Living Trust Attorney in Utah
If you want greater control over how your assets are managed during your lifetime and passed on after your death, a trust-based estate plan may be the right solution. A properly designed living trust can provide continuity, privacy, and flexibility that a will alone often cannot.
At LegacyGuard Legal, our estate and trust attorneys help Utah families create legally sound, customized trust plans that protect what matters most—both now and in the future.
A Smarter Way to Protect Your Family’s Future
What Is a Living Trust in Utah?
A living trust (often called a revocable trust) is a legal arrangement in which you transfer ownership of your assets to a trust you control during your lifetime. You typically serve as your own trustee, maintaining full authority over your property while you are able. You also name a successor trustee to step in and manage the trust if you become incapacitated or when you pass away.
Unlike a will, which only becomes effective at death and must go through probate, a living trust:
- Becomes effective as soon as it is created and funded
- Can provide management of assets if you are incapacitated
- Allows assets to pass to beneficiaries without court supervision
- Keeps family and financial matters private
Why Many Utah Families Choose Trust & Will Estate Planning
A trust-based plan is often paired with a pour-over will and powers of attorney to create a complete estate planning strategy. This coordinated approach can:
- Reduce or avoid probate for trust-owned assets
- Provide smoother transitions during incapacity
- Protect minor children and vulnerable beneficiaries
- Allow for customized distribution schedules and safeguards
Our estate planning attorneys design your plan to reflect your values, family structure, and long-term goals—not just default legal rules.
How a Trust Can Be Better Than a Will for Some Families
A will must be submitted to the probate court before assets can be distributed. Probate can take months, involves court oversight, and creates a public record of your estate.
A properly funded trust allows assets held in the trust to transfer directly to beneficiaries under the terms you set—often:
- Saving time and administrative costs
- Preserving privacy
- Reducing stress for loved ones
Trusts also allow you to control how and when beneficiaries receive assets. This is especially helpful when:
- Beneficiaries are minors
- A loved one has special needs
- You want to stagger distributions over time
- You want added protection from creditors or poor financial decisions
Frequently Asked Questions
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It is a legal document in which you authorize another person to act on your behalf in financial, property, or other specified legal matters.
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If you want someone to be able to manage your real estate, bank accounts, or other financial matters in the event of incapacity, a power of attorney is an important part of your estate plan.
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Your family may need to ask the court to appoint a guardian or conservator to manage your affairs, which can involve time, expense, and court supervision.
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Yes. As long as you have legal capacity, you can revoke or amend your power of attorney at any time.
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Yes. Each state has its own statutory requirements for powers of attorney. If you own property or conduct business in multiple states, an estate planning attorney can help ensure your documents are properly recognized.
