A properly drafted trust can be an incredibly effective tool to use your resources in a way that will help protect children, even adult children, after you have passed away.  From what risks might they need protection?  I often refer to them as the “complications of life.”   Common examples are the devastating financial effects of debt, bankruptcy, divorce, and addictions. 

Probably the most common concern shared with me is the child who struggles with money.  While we cannot usually protect an adult child from poor choices they may make with their own money, that does not mean the money you pass on to them need be subject to those same poor choices.  It is possible to ensure your money is used to benefit your child rather than to further enable whatever struggles your child may have.