Estate Planning PitfallsMany people have the impression that a Revocable Living Trust provides them with asset protection, but this generally is not the case. Because you have total access and control over a Revocable Living Trust--including the power to amend, modify, terminate, and revoke the trust entirely, the assets are potentially accessible by lawsuits and creditors and the assets are also countable for purposes of government benefits such as Medicaid or veteran's benefits for long-term care.

Some of the confusion may stem from discussions that a Revocable Living Trust may contain provisions to provide asset protection to your surviving spouse and children or beneficiaries...but this protection does not start until after your death. To learn more about this type of planning, check out our free guide, Estate Planning Pitfalls: The 12 Most Common Threats to Your Estate & Your Family's Future.

   
Jackie Bedard
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Attorney, Author, and Founder of Carolina Family Estate Planning