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At one time, many people viewed trusts as tools used only in extraordinary circumstances. However, with the advent of living trusts as a tool to avoid probate, trusts have become a popular choice for accomplishing a range of objectives in estate planning.
At Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC, we can prepare trusts to meet your needs or assist with administration of an existing trust in Northern Virginia, Maryland, or DC. We work with you to find the most economical solutions to provide the protection you need without unnecessary complexity.
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Stephanie Himel did an incredible job supporting me and my spouse during our estate planning. She patiently walked us through the ways we could ensure our children would be protected if one or both of us died or was i…Read Full Google Review
Kayla Williams
Our 20+ year old will, trusts and associated docs needed a review and update. On the recommendation of a friend, we reached out to the Jennifer Porter Law firm and were promptly contacted by a partner, Stephanie Himel…Read Full Google Review
John Munnell
I recently had the pleasure of working with Stephanie Himel-Nelson at Jennifer Porter Law Firm’s Norfolk office to create power of attorney documents for my adult son and myself. Stephanie was incredibly responsive an…Read Full Google Review
Seta Vandegrift
We take the time to truly listen and understand your needs.
Attention to detail that larger firms often overlook.
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Jennifer Porter
Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC
Trusts are artificial legal devices that people set up to hold property for themselves or for others. Your estate planning attorney can create trusts with many different characteristics depending on what you plan to use the trust for.
Some trusts are revocable, which means you can change them or cancel that at any time. Other trusts are irrevocable so that they may be difficult or impossible to change. While an irrevocable trust lacks flexibility, it provides greater insulation and protection.
Trusts can be used for a variety of purposes including:
When you place property in an irrevocable trust, it no longer belongs to you but to the trust. That is why the property is protected from creditors and not counted against you when determining eligibility for income-based benefits. Property placed in a revocable trust, by contrast, generally remains under your control.
Had an absolutely great experience. Not exactly stuff you want to do, but they do everything to make it as painless as possible. Stephanie and Jennifer both had great bedside manner, explaining patiently everything an…Read Full Google Review
Michael Hudson
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Stephanie Himel-Nelson for the past 4 years. Her knowledge and skills in the area of Estate Planning and Contract Law are unparalleled. On a personal level, Stephanie is warm, kin…Read Full Google Review
Patrick O'Hara
The person who establishes a trust and puts property into the trust is often known as the grantor. Once property is in the trust, it is controlled by the trustee. The trustee could be an individual or it could be a bank or other organization.
The trustee has a fiduciary duty to manage property in the trust in a way that benefits the trust rather than the trustee personally. This is a special legal duty. Trustees also have other duties which vary according to the nature of the trust. They might be required to file tax returns, keep particular types of records, and make periodic distributions in accordance with legal rules and the terms of the trust document.
When it becomes challenging to manage these duties, professional help can be invaluable. Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC can help you understand and comply with your obligations if you are a trustee, or we can take on trustee or other duties associated with the trust.
All decisions regarding the trust are supposed to be made for the good of the beneficiary, who is the person (or people) supported by the trust. For instance, if parents wanted to establish a special needs trust for an adult child, the parents would be the grantors and the child would be the beneficiary. The trustee could be a family member or it could be a financial professional experienced in complying with trust distribution rules.
With a revocable living trust established to avoid probate, the person who establishes the trust—the grantor—also serves as their own trustee and beneficiary. They can use all the property for their own benefit. If they become incapacitated or when they pass away, the person they name as their alternate trustee takes over management of the trust. After death, property in the trust goes to whoever has been named the alternate beneficiary, so it does not get held up in probate.
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Working with Stephanie throughout this process was so perfect. Her bedside manner and guidance throughout the preparation and execution of our estate plan was incredible. Truly a bespoke legal experience and I highly…Read Full Google Review
Kate Hudson
Before hiring Ms. Nelson, I was deeply concerned about becoming a burden to my children and leaving behind unresolved estate matters during their grief process. Having experienced the devastation of losing both my mot…Read Full Google Review
Jackson Child Care
Ms. Himel-Nelson is such a smart and impressive attorney– she mastered a mountain of research to answer some really complicated questions for me. I was really fortunate to work with her!…Read Full Google Review
Melody W
Trusts can be so versatile that they can be overwhelming to contemplate. At Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC, we would be happy to review your situation and help you determine whether one or more trusts could be the best option to protect your family from unnecessary losses and delays in the future. Just schedule a consultation to get started.
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Stephanie Himel-Nelson at Jennifer Porter Law was very helpful when we needed some legal work done on the deed to our house. The process was easy, with quick results.…Read Full Google Review
Stephen Hock
Ms Nelson was extremely helpful in advising me and helping me with the paperwork that needs to occur when your child turns 18. She was very knowledgeable, thorough and efficient. I am very pleased and will be having h…Read Full Google Review
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