David and Sarah have three children: Emily, 34; Daniel, 31; and Sophie, 27.
Their revocable trust leaves everything to their children in separate trusts designed to last for each child's lifetime.
David understands the rationale. A trust can protect an inheritance from creditors, divorce, poor financial decisions and other risks.
But Emily is a successful physician. Daniel has a young family and manages his finances responsibly. Sophie owns a growing business.
David's question is simple:
If they're responsible adults at 40, why shouldn't they just get the money?
It is a fundamental estate-planning choice: Should a child's inheritance remain in trust for life, or should the trust eventually end and distribute the assets outright?