Trust Attorney in El Paso, TX | The Law Office of Steve Ortega, PLLC
A properly drafted trust can protect your assets, provide for your loved ones, and help your family avoid probate court. At The Law Office of Steve Ortega, PLLC, our experienced trust attorney in El Paso, TX, helps individuals and families create customized trust plans that preserve wealth, reduce taxes, and provide long-term security.
While a trust is similar to a will, it offers several powerful advantages. When assets are properly placed into a trust, they can pass directly to beneficiaries without going through probate. This saves time, reduces costs, and keeps your family’s affairs private. Our firm will help you determine whether a trust is right for you and identify the type of trust that best fits your goals.
How Do Trusts Work?
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee holds and manages assets for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. The trustee is responsible for managing, protecting, and distributing the assets in accordance with the terms you establish in the trust document.
Trusts are commonly used to:
-Avoid probate court
-Protect assets from mismanagement
-Provide for minor children or vulnerable beneficiaries
-Reduce estate and tax exposure
-Plan for incapacity
-Maintain privacy for your estate
Certain trusts also allow assets, property, or life insurance proceeds to pass to beneficiaries with significant tax advantages. By keeping assets out of probate, a trust helps your family avoid lengthy court delays and unnecessary legal expenses.
Benefits of Establishing a Trust
A well-structured trust can help you:
-Protect and preserve family assets
-Avoid probate and will contests
-Reduce estate taxes and administrative costs
-Plan for incapacity or disability
-Control how and when beneficiaries receive assets
-Provide long-term financial security for loved ones
In many cases, creating a trust is more cost-effective than relying solely on probate administration after death.
Types of Trusts We Offer
The Law Office of Steve Ortega, PLLC provides guidance on a wide range of trust planning options, including:
Living Trust (Revocable and Irrevocable)
A living trust is created during your lifetime to manage assets, avoid probate, and plan for incapacity. It may be revocable, allowing changes during your lifetime, or irrevocable, which cannot be changed and offers added asset protection and tax benefits.
Special Needs Trust
Designed to provide financial support for a disabled individual while preserving eligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid or SSI.
-Self-Settled Special Needs Trust
-Third-Party Special Needs Trust
Testamentary Trust
A trust created through a will that holds and distributes assets for beneficiaries according to specific instructions after death.
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)
Allows a life insurance policy to be excluded from your taxable estate, helping reduce estate taxes.
Crummey Trust
Allows tax-advantaged gifting for children or grandchildren, often used for education expenses.
Spendthrift Trust
Protects trust assets from creditors and prevents beneficiaries from misusing funds.
Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust)
Helps individuals qualify for Medicaid long-term care benefits when income exceeds eligibility limits.
Pet Trust
Ensures your pets are properly cared for if you become incapacitated or pass away.
Why Choose The Law Office of Steve Ortega, PLLC?
Our firm brings experience, attention to detail, and compassion to every estate planning matter. We take the time to understand your goals and craft a trust that provides protection now and peace of mind for the future.
Experienced in Texas estate planning and probate law
Personalized trust planning strategies
Clear explanations and guidance
Spanish-speaking services available
Speak With an El Paso Trust Attorney Today
Choosing the right trust can make a lasting difference for your family. Let The Law Office of Steve Ortega, PLLC help you protect your assets and plan with confidence.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a trusted trust attorney in El Paso, TX, and learn which trust best fits your situation.