HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU NEED FOR A TRUST?

A question that often comes up in estate planning is “How much money do you need to get a Trust?” The question is a fundamental misunderstanding, but a common one. Although there would not be much point in doing so, you can put as little as a single penny into a Trust.

The question is based on the premise that Trusts are designed for rich people. It’s a false premise. Trusts are designed for anyone who either wants to give something for one person to manage for the benefit of someone else or who wants to have their estate avoid Probate. Imagine that you have a minor niece that you want to leave a thousand dollars to. That’s a lot of money for most children and they can be expected to want to blow it as soon as possible. Instead of giving it to your niece directly, you can put it into a Trust. It can earn interest and be made available to your niece when she comes of age.

Trusts are also a great way for everyone to avoid having their estate pass through Probate. If you put all of your assets into the Trust, those assets will be divided according to the terms of the Trust without court intervention. It does not matter how much you have. If you have something, you can use a Trust.