A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to place your assets under the management of a trustee for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries. It is one of the most effective tools in estate planning, giving you control over how your property and finances are handled during your lifetime and after you pass away.
At Kostrub Law Firm, PLLC, we help families in Pittsburgh, Cecil, and the surrounding areas set up trusts that fit their needs. Our attorneys take the time to learn about your situation, your goals, and your family before recommending a plan. We explain everything in plain language so you can make informed decisions without confusion.
When you create a trust, you transfer ownership of certain assets into the trust. You name a trustee to manage those assets and one or more beneficiaries who will receive the benefits. Depending on the type of trust, you may serve as your own trustee during your lifetime and name a successor to take over when you are no longer able to manage your affairs.
A trust can hold many types of assets, including:
Once assets are placed in the trust, they are managed according to the terms you set. This gives you the ability to decide when and how your beneficiaries receive their inheritance.
There are several types of trusts, and each one serves a different purpose. Our attorneys at Kostrub Law Firm work with clients to determine which type is the right fit. Some of the most common include:
Our team explains the benefits and limitations of each option so you can choose with confidence.
Many people assume that trusts are only for families with large estates. In reality, trusts offer benefits for people at many income levels. Some of the key advantages include:
A trust also allows you to plan for situations where you may become unable to manage your own affairs. If you are incapacitated, the successor trustee you named can step in and handle your finances without the need for a court-appointed guardian.
At Kostrub Law Firm, we start every trust engagement with a conversation. We want to know about your family, your assets, and your goals. From there, we recommend a trust structure that fits your situation and draft the documents to put it in place.
We also help with funding the trust, which means transferring your assets into it properly. A trust that is not funded correctly may not work as intended, so we walk you through each step to make sure everything is in order.
Our attorneys serve clients in Pittsburgh, Cecil, and communities throughout western Pennsylvania. We are admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia.
If you are ready to set up a trust or want to learn more about your options, contact Kostrub Law Firm, PLLC at (304) 982-1586 or visit kostrublaw.com. We are here to help you protect what matters most.
A will goes into effect after you die and must go through probate. A trust can go into effect during your lifetime, allows assets to pass to beneficiaries without probate, and provides management of your assets if you become incapacitated.
Not with a revocable living trust. You can serve as the trustee, manage your assets as you normally would, and make changes at any time. You maintain full control during your lifetime.
The cost depends on the type of trust and the scope of your estate. We offer consultations where we discuss your needs and provide clear information about fees before any work begins.
Certain types of trusts, such as irrevocable trusts, can offer protection from creditors. Our attorneys can explain which options may work for your situation.
Yes. A will serves as a backup to cover any assets that were not transferred into the trust. It can also name guardians for minor children and address other matters that a trust does not cover.
