawyers charge an hourly rate or a flat fee for their services.

4. What documents should I bring to my initial consultation with an estate planning lawyer in West Jordan, Utah?

When meeting with an estate planning lawyer in West Jordan, Utah, it is important to bring any relevant documents, such as a copy of your will, trust documents, and any other estate planning documents. You should also bring a list of questions and any other information that you think may be relevant to your case.

5. What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s assets should be distributed upon their death. A trust is a legal entity that is created to manage and distribute assets according to the wishes of the person who created it.

6. What is probate?

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This includes collecting and distributing assets, paying debts, and resolving any disputes that may arise.

7. What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows a person to appoint another person to act on their behalf in certain matters. This can include making financial decisions, managing property, and making medical decisions.

8. What is a living will?

A living will is a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes regarding medical care in the event that they become incapacitated. It can also be used to appoint someone to make medical decisions on their behalf.

Estate Planning Lawyer West Jordan Utah Consultation

When you need help from a Estate Planning Lawyer near West Jordan Utah call Jeremy D. Eveland, MBA, JD (801) 613-1472 for a consultation.

Jeremy Eveland
17 North State Street
Lindon UT 84042
(801) 613-1472

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