Bozeman Trusts Lawyer

Trusts Attorney in Bozeman, MT

Planning for what happens after your death can be difficult, but it’s a good way to have peace of mind while you are alive. A Bozeman trusts lawyer can help you make sure your affairs are in order, your family is taken care of, and your assets are distributed the way you want.

Mountain & Valley Law Firm has years of experience helping clients plan for their future and protect their assets through trusts. The attorneys Mountain & Valley Law Firm proudly served in the United States Army and uses the skills he learned while serving in the army in his law practice.

Trusts in Bozeman

A trust, according to the Montana Uniform Trust Code, Chapter 38, is a fiduciary agreement between a property or asset owner, a trustee, and a beneficiary. The document contains instructions for the property in the trust. It could be how you want assets invested and how you want them distributed after your death.

There are a few types of trusts that one can establish:

• Revocable trusts: Revocable trusts, also known as living trusts, can be changed or completely revoked during the lifetime of the grantor.
• Irrevocable trusts: Once an irrevocable trust is created and the assets are transferred into the trust, it cannot be changed. A trustee manages this type of trust.
• Special needs trusts: A special needs trust can be created to provide for a family member with special needs or a disability.
• Testamentary trusts: A testamentary trust is created through instructions in a will after you pass. The transfer of assets does not happen until the will is deemed valid in the Gallatin County District Court.

Benefits of a Trust

Even with the many benefits that having a trust offers, only about 33% of Americans have an estate plan. One of the key benefits is to avoid the time-consuming and expensive probate process, but it can also reduce the potential for conflicts within the family after you’re gone, and keep your financial affairs private. A Bozeman trusts attorney can discuss additional benefits of creating a trust.

Meet Our Attorneys

Albert Jones

Pierce Teeuwen

Sterling Fitzwater

Common Misconceptions About Trusts

If you’ve thought about setting up a trust but are concerned about whether it is right for you, it’s important to know the facts:

• A living trust may have a higher initial cost than a will, but a will needs to go through probate after you die, which increases the cost.
• Trusts are not just for wealthy people.
• If you have a properly prepared living trust, your assets may not have to go through probate.
• Creating a trust does not mean you give up control of your assets. You can name yourself as the trustee and have access to and control of your assets and property.
• You don’t have to pay trustee fees if you name yourself as the trustee.

Why Hire a Trusts Lawyer in Bozeman

While you can create your own living trust, it can be risky. An improperly prepared trust can be legally invalid. This is why it’s important to hire a trusts lawyer to make sure it’s done correctly and legally enforceable. An attorney familiar with trusts laws can help provide solutions for your trusts case and make sure that every request you make is reflected in the legal documents.

Contact a Bozeman Trusts Attorney

When you’re ready to start securing your future in Bozeman, contact Mountain & Valley Law Firm. We can discuss the types of trusts and determine which type you may need. It’s never too soon to start planning.