Stewardship Trust

When you believe that every possession is a gift from God, then you are committed to stewardship: the effective management of your possessions during your lifetime, and the maximum preservation upon your death.

When you think of stewardship, you may want to consider the benefits of a Stewardship Trust.

What is a Stewardship Trust?

A Stewardship Trust is a revocable living trust which is a legal document that has many similarities to a will. In fact, it does what most people think a will does an more.

With a will, you plan for disposition of your possessions upon death. Like a will, a Stewardship Trust can allow you to pass your estate to your beneficiaries privately without expensive court proceedings and without the delay of probate. However, the Stewardship Trust goes one step further. It allows you to instruct your trustee as to how you want your assets managed during your lifetime in the event an illness or accident prevents you from handling your own affairs, and it carries through your distribution desires after death. In addition, estate taxes can be reduced or eliminated.

That's why a Stewardship Trust makes good sense.

Avoid Legal Delays and Probate Costs

Since you transfer ownership of your assets to your Trust, the Trust becomes the title holder and those assets will not pass through the probate process.

The assets within your Trust will, therefore, pass freely to your loved ones and ministries without complications or delays.

Retain Control of Your Assets

A Stewardship Trust is designed for the living!

It's for people who want the use of their assets when they need them. You can add to a Stewardship Trust, withdraw from it, or completely eliminate it at your discretion. But, unlike a will, a Stewardship Trust offers continuity. It remains intact even if you should move from state to state.

Reduce or Eliminate Estate Taxes

A simple provision can be included in your Trust to preserve the marital deduction upon the death of the first spouse. You simply use both estate exemptions to which you are entitled.

Maintain Privacy or Your Estate Matters

Since the assets within your Trust avoid the probate process, your Trust is not filed in court and does not become a matter of public record.