At what age should you put your assets in a trust?

Asked by: Prof. Kelley Hirthe MD  |  Last update: November 2, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (69 votes)

There is no Ideal Time to Consider a Living Trust Unfortunately, there is no real answer to the “right time” to create a living trust because it is not solely based on your age. Instead, wealthier people with expensive assets, regardless of age, should consider one of these documents.

At what age should you set up a trust?

Before 40: Wills and Trusts

For many people, this will happen in their thirties. But if you're someone who bought a house earlier or has accumulated wealth before then, you may want to start in your twenties. Estate planning documents should outline your plan for these assets once you're gone.

What is the best way to leave money to your adult children?

In these circumstances, a trust can help set up specific management plans for your assets, provide tax benefits and give your beneficiaries time to adjust to having assets held for them. If you have a straightforward estate and mature adult children, leaving assets outright to them might be appropriate.

When should I put my assets into a trust?

Anyone concerned about facing a stroke, dementia, or Alzheimer's may want to consider using a trust to ensure their resources are preserved, managed, and spent in line with their wishes while they're under the care of a loved one or health professional.

What is the downside of putting assets in a trust?

Trusts offer amazing benefits, but they also come with potential downsides like loss of control, limited access to assets, costs, and recordkeeping difficulties.

Living Trusts Explained In Under 3 Minutes

19 related questions found

At what net worth do I need a trust?

Many advisors and attorneys recommend a $100K minimum net worth for a living trust. However, there are other factors to consider depending on your personal situation. What is your age, marital status, and earning potential?

What is the biggest mistake parents make when setting up a trust fund?

One of the biggest mistakes parents make when setting up a trust fund is choosing the wrong trustee to oversee and manage the trust. This crucial decision can open the door to potential theft, mismanagement of assets, and family conflict that derails your child's financial future.

Is it better to gift a house or put it in a trust?

Parents and other family members who want to pass on assets during their lifetimes may be tempted to gift the assets. Although setting up an irrevocable trust lacks the simplicity of giving a gift, it may be a better way to preserve assets for the future.

What accounts should not be in a trust?

There are several types of assets that should not be included in trusts for various reasons:
  • Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)s. ...
  • Health savings accounts (HSAs) and medical savings accounts (MSAs). ...
  • Life insurance policies. ...
  • Certain bank accounts. ...
  • Motor vehicles. ...
  • Social Security benefits.

How much money should you have to set up a trust?

How much money do you need to have a trust? While having a trust fund is generally associated with the very wealthy, the reality is that there is no set amount of money required for you to set up a trust. Anyone can set up a trust regardless of income level if they have significant assets worth protecting.

What is the best way to leave inheritance to your children?

A trust allows you more control over how and when an inheritance is distributed to a child by putting a trustee, sometimes a trusted friend or relative, in charge of managing the assets. The trustee could also be the attorney who drafted the trust or a financial institution like a bank.

How much money can a parent give an adult child tax free?

At a glance:

You can gift your adult child up to $18,000 in 2024 without filing a gift tax return. Filing a gift tax return doesn't necessarily mean owing gift tax unless lifetime gifts exceed $13.61 million (in 2024).

Why set up a trust for adult children?

A trust can minimize the ability of the child to lose their entire inheritance through bad decision-making, reckless behavior or through a divorce. Also, certain types of trusts (often called spendthrift trusts) can protect the inheritance from the claims of creditors.

What are reasons to not have a trust?

There are also some potential drawbacks to setting up a trust in California that you should be aware of. These include: When you set up a trust, you will have to pay the cost of preparation, which can be higher than the cost of preparing a will. Also, a trust doesn't provide special asset or estate tax protection.

What age do trust funds pay out?

You can set the trust up to be dispersed when the child reaches a certain age, say 25, 30, or even 50 years old. That will allow you to delay turning the assets of the trust over to your child until they reach an age at which you believe they will be financially responsible.

Who is the best person to set up a trust?

Choosing a friend or family member to administer your trust has one definite benefit: That person is likely to have immediate appreciation of your financial philosophies and wishes. They'll know you and your beneficiaries.

What is the major disadvantage of a trust?

Most importantly, a trust will cost more than a last will at the initial stage of planning and you have to provide more information up front. Furthermore, a trust contains more complicated documents than a last will and states that your assets must be assigned to the trust.

Should I put all my bank accounts into my trust?

It can be advantageous to put most or all of your bank accounts into your trust, especially if you want to streamline estate administration, maintain privacy, and ensure assets are distributed according to your wishes.

What does Suze Orman say about revocable trust?

Suze Orman, the popular financial guru, goes so far as to say that “everyone” needs a revocable living trust. But what everyone really needs is some good advice. Living trusts can be useful in limited circumstances, but most of us should sit down with an independent planner to decide whether a living trust is suitable.

At what age should you put your house in a trust?

There is no Ideal Time to Consider a Living Trust

Unfortunately, there is no real answer to the “right time” to create a living trust because it is not solely based on your age. Instead, wealthier people with expensive assets, regardless of age, should consider one of these documents.

Should I put everything I own in a trust?

A revocable living trust can be a powerful part of your estate plan. It can keep your loved ones from having to deal with probate. It also provides more privacy than a will. But you should leave certain assets, like cash and retirement accounts, out of the trust.

Should I transfer my house to my child?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to estate planning. Transferring ownership of your property to your children while you are still alive may be appropriate for your situation. However, for most this strategy is not recommended due to the significant risks.

Why are trusts considered bad?

One of the most significant disadvantages of a trust is its complexity. Generally, trusts use very specific language, which can be difficult to understand for those who are not often involved in estate law. Because trusts were once written in Latin, there are many legal terms that still carry over.

How much does it cost to put your house in trust in the UK?

The cost of a Home Protection Trust in the UK can range significantly. For a straightforward trust, you might expect to pay between £1,000 and £2,000. For more complex situations, costs can rise to £5,000 or more.

What is the best trust for elderly parents?

An irrevocable trust could be a good option for people 65 and older who are Medicaid-eligible because it protects the elderly individual from having to dispose of their assets in order to qualify for Medicaid or nursing home care.