ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Trust language specifies that after main beneficiary dies that the two remainder beneficiaries can receive their share as a total distribution after they reach age 25 if they request it. So they have the option of keeping some or all of their share in the trust per their request. Does this language offer the beneficiaries asset protection from divorce or creditors? If not, can anything be done to provide asset protection? The trust is irrevocable since the grantor is deceased.

ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:

If a Trustee is required to pay over assets when a beneficiary requests, then there is no asset protection. Those assets are the beneficiary’s. The beneficiary should consult an estate planning attorney of his own.

Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.

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The estate planning attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for estate and asset protection planning. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.