In earlier articles we covered some of the fundamentals of trusts and fiduciary services available to members through Frankenmuth Credit Union and Credit Union Trust. This article is part 2 of a series based on questions from our members. Some of the information has been discussed before. However, this series is designed to broaden the understanding of trusts and their benefits to members – so we’ll address the questions we’re asked and repeat some earlier information in other contexts.

If I set up a Living Trust, is it common to be my own trustee?
Yes. It is very common for a grantor to also be the trustee. In many cases the same person is the beneficiary as well. One of the benefits of a living trust is that grantors also serving as trustee can retain control over their own property for the rest of their lives. As a safeguard, a grantor serving as trustee must designate a successor trustee (for example Credit Union Trust) who will take over management of the trust after the grantor’s passing.

If I create a Living Trust, do I still have to worry about probate?
Any property that is not transferred to a trust will still be subject to probate. It is best to transfer as much property as possible into a living trust including bank accounts, investment accounts, real estate, various holdings, and other business interests. A pour will is used to transfer the probate assets into the trust.