Category: Trusts

Common Mistakes to Avoid Without a Retirement Plan Trust Attorney

Retirement planning shapes how well your savings carry you through the years when work slows down. Many people fund 401(k)s or IRAs, yet small missteps can shave off years of comfort later on. At the Law Office of David S. Schleiffarth, LLC, in St. Louis, we focus on practical plans that protect families and their […]

Published on January 7, 2026

Understanding the Basics of a Generation Skipping Trust

Standard wealth transfer often acts like a “leaky bucket,” losing value to estate taxes at every generation. A Generation-Skipping Trust (GST) prevents this by moving assets to beneficiaries at least 37.5 years younger, typically grandchildren, while often still providing income to your children. With the 2025 lifetime exemption at $13.99 million, this strategy is essential […]

Published on December 17, 2025

How to Choose a Trustee

Selecting your trustee is one of the most important responsibilities you will have as you set up a trust. However, while you may be inclined to select a family member to act as the trustee, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages, the responsibilities of your trustees, and how trustees work before you […]

Published on December 20, 2022

What is a Trust Protector? 

As you are forming your Trusts and planning the details of your estate, one of the most important details you may be considering is implementing a Trust Protector. However, if your Trust already has a Trustee, do you really need a Trust Protector?  Understanding the role and responsibilities of a trust protector is essential before […]

Published on December 20, 2022

Qualified Spousal Trusts in Missouri

In Missouri, a married couple’s trust (meeting specific criteria) can provide unique asset protection characteristics. What Is A “Qualified Spousal Trust” (QST)? In Missouri, a Qualified Spousal Trust (QST) allows property owned by a married couple’s trust to be treated as “Tenancy by the Entireties.” What Is “Tenancy By The Entireties?” In Missouri, “Tenants-by-the-Entireties” (TBE) […]

Published on December 13, 2022

What happens if I don’t have a Successor Trustee?

If a Trust does not have any living Successor Trustees, very likely a professional fiduciary would be appointed by the court. However, having your Trust (and beneficiaries) deal with the cost and hassles of the court is not ideal. Here are some helpful considerations. When preparing a Trust, it is wise to have a sufficiently […]

Published on November 16, 2022

Wills vs. Trusts

Take a look at two crucial Estate Planning documents. Learn more about the differences between wills and trusts and which might be more appropriate for your goals.

Published on October 27, 2022

What happens to a Joint Trust when one spouse dies?

For Joint Revocable Living Trusts formed by married couples, minimal changes occur (regarding the Trust) upon the death of the first spouse. However, the changes are significant upon the surviving spouse’s death. When a married couple creates a standard Revocable Living Trust (RLT), they typically act as the: 1. Joint Settlors (creators of the Trust). […]

Published on October 12, 2022

How do I move personal property into my Trust?

Personal Property and assets that do not have a formal title of ownership transfer to one’s Trust by signing an “Assignment of Personal Property” or a “Bill of Sale.” It is important to remember that a Revocable Living Trust (or any other Trust) can only manage, hold, or distribute assets over which it has ownership. […]

Published on October 7, 2022