Estate planning (trust-based)
A plan your family can actually use, not just documents in a drawer.
Most people put off estate planning because it feels complicated, expensive, or like something you do when you’re old. We make it straightforward, affordable, and built around your actual life.
Who this is for
Parents with minor or adult children who want to protect their family if something happens.
Homeowners who want to avoid putting their family through probate court.
Anyone who wants clarity, not just paperwork.
Why a trust
A will alone usually isn't enough.
If you own real estate or have minor children, a will typically means probate, a public, court-supervised process that can take months and cost your family time and money. A revocable living trust avoids that entirely.
The most important thing a trust does isn’t avoiding taxes or protecting assets from creditors. It’s giving your family a clear, private, court-free path to handle your affairs exactly when they’re least equipped to figure things out.
Will vs. Trust: The key differences
- A trust avoids probate court, a will does not
- A trust is private, a will bwcomes public record
- A trust works immediately, a will requires court confirmation
- A trust can hold assets for minor children, a will cannot control distributions
- A trust works across states, a will may require multiple probate proceedings
What’s included
Everything your family needs and nothing they dont.
the guidance, and the funding support to make sure it actually works.
Revocable living trust
The foundation of your plan. Holds your assets, names your successor trustee, and keeps your family out of court.
Pour-over will
Catches any assets not yet in the trust and directs them there at death. Works alongside your trust, not instead of it.
Financial power of attorney
Names someone to manage your finances if you become incapacitated. Critical for avoiding court-supervised conservatorship.
Healthcare directives
Your healthcare power of attorney and living will. That way your wishes are known and someone has legal authority to act.
Guardianship designations
For parents with minor children. You include names who you want to raise your kids if you can’t. One of the most important decisions in the plan.
Trust funding guidance
The plan only works if your assets are in it. We give you a written funding checklist and walk you through how to transfer your property.
Beneficiary review
We review your retirement accounts and life insurance designations to make sure they align with your trust. A step most firms skip.
One-year check-in
A follow-up within the first year to confirm funding is complete and the plan still reflects your situation.
How it works
Four steps from conversation to complete plan.
1
Planning call
A 20–30 minute conversation to understand your family, your assets, and what you’re trying to accomplish. No charge, no pressure.
2
Design meeting
Your attorney walks you through your recommended plan structure, explains every decision, and answers every question in plain English.
3
Document review & signing
We prepare your documents, review them with you line by line, and coordinate notarization and signing.
4
Funding & follow up
We give you a complete funding checklist and stay available as you transfer your assets into the trust.
Common Questions
Questions we hear most often about estate planning.
I already have a will. Do I really need a trust?
If you own real estate in Utah or have minor children, probably yes. A will alone typically triggers probate — a court process your family has to navigate while they’re grieving. A trust avoids that entirely and gives your successor trustee the ability to act immediately.
How much does a trust-based plan cost?
We use flat-fee pricing based on planning complexity. Most families fall within a structured range we’ll identify on your planning call. We’ll tell you the exact fee before you commit to anything.
What if my situation isn't complicated?
Simple situations still deserve a properly structured plan. Our Legacy Core tier is designed exactly for straightforward families who want a complete, working trust without unnecessary complexity or cost.
How long does the process take?
Most plans are complete within two to four weeks from your first meeting. We don’t rush, but we don’t leave you waiting either.