Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts

Where Most People Start

Questions We Help You Answer

You don't need to have all the answers before reaching out. These are the kinds of questions our clients bring to us every day — and we're here to work through them with you.

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"Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?"

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"How do I avoid my family going through probate?"

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"What happens if I become incapacitated?"

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"Are my beneficiary designations up to date?"

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"How can I minimize estate taxes for my heirs?"

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"How do I leave money to my grandchildren responsibly?"

Let's Talk Through Your Questions

What We Cover

Key Components of a Comprehensive Estate Plan

A thorough estate plan goes beyond simply having a will. It encompasses a range of documents and strategies designed to protect you during your lifetime and ensure your wishes are carried out after.

Wills

A will is the foundation of any estate plan. It specifies how your assets should be distributed, names guardians for minor children, and designates an executor to manage your estate. Without a will, the state decides these matters for you.

Trusts

Trusts allow you to transfer assets outside of probate, potentially reduce estate taxes, and maintain control over how and when beneficiaries receive their inheritance. Revocable and irrevocable trusts serve different purposes depending on your goals.

Powers of Attorney

Designating a power of attorney ensures that someone you trust can make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Without this document, your family may face costly court proceedings.

Healthcare Directives

A healthcare directive, or living will, outlines your wishes for medical care if you are unable to communicate them yourself. A healthcare proxy designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.

Beneficiary Designations

Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts pass by beneficiary designation — not through your will. Regularly reviewing and updating these designations is a critical but often overlooked part of estate planning.

Tax Efficiency

Proper estate planning can significantly reduce the tax burden on your heirs. Strategies such as gifting, charitable trusts, and generation-skipping trusts can help preserve more of your wealth for future generations.

Free Resource

Download Our Estate Planning Checklist

Not sure where to start? Our checklist walks you through the essential documents, conversations, and decisions every family should address — whether you're creating your first plan or updating an existing one.

Get the Free Checklist

Common Questions

Estate Planning FAQs

Straightforward answers to the questions we hear most often.

What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will is a legal document that directs how your assets are distributed after death and goes through probate court. A trust, on the other hand, allows assets to transfer outside of probate, often faster and more privately. At Trillium Wealth, we help you determine which approach — or combination — makes the most sense for your family's situation.

How often should I update my estate plan?

You should review your estate plan every three to five years, or whenever you experience a major life event such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in assets. We build estate plan reviews into our ongoing financial planning process so nothing falls through the cracks. Reach out to schedule a review.

What is a power of attorney and do I need one?

A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes someone you trust to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may need to go through expensive and time-consuming court proceedings. Most adults benefit from having both a financial and healthcare power of attorney in place.

How does estate planning affect my taxes?

Proper estate planning can significantly reduce the tax burden passed on to your heirs. Strategies like gifting, charitable trusts, and generation-skipping trusts can help preserve more of your wealth. At Trillium Wealth, we coordinate estate and tax planning together to create a holistic strategy for your family.

What happens if I die without an estate plan?

If you pass away without an estate plan, state intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed — and those laws may not reflect your wishes. This often results in delays, added costs, family disputes, and assets going to unintended recipients. Having even a basic plan in place gives you control over what happens next.

At what net worth do I need estate planning?

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. If you have dependents, own property, hold retirement accounts, or simply want a say in your medical care decisions, you can benefit from an estate plan. Trillium Wealth works with families at various stages of wealth to create plans tailored to their unique circumstances. Let's talk about your situation.

Related Services

Estate Planning Works Best Alongside These Services

Your estate plan doesn't exist in a vacuum. It connects directly to your tax strategy and retirement goals. Here's how we bring it all together.

Tax Planning

Coordinate your estate and tax strategies to minimize what your heirs owe and maximize what they keep.

Learn more

Retirement Planning

Your retirement plan and estate plan are deeply connected. We make sure your income strategy and legacy goals work hand in hand.