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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We settled an estate via probate (DH was executor, although I handled a lot of the grunt work). Probate demands a lot of accountability from the executor. At the same time, if you need a little hand holding, they're there to help you out.

I don't know why people opt for trusts. Trusts make it so easy to steal money, they're a recipe for permanent family rifts. Nothing will cause a rift faster than siblings forced to take legal action against a family member - or watch that family member steal the trust blind. [/quote]

Because lawyers make money setting up trusts and convince people that probate is some terrible process. There are states where probate courts are so messed up that a trust is the preferable path, but in many cases the protections provided by the probate process absolutely have value.

I don’t hate lawyers, I am one, but trusts are on of those areas where many lawyers absolutely do not serve their clients’ best interests. I go by the fact that I am a lawyer and every single well-regarded estate lawyer I’ve talked to has said a revocable trust is not only not necessary, but not recommended. I also blame the fact having a trust seems like something that “rich” people have and also makes people feel like they’ve circumvented the system, somehow. So it’s an easy sell. [/quote]

I hear you. Lawyers who set up these trusts should be mindful of the catastrophic damage when abused - which is all too often. The lawyers make a lousy few thousand dollars on the sell, not caring what happens to families. What do you think happens to children when a family abruptly falls apart, but nobody will tell them why? Nieces and nephews want to know why the family no longer gets together for Christmas and other holidays, and nobody will give them a straight answer. Cousins no longer have a relationship, and never will again. No family at weddings, or any other major event. This is what happens when a trust is abused. Was it really worth that lousy few thousand?[/quote]

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