Have you ever thought about what would happen to your assets if something unexpected happened tomorrow?
Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but creating a trust is a powerful way to protect your loved ones and your legacy. Trusts aren’t just for the wealthy—they’re for anyone who wants peace of mind and control over how their assets are managed.
Whether you’re safeguarding your children’s future, avoiding probate, or supporting a cause close to your heart, a trust gives you the tools to make it happen.
At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we understand that trust planning is personal. Our Philadelphia trust lawyers are here to simplify the process and guide you every step of the way.
What We Include in Your Philadelphia Trust Agreement
A trust is a legal way to protect and manage your assets for the people you care about. It lets you decide how and when your money, property, or belongings will be shared with loved ones, now or in the future.
When setting up your trust in Philadelphia, we include the following components:
- Trust Declaration: This part identifies the important players in your trust, including you (the grantor), the trustee who will manage the trust, and the beneficiaries who will benefit. Knowing who is responsible for what ensures everything runs smoothly.
- Trust Purpose: This section explains why the trust was created and what it’s meant to achieve. Whether for protecting assets, supporting a loved one, or leaving a legacy, the purpose guides all trust actions. It’s a clear way to state what you want your trust to accomplish.
- Trust Property: This lists all assets included in the trust, like homes, cash, and investments. It shows exactly what’s being protected and distributed to your loved ones. Listing these items ensures they’re accounted for and managed according to your wishes.
- Trustee Powers and Duties: This outlines what the trustee can and cannot do. It might include handling investments, asset distribution to beneficiaries, or paying taxes. Spelling out these duties keeps things clear and prevents misunderstandings about the trustee’s role.
- Beneficiary Rights: Beneficiaries need to know what they’re entitled to and how they’ll receive it. This section explains their rights, like when they’ll get distributions or what they can expect from the trust.
- Trust Duration: Trusts can be set for a specific period, until a certain event, or indefinitely. This section defines how long the trust will last and what happens when that time or event arrives.
- Amendment and Termination: Sometimes, trusts need changes or even termination due to life events or new needs. This section outlines how and when the trust can be updated or ended. These options provide flexibility and ensure the trust remains relevant.
- Governing Law: Trusts in Philadelphia are governed by the Pennsylvania Uniform Trust Act. This ensures the trust is legally compliant, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind.
Explore the Different Types of Trusts We Create in Philadelphia
Not all trusts are created equal; the best one for you depends on your unique situation. Our Philadelphia trust lawyers can guide you through the different types, including:
- Special Needs Trusts: This trust helps your loved ones with disabilities without affecting their government benefits. It ensures they get the financial support they need for a better quality of life.
- Revocable Living Trusts: This trust lets you keep control of your assets while you’re alive. It’s a great choice if you want to avoid probate, keep your finances private, and plan for the unexpected.
- Irrevocable Trusts: Once you set this trust up, it can’t be changed without the beneficiary’s permission. It’s perfect for protecting your wealth from taxes and creditors.
- Generation-Skipping Trusts: This trust lets you pass money to your grandchildren or even future generations tax-free. It’s ideal for building a financial legacy that lasts.
- Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs): This trust removes the value of your home or vacation property from your estate. It’s a smart way to reduce estate taxes and keep your property in the family.
- Charitable Trusts: With this trust, you can support a charity you care about while receiving tax benefits. It’s a meaningful way to leave a legacy and protect a cause close to your heart.
At Petrelli Previtera, our lawyers simplify the process of choosing the right trust for your needs. We’ll explain your options, customize a plan that fits your goals, and guide you every step of the way.
How Our Philadelphia Trust Lawyers Protect Your Interests
At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, our Philadelphia trust lawyers are here to ensure your trust works exactly as you intend.
We’ll help you set up a trust document that’s clear, legally sound, and tailored to meet your unique needs. Once your trust is in place, we guide your trustees on how to manage the assets properly, ensuring that they handle all investments wisely and distributions follow your wishes.
If you or your beneficiaries have questions, we’ll provide ongoing legal advice, helping everyone understand their rights and responsibilities.
We’ll also work to resolve any disputes that may arise between trustees and beneficiaries through mediation or, if necessary, court representation. To protect your assets, we can structure your trust to shield your wealth from creditors or lawsuits.
Most importantly, we ensure your trust meets all state and federal legal requirements so there are no surprises down the road. With Petrelli Previtera, LLC, by your side, you can rest easy knowing your trust is in good hands.
Common Questions About Philadelphia Trusts – Answered
Can I modify or revoke a trust after its creation?
Yes, if it’s a revocable trust. You can update it to reflect changes in your life or preferences. However, irrevocable trusts are much harder to change.
What happens to my trust if I move to another state?
Trust laws vary by state, but most trusts remain valid. However, consider reviewing your trust with a local trust lawyer to be sure and avoid potential legal issues. Plus, it’ll ensure that your trust continues to function as intended.
How do I choose the right trustee for my trust?
The right trustee should be someone you trust to manage your assets responsibly and follow your instructions to the letter. Consider a trusted individual or a professional trustee, like a bank or financial institution. Our team can guide you in making the best choice for your situation.
What assets can I include in my trust?
You can include:
- Real estate
- Financial accounts
- Stocks and bonds
- Business interests
- Personal property
- Life insurance policies
- Retirement accounts
- Intellectual property
Why Choose Petrelli Previtera’s Philadelphia Trust Lawyers?
When it comes to creating a trust, you want a legal team you can count on to protect your interests and guide you confidently. At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized service backed by extensive experience.
Here are just a few reasons why families in Philadelphia trust us with their estate planning needs:
- Decades of experience in Philadelphia estate and trust law
- Recognized by Super Lawyers and other prestigious organizations
- Named an 5000 fastest-growing law firm multiple times
- A track record of personalized, compassionate, client-focused service
- Awarded Martindale-Hubbell’s Gold Client Champion for outstanding client satisfaction
- A history of handling complex trust and estate cases with exceptional results
- We’re effective communicators
Why take any chances with sensitive legal matters like creating trusts? The good news is, you don’t have to. When you choose our Philadelphia trust lawyers, you’re choosing a team committed to protecting your legacy and ensuring your peace of mind.
Trust the Experts: Philadelphia’s Top Trust Lawyers at Your Service
Planning your estate is one of the most important steps you can take for your family’s future.
At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, our Philadelphia trust lawyers make the process approachable, understandable, and personalized to your needs.
Contact us today at (215) 399-2355 or schedule an online consultation, and let’s create a trust that secures what matters most to you. You can also visit our law office at 1845 Walnut Street, 19th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, right on Rittenhouse Square.