If properly funded, the revocable trust can avoid the probate of the grantor’s estate in grantor’s home jurisdiction and in other jurisdictions where the grantor owns real estate.

The revocable trust can be used effectively in a second (or subsequent) marriage to protect grantor’s assets so that they ultimately go to grantor’s children but can be used (in a limited manner) by grantor’s current spouse after grantor’s death. A trust is the best way to accomplish this goal.

If properly funded, the revocable trust can provide disability protection. If grantor’s assets are all in the trust and grantor becomes disabled, the Successor Trustee can continue to manage the trust assets without a durable power of attorney.

The revocable trust keeps the disposition of your estate private. Wills are recorded and become a part of the public record. Trusts are contracts between the grantors, the trustees and the beneficiaries. They are not published.

If you are married, a revocable trust can be written to shield your estate from some federal estate taxes by taking full advantage of the unified credit for each spouse.

A common misconception is that a revocable trust can shield the grantor’s estate from debts. This is not true. The assets in a revocable trust are subject to the debts of the Grantor.