Attorney John Marshall dives into the often-misunderstood topic of trust funding, explaining why a trust only works if assets are properly owned by or payable to it. He covers the differences between single and married clients in Florida, including the importance of tenants by the entirety for married couples, the use of Ladybird deeds for homestead property, and the proper handling of IRAs to protect beneficiaries and minimize taxes. This episode is essential for anyone who wants to ensure their trust is fully funded and achieves its purpose of avoiding probate, preserving privacy, and protecting assets.

00:00 – Introduction to trust funding and its importance 02:30 – Purpose of a trust: probate avoidance and privacy 04:00 – How trust funding works for single individuals 06:30 – Coupling trusts with powers of attorney for living asset management 08:30 – Trust funding considerations for married couples and tenants by the entirety 11:00 – Preserving protection for joint assets and planning for common accidents 13:30 – Homestead property and the use of Ladybird deeds in Florida 16:00 – Handling IRAs and inherited IRA protections 18:30 – Specific language and strategies for trust funding and creditor protection 20:00 – How Marshall Law supports clients in trust funding and administration

Trust Me It’s Complicated helps listeners navigate estate planning, trusts, and probate with clarity and confidence. Attorney John Marshall simplifies complex legal concepts, providing practical guidance to protect families, assets, and your legacy.