As the Name Implies: Your Guide to Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts

One of the most popular strategies for passing assets from generation to generation is with the help of a trust.

“One benefit of having a trust is avoiding probate,” said Robert Siuty, a senior financial consultant at TD Ameritrade. “A trust spells out the wishes of the grantor and provides some degree of control beyond the grave.” 

Before you decide to set up a trust, though, it’s important to understand the difference between two of the most common types: revocable and irrevocable trusts. (You may have also heard the term “living trust,” or in lawyer-speak, the Latin inter vivos. That simply means the trust was made during your lifetime.)

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts: The Difference

According to Siuty, the main difference between a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust is just what the words imply. A revocable trust is one that you can “take back” later. You can also make changes to the way it works. An irrevocable trust, on the other hand, can’t be altered once it’s in place. You’re stuck with it, and there are quite a few other restrictions that come with an irrevocable trust.

However, an irrevocable trust might also come with some benefits, such as asset protection, that might not always be available with a revocable trust.

What Is a Revocable Trust?

Most living trusts are set up as revocable. A revocable trust is still part of the estate, Siuty explained.

“The assets are still owned by the grantor of the trust and can be removed,” he said. “It’s possible to make changes to how beneficiaries receive the money.”

On the other hand, Siuty warned, a revocable trust is also subject to litigation. Because the assets can still be controlled by the grantor, creditors and others can come after the assets later.

Setting up a revocable trust can be a valuable strategy for estate planning and provide a way to manage assets in a way that can benefit your heirs in the future. It allows you to maintain a high level of control, meaning you can make changes to the trust as needed. Some grantors also appreciate that it’s possible to remove assets from a revocable trust at a later time, which can make it easier to respond to changing financial situations or changing family dynamics.

What Is an Irrevocable Trust?

An irrevocable trust, as its name implies, can’t be changed once it’s in place.

“An irrevocable trust gets the assets out of the estate. They’re no longer owned by the grantor; they’re owned by the trust,” said Siuty. “It’s a way of protecting assets for beneficiaries and offers more protection from a litigation standpoint.”

Another consideration with an irrevocable trust is that, although you can dictate how you want the assets to be used when you set up the trust, you can’t change things later. And you can’t be a major beneficiary of the trust. Some states allow you to provide income to meet your living needs, but for the most part, you won’t be able to control the trust or be a major beneficiary once you establish and fund it.

“You have a lot less control with an irrevocable trust,” Siuty pointed out. “But depending on your goals and needs, it can still make a lot of sense.”

Consider carefully which assets you want to include in the trust and which you might keep out. That’s because once the assets are turned over to an irrevocable trust, they’re no longer technically yours. Depending on the situation, it might not make sense to put everything in the trust.

Benefits of Using a Trust

Whether you use a revocable or irrevocable trust, there are some benefits that might come from using trusts as part of your estate planning, according to Siuty:

• Avoid probate after you pass on
• Spell out your wishes as the grantor
• Control how beneficiaries receive assets
• Define succession
• Put gifting strategies in place while you’re still alive

If you decide you want to use a trust as part of your estate planning or gifting strategy, Siuty recommended sitting down with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney who can help you understand the pros and cons of a revocable versus irrevocable trust. A good attorney can also help you structure your trust in a way that fits your goals and your situation.

“In some cases, a trust can be a great way to prevent the value of your estate from being eaten up, while making sure your legacy continues,” said Siuty. “It’s worth looking into to see if it’s right for you.”

Bottom Line on Living Trusts and Estate Planning

Perhaps the most common misperception about trusts—and estate planning in general—is that trusts are just for the wealthy. It’s true that for the 2020 tax year, an estate tax filing is required only on estates valued above $11.58 million, but tax laws have been known to change. Besides, who wouldn’t want to have at least some control over how their assets are dispensed after they die?

Plus, estate planning is a way to set clear goals—for yourself, for your loved ones, and for your favorite charities—on your own terms. One place to start is with the estate planning checklist below.