Trusts Explained Simply for Seniors
A trust is a legal arrangement that allows someone you choose to hold and manage assets for the benefit of your beneficiaries. Trusts offer several advantages over wills alone including avoiding probate and providing more control over asset distribution. Understanding the basics helps you decide if this option is right for you.
信托是一种法律安排，允许你选择的人为受益人的利益持有和管理资产。信托提供了几个比单独遗嘱更好的优势，包括避免遗嘱认证。了解基础知识有助于你决定这个选项是否适合你。
A revocable living trust is the most common type for seniors. You transfer assets into the trust during your lifetime and continue to control them as trustee. If you become incapacitated your successor trustee takes over management without court involvement. After your death assets pass directly to beneficiaries without probate.
可撤销生前信托是老年人最常见的类型。你在生前将资产转入信托并继续作为受托人控制它们。如果你失去行为能力，继任受托人接管管理无需法院介入。你去世后资产直接传给受益人。
Irrevocable trusts offer asset protection and potential tax advantages but require giving up control. These trusts can protect assets from nursing home costs. However you generally cannot change or revoke them once established. Consult with an estate planning attorney to understand which type suits your needs.
不可撤销信托提供资产保护和潜在的税收优势，但需要放弃控制权。这些信托可以保护资产免受养老院费用的影响。然而一旦建立通常无法更改或撤销。咨询遗产规划律师。
The cost of setting up a trust varies depending on complexity. While a trust costs more upfront than a simple will it may save money by avoiding probate fees. Trusts also provide privacy as they do not become public records like wills. Discuss your options with an attorney.
设立信托的费用因复杂程度而异。虽然信托的前期费用比简单遗嘱高，但通过避免遗嘱认证费用可能节省资金。信托还提供隐私，因为它们不会像遗嘱那样成为公共记录。
