Like so many financial matters, trust funds have been cloaked in mystery far too long. No longer limited to the super-rich, trusts can provide real benefits and peace of mind to people in everyday situations.

Why should you consider creating a trust?

• Do you fear that probate taxes will consume much of your estate?
  
  
• Do you want to put the management of your assets in the hands of experienced professionals who can handle your affairs in case of absence, extended disability and for the benefit of your heirs?
  
  
• Do you want to provide for a child or an adult in a way that encourages independence, without the burden of financial decisions they may not be capable of making themselves?
  
  
• Do you, a single parent, wish to financially provide for your child , while shielding him or her from the pressure of the other parent after your death?
  
  
• Do you wish to provide for the children of a prior marriage?
  
  
• Do you wish to give property to minors and still insure that those assets are safely managed until they are able to assume management themselves?

What is a trust?

A trust places assets in the hands of experienced managers who have a responsibility to administer those assets for the benefit of the beneficiary. Trusts can make money for the beneficiaries and save it for specific purposes, like a college education. Trusts can hold and manage assets for minors until they are able to manage them on their own. Trusts can administer assets and make financial decisions for an individual who is unwilling of unable to make those decisions for themselves.

The beneficiary can be the individual who sets up the trust, their heir or heirs, or any entity capable of holding property. There are a wide variety of different arrangements that all fall into the category of trusts.

• A Living Trust is created during a persons life to benefit themselves, although it may pass to their heirs at death. Some living trusts can be amended or revoked, some cannot, it all depends on how they are established.
  
  
• A Testamentary Trust, also called a trust under will, becomes effective at an individual's death, like a will. But unlike a will, a trust agreement is not a public document and may be harder to overturn in court than a will.
  
  
• A Charitable Trust establishes a trust for the benefit of a charity or a group of charities.

What is a trustee?

A trustee can be a person, organization, or corporation, who administers assets placed in a trust. Union Bank & Trust Company has been a corporate trustee in its community for over 50 years. Because trusts may involve ongoing relationships with your heirs and others you care about, you can appoint a trusted friend or family member co-trustee to work with the financial professionals at UB&T.

Most importantly, when you discuss your personal trust with a UB&T trust officer, you are talking to the people who will actually serve as trustee, not people sending a file to Chicago or Milwaukee. Our commitment to local decision making gives you the assurance that decisions made about your trust are made with the best interests of both your beneficiary and your community in mind.

Won't a trust cost a great deal to operate?

At Union Bank & Trust Company, fees can be a fixed amount or a percentage of the assets that are managed. Fees are determined by the services and the anticipated amount of work required to properly invest the trust's assets. Understanding what you want in a trust and learning the specific fees for that service is an important part of trust planning.

You may find that the tax savings and the knowledge that your assets will be professionally managed outweigh the costs of both establishing and maintaining a trust.

How do I set up a Trust?

Setting up a trust requires you, an attorney and the financial institution or person you select as trustee. It is an important financial decision as well as a legal one. Take the time to talk with potential trustees, explain your situation, and listen to their ideas.