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Probate Law News
Trusts Are Designed To Distinguish Between Income And Principal, As Many Of Them, Especially Older Trusts, Provide For Income To Be Distributed To One Person At One Time And Principal To Either That Same Person
Trusts are designed to distinguish between income and principal, as many of them, especially older trusts, provide for income to be distributed to one person at one time and principal to either that same person at a different time or to another person entirely. For example, many trusts for a surviving spouse provide that all income must be paid to that spouse, but only pay the spouse principal in limited circumstances, such as a medical emergency. At the spouse's death, the remaining principal may be paid to the decedent's children, to charity, or to other beneficiaries. Income payments and principal distributions can be made by check, or at the trustee's discretion by distributing securities as well as cash.
Unless a fiduciary has experience in this area, it is recommended that he or she seek professional advice regarding the investment of trust assets. In addition to good investment results, the fiduciary should invest within the applicable Prudent Investor Rule that governs the trust or estate. A skilled investment advisor can help the fiduciary decide how to invest, what assets to sell to provide cash for expenses, taxes, or outright distributions, and how to minimize income and capital gains taxes.
During the period of administration, the fiduciary must provide an annual income tax statement (called a Schedule K-1) to each beneficiary who is taxable on any income earned by the trust. The fiduciary can be held personally liable for interest and penalties if the income tax return is not filed and the tax paid by the due date, generally April 15.
You May Be Able To Avoid Probate
A living trust is one way someone may be able to eliminate the need for probate. This trust holds legal title to your property after your death and will survive you after your death. Always consult a probate lawyer first.
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Unclaimed Funds For The Deceased
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds has over 2.6 million accounts worth over $700 million in its custody.If you find unclai... Read more >
Definition:
A legal document that lets others know one's wishes regarding medical care and treatment, funeral arrangements, organ donation, and other health care concerns.
Probate
Definition:
The process of settling your estate after you die, including paying creditors and heirs, and validating a will (if there is one).
Payable on death account (POD)
Definition:
An account, such as a bank account, that is handed over to a specified person upon another person's death.
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