Trusts
Establishing a Trust in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Trusts give you more control, privacy, and protection over how your assets are handled now and in the future. I help you create the right kind of trust for your unique goals.
Plan Smarter with the Right Trust
Trusts are powerful estate planning tools that can help you manage assets during your lifetime, avoid probate, protect your beneficiaries, and reduce tax burdens. They’re especially useful for people with complex family situations, significant assets, or specific goals that go beyond what a simple will can accomplish.
At The Law Offices of Robert S. Betnar, I work with individuals and families across Luzerne County and all of Northeastern Pennsylvania to set up clear, enforceable trusts. Whether you need to avoid probate, care for a loved one with special needs, or manage real estate or business assets, I’ll explain your options and guide you every step of the way.
Types of Trusts I Can Help You Create
Revocable Living Trusts
These flexible trusts allow you to manage your assets during your lifetime and transfer them easily after your death—avoiding probate in most cases.
Irrevocable Trusts
Used for asset protection and tax planning, these trusts can’t be changed once created, but offer powerful long-term benefits.
Special Needs Trusts
Designed to protect public benefits for a loved one with a disability while still providing for their needs.
Testamentary Trusts
Created within your will and activated after death, often used to manage assets for minor children or dependents.
Charitable Trusts
If you want to leave a legacy or support a nonprofit, I’ll help you structure your gift in a way that benefits both you and the organization.
Trusts in Pennsylvania
What You Need to Know
Pennsylvania law recognizes several types of trusts, but creating and funding them properly is essential. A trust is only useful if it’s set up with care and legally sound language—and that’s where I come in.
Trusts Must Be Funded
A trust only controls assets that are titled in its name. I help you retitle property and accounts correctly.
You Can Still Control Your Assets
With a revocable trust, you can modify or dissolve it at any time while you’re alive and competent.
Trusts Can Avoid Probate
Unlike a will, most trusts don’t go through probate, which can save your family time, stress, and legal fees.
A Trust Doesn’t Replace a Will
Most people still need a basic will to handle any property not covered by their trust. I make sure both work together.
Questions About Trusts?
We’ve Got Answers
What’s the main difference between a will and a trust?
A will takes effect after your death and goes through probate, while a trust can take effect during your lifetime and often bypasses the probate process. Trusts also allow for more privacy and control, especially when managing complex estates. I’ll help you decide whether you need one, the other, or both as part of a complete estate plan.
Do I need a trust if I don’t have a large estate?
Not necessarily—but in many cases, even modest estates can benefit from a simple revocable trust. If you want to avoid probate, provide for a disabled loved one, or ensure privacy, a trust may be a wise choice. I help clients throughout Luzerne County and Northeastern PA evaluate whether a trust fits their needs. You don’t need to be wealthy to benefit from smart planning.
Can I manage my own trust?
Yes. With a revocable living trust, you typically serve as the trustee and continue to manage your own assets. You also name a successor trustee to take over if you become incapacitated or pass away. I’ll help you document your choices and responsibilities clearly, so everything transitions smoothly when needed.
Who should I name as trustee?
Your trustee should be someone responsible, trustworthy, and capable of handling financial matters. It can be a family member, a trusted friend, or even a professional fiduciary. I’ll help you weigh your options and prepare them for the role with clear documentation and instructions.
Are there tax benefits to setting up a trust in Pennsylvania?
Some types of trusts can reduce estate or inheritance taxes, especially for high-value estates. Others are structured for long-term care planning or charitable giving. During our consultation, I’ll walk you through your options and make sure your trust aligns with your financial goals and the Pennsylvania tax landscape.
