Planning for the Terminally Ill Client, Part II

     As we discussed last time, when a client becomes seriously ill or is diagnosed with a terminal illness it is obviously a trying time, but a complete review of their estate planning documents is important. We previously discussed the Durable Power of Attorney and the Patient Advocate Designation, but a client's Trust and funding documents also require review.
     The client may have neglected to update their Living Trust despite changes in the client's financial situation and family situation. Their estate planning documents require revisions because of these changes in order to avoid adverse consequences. Items to consider include:

1. The value of assets in the Trust may have increased dramatically since the last time the Trust was reviewed. Distribution terms for spouse and children may need to change because of the increase in assets. 
2. If the spouse or the other family members have been identified as being spendthrifts, the terms of distribution may need significant revisions. Rather than allowing for automatic distributions within the spouse's total discretion, an "ascertainable standard" as defined by the IRS, may be more appropriate so that the Trustee has the ability to pay or withhold principal and/or income for the spouse's benefit. 
3. The children who are beneficiaries may have creditor issues, unhappy marriages or destructive dependencies, which may require restrictions on distributions to protect them from themselves. 
4. If the client has remarried since the last time the Living Trust was reviewed and modified, provisions may be needed to protect the children of the prior marriage. While it is normal for the client to want to protect the current spouse as long as the spouse is alive, the trust should provide for the eventual distribution of principal to the client's children. Otherwise, the second spouse may be able to distribute assets to her family, disinheriting the client's children. 
5. Because of the increased size of the estate, or because of changing charitable inclinations, a client may want to make charitable contributions at death. 
6. The client may no longer be comfortable with those persons designated as Trustees and Successor Trustees to administer the trust assets for the benefit of spouse and children. 
7. A client may want to revise the trust to protect the current spouse demanding children or a second spouse. 

     In addition to carefully reviewing the trust distribution provisions, a client should review the ownership of assets to confirm that all of the assets have been transferred to the Living Trust or beneficiary designations revised where appropriate, in order to avoid probate upon the client the death. If not, these transfers should be made soon as possible.
     Once these changes are handled, the client can be comfortable that if the worst happens, loved ones will be protected.

Alan Ferrara