What is a Dynasty Trust and Why Should You Have One in Florida?

By: C. Richard Mancini, Esq.

Estate planning is essential to managing your wealth and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. One of the effective ways to protect your assets and ensure they are passed on to future generations is through a dynasty trust. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a dynasty trust is and why you should consider one in Florida.

What is a Dynasty Trust?

A dynasty trust is a type of trust designed to provide long-term financial security for your family. Unlike other types of trusts, which usually have a limited lifespan, a dynasty trust can last for generations. The trust is structured to allow the assets to grow and compound over time, providing a source of income and financial security for your family for generations to come.

In a dynasty trust, the assets are transferred into the trust and managed by a trustee. The trustee is responsible for managing the assets, making investment decisions, and distributing income and principal to the beneficiaries of the trust. The beneficiaries can be your children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren, depending on the terms of the trust.

Why Should You Have a Dynasty Trust in Florida?

There are several reasons why you should consider a dynasty trust as part of your estate plan, especially if you live in Florida.

1. Protect Assets from Creditors. One of the primary benefits of a dynasty trust is that it can protect your assets from creditors. Assets held in a properly structured dynasty trust are generally protected from creditors, providing an additional layer of security for your assets.
2. Reduce Estate Tax Liability. Another benefit of a dynasty trust is that it can help reduce estate tax liability. Florida has no state estate tax, but there is still a federal estate tax to consider. By transferring assets into a dynasty trust, you can reduce the size of your taxable estate, potentially reducing your estate tax liability.
3. Long-Term Financial Security. A dynasty trust is an effective way to provide long-term financial security for your family. By structuring the trust to last for multiple generations, you can ensure that your family will have a source of income and financial security for years to come.
4. Control over Asset Distribution. A dynasty trust also allows you to maintain control over how your assets are distributed after your death. You can specify how and when the assets are distributed, ensuring that your wishes are carried out even after your death.

Take-Away

A dynasty trust is an effective way to protect your assets, reduce estate tax liability, and provide long-term financial security for your family. Consider speaking with an estate planning attorney to discuss whether a dynasty trust is right for you and your family.

Our estate planning attorneys can ensure that all of your bases are covered. To schedule an appointment, please contact me at richard.mancini@henlaw.com or by phone at 239-344-1254.