Comprehensive Guide to Revocable Living Trusts in Millersville
A revocable living trust can be an effective part of a thoughtful estate plan for residents of Millersville and surrounding areas of Sumner County, Tennessee. This page explains what a revocable living trust does, how it differs from a will, and how it may simplify the transfer of assets while avoiding probate. Jay Johnson Law Firm provides clear guidance about trust creation, funding, amendment, and successor trustee selection so that families can make informed choices. If you are planning for incapacity, protecting family privacy, or aiming for a more streamlined estate administration, a trust may be appropriate.
Choosing whether to establish a revocable living trust involves weighing a variety of personal, financial, and legal considerations. A trust can offer flexibility because it can be changed during your lifetime, but it also requires active management and proper funding of assets into the trust. This guide outlines common features, benefits, and potential limitations to help you decide whether a revocable living trust fits your needs. It also describes the services Jay Johnson Law Firm offers to residents in Millersville, Hendersonville, and greater Tennessee, including practical steps to set up and maintain a trust correctly.
Why a Revocable Living Trust Can Matter for Your Estate Plan
A revocable living trust can matter for individuals who want to manage how assets are handled during their lifetime and after death, potentially offering more privacy and continuity than a will alone. For families in Millersville, a trust may reduce delays associated with probate court and can provide instructions for managing property if the grantor becomes incapacitated. The trust framework also allows for detailed distribution plans for beneficiaries and can simplify administration for successors. While not the right solution for everyone, understanding these potential benefits helps homeowners and families make practical decisions about their estate arrangements.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach to Trust Planning
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients in Millersville, Hendersonville, and across Tennessee with estate planning and probate services, including revocable living trusts. The firm emphasizes clear communication, careful document preparation, and practical advice tailored to each client’s circumstances. Our approach focuses on identifying client goals, explaining options in understandable terms, and preparing trust documents that reflect those goals while complying with Tennessee law. Clients can expect guidance through funding the trust, naming successors, and making updates as life changes occur, all with attention to detail and responsiveness to client questions.
Understanding Revocable Living Trusts: Key Concepts
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement in which a person creates a trust during their lifetime, retaining the ability to modify or revoke it as circumstances change. The grantor transfers assets into the trust, designates a trustee to manage those assets, and names beneficiaries who will receive property under the trust’s terms. Because the trust is revocable, the grantor typically remains in control and can act as trustee while alive. Understanding the mechanics of funding, trustee duties, and how the trust interacts with beneficiary designations and joint ownership is essential to avoid unintended consequences.
It is important to recognize that a revocable living trust does not remove estate tax considerations or automatically shield assets from creditors in the way some other vehicles might. The trust’s main advantages are management flexibility and the potential to avoid probate for assets properly transferred into the trust. For property located in Tennessee, ensuring deeds, titles, and account registrations reflect the trust ownership is a practical step that often requires legal assistance. Clear, consistent recordkeeping and coordination with financial institutions will help the trust function as intended when it is needed.
Definition and Basic Explanation of a Revocable Living Trust
A revocable living trust is a written legal arrangement where the creator, called the grantor, places assets into a trust during their lifetime and names a trustee to manage those assets. The grantor often serves as trustee initially, retaining authority to use and control trust property. The trust document includes instructions for management and distribution of assets after the grantor’s incapacity or death. Because the document can be amended or revoked, it offers flexibility while providing a framework for continuity of asset management and more private post-death administration than probate proceedings.
Key Elements and Processes Involved in Trust Creation
Creating a revocable living trust typically involves drafting the trust instrument, selecting trustees and successor trustees, identifying and funding assets, and executing related deeds or account changes. The process may also include coordinating beneficiary designations and reviewing powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives so the estate plan is cohesive. Properly funding the trust is one of the most important steps because assets not titled in the trust may still require probate. Periodic review and amendments ensure the trust reflects life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or changes in financial holdings.
Key Terms and Glossary for Trust Planning
Understanding common terms helps when discussing trust planning. This glossary covers basic words you will encounter when setting up a revocable living trust in Tennessee. Clarity around terms like grantor, trustee, beneficiary, funding, and successor trustee reduces confusion and ensures your documents function as intended. Knowing these terms also helps you ask the right questions during consultations so your objectives are accurately reflected in the trust language. Accurate terminology supports better coordination with banks, title companies, and other professionals involved in implementing your plan.
Grantor (or Settlor)
The grantor, sometimes called the settlor, is the person who creates the trust and transfers assets into it. The grantor defines the trust’s terms, names the trustee and beneficiaries, and retains the ability to change or revoke the trust if it is revocable. During the grantor’s lifetime, they frequently serve as the primary trustee and manage trust property directly. The role is central because the grantor’s intentions determine how assets will be managed and distributed, so clear and precise instructions in the trust document are important for achieving those intentions.
Trust Funding
Trust funding is the process of transferring ownership or changing registrations on assets so they are held in the name of the trust. Funding may include retitling real estate, changing account beneficiaries, updating vehicle titles, or assigning personal property. If assets remain solely in the grantor’s name, they may still be subject to probate despite the existence of a trust. Proper funding requires coordination with banks, title companies, and other institutions to ensure records reflect trust ownership and the trust functions as intended at a time when management or distribution is needed.
Trustee and Successor Trustee
The trustee is the person or entity responsible for managing trust assets according to the trust document and applicable law. The grantor often serves as initial trustee, with successor trustees named to step in if the grantor becomes incapacitated or dies. A successor trustee’s duties include collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property to beneficiaries as directed. Choosing reliable successor trustees and providing clear guidance in the trust instrument can help reduce disputes and ensure smooth administration during a stressful time for family members.
Beneficiaries and Distribution Terms
Beneficiaries are the people or entities designated to receive trust property under the trust’s terms. Distribution provisions can be immediate, delayed, or conditional, specifying how and when beneficiaries receive assets. Trusts can include detailed instructions such as staggered distributions, provisions for minor children, or protections for beneficiaries who have special financial needs. Clear distribution language helps prevent misunderstandings and provides trustees a roadmap for administering the trust in accordance with the grantor’s wishes.
Comparing Legal Options: Trusts vs. Wills and Other Tools
Deciding between a revocable living trust, a will, or another estate planning tool requires examining practical goals like probate avoidance, privacy, incapacity planning, and administrative convenience. A will is simpler to draft and remains useful for certain asset distributions and guardianship decisions, but it typically requires probate. A trust can help avoid probate for funded assets and provide continuity of management, though it often requires more initial work to fund and maintain. Other options, such as payable-on-death designations and joint ownership, may complement a trust but each has specific consequences that should be reviewed carefully.
When a Simpler Estate Planning Approach May Be Sufficient:
Lower Asset Complexity and Limited Probate Risk
For some households in Millersville, straightforward estate planning tools can adequately meet needs when assets are few, titles are uncomplicated, and beneficiaries are obvious. A properly drafted will combined with beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and payable-on-death arrangements for bank accounts may provide an efficient path for asset transfer. These measures can reduce paperwork and may be sufficient if avoiding probate is not a primary concern or if the potential for disputes is low. It is still wise to coordinate documents so all pieces work together smoothly if circumstances change.
Minimal Management Needed During Incapacity
When there is low concern about incapacity planning because trusted family members are ready to step in or durable power of attorney documents are sufficient, a limited approach may meet a client’s needs. A power of attorney and advance healthcare directive can grant authority for financial and medical decision-making without the need to transfer assets into a trust. This path keeps document maintenance simpler and may be appropriate for those who prefer fewer ongoing administrative duties. Each family’s situation is different and should be reviewed to confirm this approach is suitable.
Why a Comprehensive Trust-Based Plan May Be Preferable:
Avoiding Probate and Ensuring Continuity
For many individuals, a comprehensive approach that includes a revocable living trust, coordinated beneficiary designations, and supporting documents reduces the likelihood that assets will pass through probate court, which can be time-consuming and public. A coordinated plan also supports continuity of management if the grantor becomes incapacitated, because the successor trustee can step in without court appointment. This approach can be especially beneficial for homeowners, business owners, and those with multiple accounts or properties across jurisdictions who want to streamline administration and reduce delays for family members.
Addressing Family Complexity and Potential Disputes
When family dynamics, blended families, or special needs of beneficiaries are present, a comprehensive trust-based plan allows for tailored distribution instructions and protections that a simple will may not provide. Trust provisions can include mechanisms to manage assets for minor beneficiaries, protect assets from creditors to the extent allowed by law, and establish conditions for distributions. Clear, well-drafted trust documents reduce ambiguity and can help prevent disputes among beneficiaries by specifying the grantor’s intentions and the trustee’s responsibilities.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Revocable Living Trust Approach
A comprehensive approach brings several practical benefits, including improved privacy relative to probate, continuity of asset management during incapacity, and streamlined administration for certain assets titled in the trust. For Millersville residents concerned about court delays or public probate records, a trust can help keep matters private and reduce administrative burdens on loved ones. The process of identifying assets and funding the trust also prompts a thorough review that can highlight outdated beneficiary designations or title issues, enabling corrections before they become problems.
In addition to privacy and continuity, a comprehensive plan can provide greater control over distribution timing and conditions, which is useful for families with minor children or beneficiaries who might benefit from staged distributions. The plan can designate fiduciaries to manage financial and medical matters, coordinate with life insurance and retirement accounts, and specify instructions for business succession if applicable. While a trust requires ongoing attention to keep asset records current, the potential advantages for administration and family stability often make the effort worthwhile.
Privacy and Streamlined Administration
One notable benefit of a well-funded revocable living trust is the privacy it can provide because assets held in trust typically avoid probate, which is a public court process. Avoiding probate can speed distribution of assets and reduce court involvement, allowing successor trustees to follow the grantor’s instructions without as much delay. For individuals who value discretion about family and financial matters, a trust can preserve confidentiality while enabling a smoother transition when management or distribution of assets is necessary.
Planning for Incapacity and Continuity
Another benefit of a trust-centered plan is the ability to plan for incapacity by naming successor trustees who can manage trust assets without court intervention. This continuity of management helps ensure bills are paid, property is maintained, and beneficiaries’ needs are addressed if the grantor becomes unable to act. Those who want to reduce disruption and provide clear instructions for their financial affairs often find this feature particularly valuable, since it reduces uncertainty and can protect family members from having to seek court orders to manage property.
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Practical Tips for Using a Revocable Living Trust
Fund the trust promptly
A revocable living trust only provides its full benefits if assets are properly transferred into it, so addressing funding early is important. Begin by reviewing deeds, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and other property titles to determine which items should be retitled or assigned to the trust. Work with financial institutions and a legal adviser to ensure account registrations and beneficiary designations align with the trust plan. Regularly update the trust and related documents when you acquire new assets or change accounts so the trust remains effective and reduces the need for probate.
Choose successor trustees carefully
Coordinate beneficiary designations and titles
To make your overall plan effective, coordinate beneficiary designations, joint ownership arrangements, and asset titles with the trust documents. Inconsistent designations or failure to retitle assets can cause some property to pass outside the trust and potentially subject it to probate. Review retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payment-on-death designations to ensure they reflect your objectives. Periodic reviews of all estate planning documents will help detect inconsistencies and allow you to correct them before they create administrative problems for your loved ones.
Reasons to Consider a Revocable Living Trust in Millersville
Residents of Millersville may consider a revocable living trust when they want to ensure continuity of asset management during incapacity, reduce the likelihood that certain assets will pass through probate, or keep estate matters private. Those with real estate, multiple accounts, or blended family concerns often find trusts helpful for clarifying distribution and reducing court involvement. A trust can also provide structured distribution plans for beneficiaries such as minors or those who may need financial oversight, giving the grantor more control over timing and conditions than a simple will.
Other reasons to consider a trust include simplifying administration for heirs, coordinating care for family members with special needs, and establishing clear authority for managing property during illness or disability. While not necessary for every household, a trust may reduce emotional and administrative burdens on loved ones by providing a defined plan for asset management and distribution. Discussing your unique situation with a local attorney can help determine whether a trust aligns with your goals and what steps are needed to make it effective under Tennessee law.
Common Situations Where a Trust Is Often Used
Revocable living trusts are commonly used by homeowners with multiple properties, individuals with adult children from different marriages who want clear distribution rules, those with minor children, and owners of closely held businesses who need succession planning. They are also useful when privacy and avoiding probate are priorities. Each of these circumstances benefits from tailored planning to address property titling, beneficiary instructions, and trustee selection. Considering these circumstances early can help you implement a trust that reflects your family dynamics and financial goals.
Homeowners with Multiple Properties
Homeowners who own multiple properties, including rental real estate or vacation homes, may use a revocable living trust to consolidate asset management and provide clear instructions for succession. Placing deeds into the trust can help ensure property is handled without separate probate proceedings for each parcel. Properly documenting ownership and coordinating with local title services reduces the risk of administrative obstacles for heirs. For families with real estate spread across counties, a trust-centered plan can simplify the transition of property ownership and avoid delays in management when time is of the essence.
Families with Blended Relationships or Minor Children
Blended families and those with minor children often need precise instructions for how assets should be distributed to balance the interests of current spouses and children from prior relationships. A trust allows a grantor to set terms that provide for a surviving spouse while preserving assets for children, with clear mechanisms for timing and conditions of distributions. For parents of minor children, trusts can establish management and distribution terms that protect inheritance until children reach maturity. Careful drafting can help prevent conflicts and ensure family intentions are followed.
Owners of Family Businesses or Investment Accounts
Owners of family businesses or significant investment accounts can use a revocable living trust to provide continuity in management and transition assets according to a structured plan. A trust can name successors who have authority to operate or liquidate business interests under specified conditions, reducing uncertainty and minimizing disruption to operations. For investment accounts, a trust can dictate how funds are used for beneficiaries’ needs. Coordinating business succession documents with the trust helps preserve value and clarity for both the business and the family.
Millersville Revocable Living Trusts Attorney — Local Service and Guidance
Jay Johnson Law Firm is available to help Millersville residents understand whether a revocable living trust fits their estate planning goals and to prepare clear, legally valid documents when appropriate. We assist with trust creation, funding, trustee selection, amendments, and coordination with wills and powers of attorney so your plan works as intended. Our team takes time to explain the practical steps and paperwork involved so you and your loved ones know what to expect. If you have questions about protecting assets, planning for incapacity, or simplifying administration, we can provide guidance in plain language.
Why Work with Jay Johnson Law Firm for Your Trust Plan
Clients choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for estate planning assistance because the firm focuses on clear communication, careful document drafting, and practical solutions tailored to Tennessee law. We help clients identify goals and then translate those goals into trust provisions and supporting documents. Our process includes reviewing assets, advising on funding, and preparing documents that reflect the client’s wishes while minimizing unintended consequences. Dedicated client support and straightforward explanations help individuals navigate what can otherwise be a confusing process.
The firm’s work includes coordinating trust-related changes with banks, title companies, and other institutions to ensure assets are properly titled and beneficiary designations are aligned. We aim to reduce the administrative burdens on families by preparing thorough, organized documentation and advising on best practices for recordkeeping. Whether you have a simple estate plan or more complex property and family situations, we assist with practical steps to implement a trust that works day-to-day and during transitions.
Beyond document preparation, we discuss long-term maintenance and recommend periodic reviews to address life changes like births, deaths, marriages, or changes in financial circumstances. Our goal is to help clients create a cohesive plan that integrates a revocable living trust with other planning tools as appropriate. We also guide successor trustees through their duties to help ensure a smooth administration when management of trust assets becomes necessary.
Contact Jay Johnson Law Firm in Hendersonville to Discuss a Revocable Living Trust
How We Handle the Trust Process at Our Firm
Our process begins with an initial consultation to identify your goals and review relevant assets. From there we draft a trust tailored to those objectives, prepare supporting documents such as a pour-over will and powers of attorney, and advise on funding steps to put assets into the trust. We explain responsibilities of trustees and beneficiaries and provide clear instructions for recordkeeping. After documents are finalized, we can assist with funding and offer periodic reviews to keep the plan current with changing circumstances and Tennessee law.
Step One: Initial Consultation and Goals Assessment
The first step is a detailed consultation where we learn about your family, assets, and planning priorities. During this meeting we discuss your reasons for considering a trust, identify assets that might be placed into the trust, and outline practical implications such as funding needs and successor trustee selection. This assessment helps us recommend whether a revocable living trust makes sense and which provisions will address your concerns. Clear expectations set at this stage lead to more efficient drafting and fewer surprises later.
Gathering Asset and Family Information
Collecting detailed information about real estate, bank accounts, retirement plans, life insurance, business interests, and personal property is necessary to design an effective trust. We also ask about family relationships, special needs, and beneficiary preferences so distribution language meets your intentions. Accurate information enables us to draft documents that work with existing titles and beneficiary designations and to create a funding plan that minimizes items left outside the trust. Clear documentation at the outset reduces the need for later amendments.
Discussing Trustee Roles and Distribution Goals
We discuss who will serve as trustee and successor trustee, the powers trustees should have, and how you want assets distributed to beneficiaries. These decisions shape trust provisions such as timing of distributions, conditions, and trustee authorities for investing and managing assets. Careful attention to these choices improves the likelihood that the trust will operate smoothly and according to your wishes. We also outline how the trust interacts with other documents like powers of attorney and beneficiary designations to ensure consistency across your plan.
Step Two: Drafting and Document Preparation
After the consultation and information gathering, we draft the trust instrument and any supporting documents such as a pour-over will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directive. The drafting phase focuses on precise language to reflect your objectives and to address potential contingencies. We review drafts with you to ensure clarity and make adjustments as needed. The goal is to produce a set of documents that are legally sound, understandable to trustees and beneficiaries, and aligned with Tennessee procedural requirements.
Preparing the Trust Instrument
Drafting the trust instrument includes specifying the grantor’s powers, trustee duties, successor trustee provisions, and distribution instructions. We include provisions for incapacity management and clear guidance for successor trustees about their authority and responsibilities. The trust also sets out any special distribution conditions and administrative procedures for paying debts and expenses. Reviewing the trust language with you helps ensure the document accurately reflects your wishes and is practical for those who will implement it.
Preparing Supporting Documents
Supporting documents such as a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives complement the trust by covering matters not held in trust and by providing authority for decision-making during incapacity. A pour-over will captures any assets unintentionally left out of the trust and directs them into the trust at probate if needed. Powers of attorney designate who can manage finances and health decisions while you are alive. Together, these documents create a cohesive plan that addresses a range of possible scenarios.
Step Three: Funding, Execution, and Ongoing Maintenance
Once documents are signed, funding the trust is a critical step that often requires transferring titles, updating account registrations, and coordinating with institutions. We provide guidance on deed preparation and account retitling and can work with relevant parties to ensure transfers are completed correctly. After funding, periodic reviews are recommended to address changes in family circumstances, asset holdings, or law. Keeping the trust and related documents current ensures they continue to function as intended over time.
Executing Documents and Transferring Titles
Execution involves signing documents according to Tennessee legal requirements, often in the presence of a notary and witnesses when necessary. Transferring titles to real property requires new deeds that place ownership in the name of the trust. For financial accounts, change-of-title forms or beneficiary designations may be required. Completing these administrative steps promptly after document execution helps prevent assets from remaining outside the trust and potentially becoming subject to probate, which can undermine the intended benefits of the trust arrangement.
Review and Periodic Updates
Life events such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and changes in financial holdings often necessitate updates to trust documents and related instruments. We recommend periodic reviews to ensure beneficiary designations, trustee selections, and asset titles remain consistent with your objectives. Making timely amendments when life changes occur helps avoid unintended outcomes and ensures the trust continues to reflect current wishes. Regular reviews also provide an opportunity to confirm that funding remains complete and to address evolving legal or tax considerations under Tennessee law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revocable Living Trusts
What is a revocable living trust and how does it differ from a will?
A revocable living trust is a legal document created during your lifetime that holds assets under terms you set while allowing you to retain control and the ability to amend or revoke the trust. Unlike a will, which takes effect only at death and generally requires probate to administer assets, a properly funded revocable living trust can permit successor management and may help avoid probate for assets held in the trust. Trusts provide a framework for both incapacity planning and post-death distribution while keeping certain matters out of public probate records. The trust often works alongside a pour-over will to handle any assets not timely transferred. A will remains useful for matters such as guardianship of minor children and for capturing assets inadvertently left out of a trust.
Do I still need a will if I have a revocable living trust?
Yes, it is common to have a will in addition to a revocable living trust. A pour-over will serves as a safety net to direct any assets that were not transferred into the trust into the trust at death. This arrangement helps ensure that property intended to be handled under the trust’s terms will eventually be administered with those instructions, even if funding steps were overlooked. The will also addresses matters a trust does not, such as naming guardians for minor children. Together, the trust and will form a coordinated plan to manage estate matters during incapacity and after death.
How do I fund a revocable living trust?
Funding a revocable living trust typically involves retitling assets so the trust appears as the owner or beneficiary on account records and deeds. For real property, this usually means executing a deed that transfers the property into the trust. For bank and investment accounts, you may change the account title or add the trust as an owner, or use payable-on-death designations as appropriate. Retirement accounts and certain assets may require different approaches because of tax or beneficiary rules, so careful coordination is needed. Many clients work with an attorney to prepare deeds and coordinate with financial institutions to ensure transfers are completed correctly.
Can I change or revoke the trust after it is created?
A revocable living trust can be amended or revoked by the grantor during their lifetime, assuming the grantor retains the necessary mental capacity to make such changes. This flexibility allows the trust to be updated as family circumstances, assets, or intentions change. When significant life changes occur, such as marriage, divorce, births, or deaths, updating the trust can ensure it continues to reflect current wishes. It is important to follow formal amendment or revocation procedures stated in the trust document and to ensure updated documents are properly executed and any necessary retitling or beneficiary updates are completed.
Who should I name as successor trustee?
Choosing a successor trustee requires selecting someone who is trustworthy, organized, and able to handle financial administration or who can hire professionals to assist with those duties. Some clients name a family member who understands the family dynamics and financial situation, while others choose a corporate trustee or an attorney to manage complexities. It is also common to name alternate successor trustees in case the primary successor is unwilling or unable to serve. Discuss the responsibilities with any potential successor trustee in advance so they understand the role and are prepared to act if needed.
Will a revocable living trust save me money on estate taxes?
A revocable living trust by itself does not usually provide estate tax savings because the grantor retains control of trust assets and they remain part of the grantor’s taxable estate. However, trusts can be one component of a broader estate tax strategy when used in coordination with other planning tools. Individuals concerned about estate taxes should discuss their overall financial picture and potential tax planning options with legal and tax advisers. For many Millersville residents, the primary motivations for a revocable living trust are probate avoidance, privacy, and incapacity planning rather than tax reduction.
What happens to my home if it is in the trust?
If your home is properly titled in the revocable living trust, the successor trustee can manage or transfer the property according to the trust’s instructions without separate probate proceedings for that asset. Placing the residence into the trust typically requires a deed transferring ownership to the trust, and this step should be coordinated with mortgage lenders and title professionals. Retaining liability and tax benefits such as the homestead exemptions should be considered when retitling. For homeowners, ensuring the deed and local records reflect trust ownership prevents the residence from being left outside the trust and subject to probate delays.
How does a trust help if I become incapacitated?
A revocable living trust helps with incapacity planning by naming a successor trustee who is authorized to manage the trust assets if the grantor becomes unable to do so. This arrangement allows for continuity in paying bills, managing investments, and caring for property without requiring a court-appointed conservator. The trust document can include clear instructions on when the successor trustee should assume duties and what powers they have. Combining a trust with a durable power of attorney and healthcare directives provides comprehensive coverage for financial and medical decision-making during incapacity.
What are common mistakes to avoid with trusts?
Common mistakes include failing to fund the trust fully, not coordinating beneficiary designations and account titles, naming ill-prepared successor trustees, and neglecting periodic reviews. Leaving assets titled in your own name defeats the purpose of many trust provisions and can result in unintended probate. Inconsistent or unclear distribution language can create confusion and disputes among beneficiaries, so clear drafting is important. Regularly reviewing documents after life events and maintaining accurate records of trust assets helps avoid many of these common pitfalls and ensures the plan operates as intended.
How often should I review my trust and estate plan?
It is advisable to review your trust and overall estate plan periodically and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant changes in asset values. A review every few years can help confirm that beneficiary designations, trustee selections, and asset titles remain aligned with your goals. Keeping the trust updated ensures it reflects your current wishes and prevents outdated provisions from causing problems. Reviews also allow you to take advantage of changes in law or to make improvements to administrative language that make implementation easier for successor trustees and family members.