Frequently Asked Questions

Your estate planning questions, answered.

We have put together plain-language answers to help you understand the basics before your first consultation.

What is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement in which one person (called the trustee) holds and manages assets for the benefit of another person or persons (the beneficiaries). The person who creates the trust is called the grantor or settlor.

A revocable living trust is the most common type used in estate planning. It allows you to:

Maintain full control of your assets during your lifetime
Avoid probate — the often lengthy and costly court process for distributing an estate
Specify exactly how and when your assets are distributed after your death
Plan for incapacity by naming a successor trustee to manage the trust if you become unable to do so

Because a revocable trust can be changed or revoked at any time while you are living, it gives you flexibility while still protecting your family's future.

What is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes someone you trust — called your agent or attorney-in-fact — to make decisions on your behalf.

There are two main types used in estate planning:

Financial Power of Attorney — Grants your agent the authority to handle financial and legal matters such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, filing taxes, or handling real estate transactions.
Healthcare Power of Attorney — Authorizes your agent to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to communicate your own wishes.

A durable Power of Attorney remains in effect even if you become incapacitated, which is what makes it an essential part of a complete estate plan. Without one, your family may need to go through a court process to gain legal authority to act on your behalf.

Still have questions?

We are happy to walk you through everything.

Every family's situation is different. Reach out to schedule a consultation and get answers specific to your needs.