Trust Attorney For Families Planning Their Future In West Virginia
A trust is a legal arrangement that allows one person to hold and manage assets for the benefit of another according to instructions the trustmaker establishes. Working with a West Virginia trust lawyer can help you determine whether a trust fits your estate planning goals, protects your loved ones and preserves your legacy.
At Schrader Duff Law & Lowe, PLLC, we have represented individuals, families and businesses throughout Wheeling and West Virginia since 1925. As one of the area’s remaining locally rooted firms, we believe in building lasting relationships with our clients. We treat every family with care, provide practical recommendations and focus on solutions that serve your long-term interests rather than short-term decisions.
Why Consider A Trust?
Trusts can accomplish far more than distributing assets after death. Depending on your circumstances, they may help you:
- Avoid probate in West Virginia, allowing assets to pass more efficiently.
- Protect certain assets from creditors when appropriate.
- Minimize estate taxes through thoughtful planning.
- Prepare for future incapacity by appointing someone to manage trust assets.
- Preserve family wealth for children, grandchildren and future generations.
Every estate is different, and selecting the right planning strategy depends on your family, assets and long-term goals.
Types Of Trusts Available
Different trusts serve different purposes. Common options include:
- Revocable living trusts: Allows you to maintain control of assets while avoiding probate.
- Irrevocable trust: Removes certain assets from your estate for additional planning benefits.
- Special needs trust: Helps provide for a loved one with disabilities without jeopardizing certain public benefits.
- Testamentary trust: Created through a will and becomes effective after death.
- Asset protection trust: May help safeguard qualifying assets from future claims.
- Charitable trust: Supports charitable giving while accomplishing broader estate planning goals.
- Gun trust: Often used by West Virginia firearm owners to manage qualifying firearms lawfully.
- Land trusts: Can simplify the ownership and management of certain real estate holdings.
Choosing the right trust depends on your objectives, family dynamics and the property you want to protect.
Start Planning Today
Whether you are creating your first trust or updating an existing estate plan, Schrader Duff Law & Lowe, PLLC, is committed to helping individuals and families throughout Wheeling, Ohio County and communities across West Virginia plan for the future with confidence. Call 304-553-0194 for a free consultation or complete our online contact form to discuss your trust planning options.
