Tupper Butler Law

An estate plan, specifically a trust, prevents a child’s inheritance from being given to them as an unprotected lump sum at age 18. A trust provides a framework for responsibly managing the inheritance over time.

While it's something that none of us want to think about, it's something we, as parents, should all consider - for a family without an estate plan, a judge will decide who raises children and manages any inheritance of children that have lost their parents. This person may not be someone the parents would choose. A will is the only way for parents to nominate a legal guardian for their minor child. This nomination is crucial, as it gives clear guidance about the parent’s wishes and carries significant weight in court.

According to the College Board, the average tuition and fees for the 2025–2026 academic year are $11,950 for a four-year in-state public institution; $31,880 for a four-year out-of-state public institution; $45,000 for a four-year nonprofit private institution; and $4,150 for a two-year public institution.

If postsecondary education is in your family's future, the following tools can be excellent additions to your estate plan to help provide for education needs.

Saving for School: Planning for Your Family’s Education According to the College Board, the average tuition and fees for the 2025–2026 academic year are $11,950 for a four-year in-state public institution; $31,880 for a four-year out-of-state public institution; $45,000 for a four-year nonprofit private institution; and $4,150 for a two-year public in....

In short, not every family needs a trust to achieve their objectives, it can serve as a valuable resource for those seeking greater control or possessing unique financial planning requirements.

Planning for your children’s or grandchildren’s education is a critical part of your legacy. Did you know that there are multiple estate planning tools beyond 529 plans that can help you save for school while offering unique tax advantages and flexibility?

Parents generally try to treat all their children fairly. We often assume that fairness means leaving an equal inheritance to each child. However, “fair” does not always mean “equal.” A thoughtful estate plan considers each child's unique circumstances to create distributions that truly support their needs.

Treating Children Fairly Does Not Necessarily Mean Equally Parents generally try to treat all their children fairly. We often assume that fairness means leaving an equal inheritance to each child. However, “fair” does not always mean “equal.” A thoughtful estate plan considers each child's unique circumstances to create distributions that truly supp...

Let us help you plan for the future and provide a feeling of ease about your children's future.

This approach can create unanticipated and undesirable consequences. One consequence is gift tax issues. Another consequence is losing a full step-up in tax basis. This choice also exposes your home to your child’s creditors, lawsuits, or divorce. In addition, you may now require your child’s consent to sell, refinance, or mortgage the property. If you have more than one child, adding only one of them to the deed to your home could also backfire by creating unwanted family tension or confusion around what should happen to your property at your death. Message us today, for assistance.

The way your real estate is titled—whether it’s your primary residence or an investment property—dictates who controls it, how exposed it is to creditors, and what happens to it after you pass away. Our latest blog post breaks down the different types of real estate ownership to help you decide how best to title and protect your property.