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Phase 2 – Trusts, Strategy & Asset Protection explores trusts, probate, revocable living trusts, and strategies for managing assets during life and after death.

Estate Planning Series – Phase 2

Phase 2 of the Estate Planning Series focuses on how trusts work, why families often choose them, and how to properly structure, fund, and maintain them. This phase moves beyond basic definitions and into practical planning—helping you avoid common mistakes that can quietly undo even well-intentioned estate plans.

Rather than treating trusts as abstract legal tools, Phase 2 explains how they function in real life, how they interact with your assets, and how to use them thoughtfully to protect what you’ve built.

What You’ll Learn

Phase 2 walks you through the practical realities of trust-based planning—focusing on structure, execution, and long-term effectiveness.

Topics include:

  • What revocable living trusts are and why many families use them
  • Key differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts
  • How to properly fund a trust across different asset types
  • Common trust mistakes and how to avoid them
  • Assets that should not be placed into a trust
  • Choosing the right trustee and successor trustee
  • How to transfer property into a trust correctly
  • Comparing life estates and living trusts for home ownership

Each article builds toward a clearer understanding of how trusts actually work—so your plan functions as intended, not just on paper.


This article introduces how revocable living trusts work and why many families choose them as the cornerstone of their estate plan.

RECOMMENDED: This phase is designed to be read in order — each article builds on the last. For the best experience, start here and continue in sequence.


Prefer to Learn at Your Own Pace?

You can explore any article in this phase in the order that works best for you.


Explore the Full Estate Planning Series

Each phase focuses on a different stage of planning. You can move forward, revisit earlier phases, or explore what’s next.


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