A trust is a legal set-up where you pass on your assets like money, property or shares to a group of people called trustees. These trustees then look after these assets for the people who'll eventually get them, known as the beneficiaries. Trustees can be close family, friends or even professionals like solicitors who are skilled in handling trusts.
A trust gives you control over what happens to your assets after you're gone or unable to manage them yourself. For example, you might want your children to inherit your house but only after they turn a certain age. A trust lets you set those sorts of conditions. When a beneficiary turns 18, or any other age you specify, the assets in the trust can be transferred to them.
Trusts can be set up in two main ways: through a will trust or a settlement. A will trust is made as part of your will and comes into play when you pass away. A settlement is a separate legal agreement and can be created while you're still alive. Both ways have their own benefits, depending on what you want to achieve.
You'll also need to choose trustees when setting up a trust. These are people who make sure your wishes, as stated in your trust, are carried out. Sometimes the executors and trustees can be the same people. These are usually people you trust a lot or professionals you believe will do a good job.
A trust is a smart way to manage your assets, making sure they go to the right people under the right conditions. Whether you're planning for your family's future or protecting your assets, trusts offer flexibility and peace of mind. Our team at Switalskis can help you decide what type of trust suits your needs best.