A trust is one of the most flexible and protective tools in estate planning. Whether you want to shield assets from probate, provide for a child with special needs, or protect your savings from long-term care costs, the right trust structure puts you in control of what happens to everything you’ve built.
At Full Circle Estate Planning and Probate, LLC, we bring genuine care to every trust matter we handle in Wichita and across Kansas. Contact us today or call (316) 290-9534 to get started with a free consultation.
Why Families in Wichita Choose Full Circle Estate Planning and Probate, LLC
Wichita, KS, has no shortage of estate planning attorneys. What makes Full Circle different is not a list of credentials. It is how we work with people.
Estate planning touches some of the hardest moments in life: illness, aging, loss, and the fear of leaving family unprepared. We see what clients are going through, and we treat them accordingly. That means honest conversations about what a trust can and cannot do, clear explanations of your options, and follow-through long after the documents are signed.
We also connect clients with grief counseling resources (offered at a discount) and go the extra mile in ways most firms do not, right down to baking cookies for the clients we serve. That is not a gimmick. It reflects how we think about this work.
What Is a Trust and How Does It Work?
A trust is a legal arrangement in which one party (the trustee) holds and manages assets on behalf of one or more beneficiaries according to the terms you set. Unlike a will, a trust can take effect during your lifetime, does not go through probate, and can include detailed instructions for how and when assets are distributed.
Trusts are especially useful when:
- You want to avoid the delay and public record of probate court
- You have minor children or a loved one who cannot manage finances independently
- You want to plan for long-term care costs without spending down your life savings
- You own property in more than one state
- You want control over what happens to your assets after death and not just over who receives them
Common Types of Trusts We Help Clients Create
Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable living trust is the most common trust used in estate planning. You create it during your lifetime, retain full control, and can modify or revoke it at any time. At death, the trust passes assets directly to your beneficiaries without going through probate. This saves time, reduces costs, and keeps your estate private.
A revocable trust also allows you to name a successor trustee who steps in immediately if you become incapacitated, avoiding the need for a court-supervised guardianship or conservatorship.
Irrevocable Trusts
Once signed, an irrevocable trust generally cannot be changed. In exchange for giving up control, you gain significant legal protections. Assets placed in an irrevocable trust are typically shielded from creditors and may not count against you for Medicaid eligibility purposes, depending on how and when the trust was established.
If asset protection and long-term care planning are a concern, and for many Kansas families, they should be, an irrevocable trust may be worth serious consideration.
Special Needs Trusts
A special needs trust allows you to leave assets to a loved one with a disability without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Without this structure, an inheritance can disqualify a beneficiary from the very programs they depend on.
Special needs trusts require careful drafting. We focus on this area and understand the technical requirements that keep these trusts compliant and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Trust If I Already Have a Will?
A will and a trust serve different purposes. A will goes through probate, which is a public court process that can take months or longer. A trust passes assets directly to your beneficiaries and keeps your estate private. Many people benefit from having both, but whether a trust makes sense depends on your assets, your family situation, and your goals.
How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Trust in Kansas?
Trust costs vary depending on the challenges of your estate and the type of trust involved. At Full Circle, our focus is on getting you what you actually need, not on maximizing billable hours. We discuss fees openly before any work begins.
Can I Change My Trust After It Is Signed?
If you have a revocable living trust, yes, you can modify or revoke it at any time while you are alive and have legal capacity. An irrevocable trust, by contrast, is very difficult to change after signing. That distinction matters and is something we discuss thoroughly before recommending an irrevocable structure.
What Happens to My Trust When I Die?
The successor trustee you named takes over and follows the instructions in your trust document. Assets are distributed to beneficiaries according to your terms, without a probate proceeding. This is one of the main advantages of a properly funded trust.
Is a Trust Public Record?
No. Unlike a will, which becomes public when it enters probate, a trust remains private. Only the trustee and beneficiaries need to see its contents.
Speak to Our Wichita Trust Attorney Today
If you are thinking about a trust, whether you are just starting to plan or trying to update a plan that no longer fits your life, Full Circle Estate Planning and Probate, LLC is ready to help. We focus on trust and estate planning for Kansas families, and we bring the same personal attention to every client we serve.
Reach out to our team online or call (316) 290-9534 to schedule your free consultation.
