Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Trust?
A Trust is a legal arrangement between yourself and a Trustee where the legal title to your assets is transferred from yourself to the Trustee. In turn, the Trustee holds these assets on your behalf, exclusively for the benefit of the beneficiaries of the Trust.
A trust if often used as a tool for succession planning, asset protection, and tax-efficiency purposes.
What is the role of the Trustee?
A Trustee holds a fiduciary duty to carry out the wishes of the settlor for the exclusive benefit and advancement of the beneficiaries of the Trust.
Their role is to manage the Trust assets on your behalf while you are alive and upon your death. They handle day-to-day administration matters of the Trust, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and make decisions regarding the investments and distributions from the Trust.
Who are the parties involved in a Trust?
Settlor - An individual or entity that establishes the Trust who legally transfers the control of assets to the Trustee
Protector - An individual or entity appointed to direct and guide the Trustee in the administration of the Trust
Beneficiary - An individual or group of individuals for whom the Trust is created for, who stand to benefit from the Trust according to the intentions of the Settlor
Investment Manager - An individual or entity appointed to oversee the management of the assets held within the Trust
What type of assets are allowed to be placed within a Trust?
Almost all forms of property can be placed within a Trust, such as:
Cash
Investment Portfolios
Life Insurance Policies
Residential / Commercial Properties
Private Investment Companies
Operating Companies
Art Pieces and Artifacts
Is there a minimum value of assets to be placed within a Trust?
Trusts are versatile instruments which can be used for a variety of purposes to achieve specific objectives. Accordingly, there is no minimum amount of assets that would be required to be placed within a Trust.
What are the fees involved in creating a Trust?
We believe in a transparent pricing policy, and offer clients a flat-fee that is determined at the onset of our relationship.
The fees involved in the establishment and maintenance of a Trust is annual of nature and dependent on the following factors:
The type and value of assets placed within a Trust
The expected level of activity of the Trust
The associated risks and general reporting requirements of the Trust