
<p><span>Divorce turns Melanie’s life upside down (as big <a href="https://simplytrust.io/topics/life-stages/">life changes </a>do). Once she signs papers and settles logistics, she realizes her estate plan no longer matches her new reality. Revising estate plans post-divorce becomes her top priority. Here are the nine updates she makes, and why each one matters. (Melanie is fictional, by the way.)</span></p>



<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1750202450648"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><span>When should someone revise their estate plans post-divorce?</span></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer"><span>Right after finalizing the divorce is the best time. But if not right after, then anytime after still works—it’s never too late. Just as long as you do it. Making those changes now can avoid problems later.</span></p> </div> </div>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-she-replaces-her-joint-revocable-trust-nbsp"><span>1. She Replaces Her Joint Revocable Trust&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Melanie and her ex have a joint revocable trust. After the divorce, she creates her own individual trust. That gives her complete control over how to manage and distribute her assets. She chooses relatives as trustee and beneficiary rather than her ex.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-she-changes-beneficiary-designations-nbsp"><span>2. She Changes Beneficiary Designations&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Melanie checks all her retirement accounts, insurance policies, and bank accounts. Her ex still appears as the beneficiary on several of them. She updates each one, choosing her children and her sister instead.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-she-reassigns-power-of-attorney-nbsp"><span>3. She Reassigns Power of Attorney&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Previously, her ex holds financial power of attorney. Melanie doesn’t want him managing her finances under any circumstances. She chooses her cousin, someone responsible and financially savvy, to take over.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-she-picks-a-new-health-care-proxy-nbsp"><span>4. She Picks a New Health Care Proxy&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Melanie also replaces her health care proxy. She doesn’t want her ex making medical decisions for her. She names her close friend Mia, who understands her values and preferences.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-she-retitles-shared-assets-nbsp"><span>5. She Retitles Shared Assets&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>A vacation home and a rental property still list both Melanie and her ex. She works with the title company to remove his name (according to the divorce terms).</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-she-adds-her-children-to-her-trust"><span>6. She Adds Her Children to Her Trust</span></h4>



<p><span>Melanie wants no delay or confusion about who should receive her assets. She adds language to her new revocable trust for her children. Funds will get managed properly until they come of age.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-she-names-a-backup-guardian-nbsp"><span>7. She Names a Backup Guardian&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Her ex remains the default guardian for their kids, but Melanie wants a backup in place. She names her brother and his wife as secondary <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinefletcher/2020/01/29/10-tips-for-choosing-a-guardian-for-your-minor-child/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guardians</a> in case something changes.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-she-organizes-her-digital-assets-nbsp"><span>8. She Organizes Her Digital Assets&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Melanie goes through every shared digital account—from cloud storage to streaming services. She changes passwords, closes joint accounts, and documents her digital life in her new revocable trust.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-she-updates-her-estate-inventory-nbsp"><span>9. She Updates Her Estate Inventory&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Melanie revises her asset list. She adds new belongings and removes what no longer belongs to her. Now her trustee has a clear, updated roadmap of her estate.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-revising-estate-plans-post-divorce-is-smart"><span>Why Revising Estate Plans Post-Divorce Is Smart</span></h2>



<p><span>Melanie’s old plan no longer reflects her life. If she skips these changes, her ex could gain control or inherit assets unintentionally. She wants to protect her children, preserve her wishes, and simplify things for everyone involved. Melanie remembers her friend Carla, who passed unexpectedly. Carla didn’t change her life insurance after her divorce. Her ex received everything, and her kids got nothing. Melanie refuses to let that story repeat.</span></p>



<p><span>For Melanie, revising estate plans post-divorce isn’t just about removing her ex. It means building a plan that fits her life now—one that looks out for her kids and reflects her values. She takes control, and now she rests easier knowing her future is secure. And if she remarries? She’ll update her estate plan again if she remarries. New relationships mean new goals, and her plan needs to reflect that.</span></p>


Revising Estate Plans Post-Divorce Is Smart, Necessary


<p><span>Does your trustee have the passwords they need to do what they need to do? If not, you may have just handed them the world’s worst escape room: no keys and no clues. Let’s talk about passwords for trustees—because if you forget this part, all your planning might as well be in invisible ink.&nbsp;</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-famous-last-words-i-forgot-my-password"><span>Famous Last Words: “I Forgot My Password”</span></h2>



<p><span>Let’s be honest—who hasn’t forgotten a password or three? At this point, most of us are one lockout away from throwing our phones into a volcano. And yet, we still somehow expect our trustees to gracefully navigate our password-protected universe.</span></p>



<p><span>They’ll need access to:</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Bank accounts</span></li>



<li><span>Investment platforms</span></li>



<li><span>Email (because guess where the two-factor codes go)</span></li>



<li><span>Cloud storage</span></li>



<li><span>Cryptocurrency wallets (i.e., digital Fort Knox)</span></li>
</ul>



<p><span>If they don’t have your passwords, they don’t have your <a href="https://simplytrust.io/2951/include-digital-assets-in-trusts/">digital assets</a>. Simple as that.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-passwords-for-trustees-matter-a-lot"><span>Why Passwords for Trustees Matter (A Lot)</span></h2>



<p><span>These days, assets aren’t just locked in safes—they’re floating in cyberspace, guarded by 16-character strings you made up in a fit of paranoia.</span></p>



<p><span>Without passwords:</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Your trustee can’t pay bills or distribute funds.</span></li>



<li><span>Digital subscriptions keep auto-renewing into the next century.</span></li>



<li><span>Important emails go unread.</span></li>



<li><span>And your Bitcoin? Poof. Gone into the blockchain abyss.</span></li>
</ul>



<p><span>Your trustee needs the keys to your kingdom. Otherwise, they’re just standing outside the gates, holding a beautifully written trust document, whispering “open sesame” to an iPad.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-hand-off-passwords-without-handing-over-your-life"><span>How to Hand Off Passwords Without Handing Over Your Life</span></h2>



<p><span>You don’t need to write down your Gmail password on a sticky note and tape it to your trust. (Please don’t.) Here are better ways to make sure passwords for trustees are accessible—without also making them public domain:</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-use-a-password-manager"><span>Use a Password Manager</span></h4>



<p><span>Password managers like 1Password or LastPass let you store and share credentials securely. Some even let you assign emergency access to your trustee—so they can get in if you’re ever unable to.</span></p>



<p><span>Bonus: You can stop using the same password for everything (looking at you, “Password123”).</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leave-a-digital-access-plan"><span>Leave a Digital Access Plan</span></h4>



<p><span>Create a digital inventory. List out:</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>The accounts that matter</span></li>



<li><span>What they’re for</span></li>



<li><span>Where the logins are stored</span></li>
</ul>



<p><span>You don’t need to include the passwords in plain text. Just make it clear how to find them—whether in a password manager, safe, or encrypted USB.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-update-passwords-for-trustees-like-a-normal-human-being"><span>Update Passwords for Trustees Like a Normal Human Being</span></h2>



<p><span>In other words, never.&nbsp;</span></p>



<p><span>Just kidding—please do update it. At least once per year. And every time you change a major password (like the one to your online banking). Otherwise, your trustee is stuck with a roadmap to 2009.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-let-a-missing-password-tank-your-trust"><span>Don&#8217;t Let a Missing Password Tank Your Trust</span></h2>



<p><span>You can have the most airtight estate plan in the world, but if your trustee can’t get into your accounts, they might as well be trying to drive a car with no keys.</span></p>



<p><span>So yes, passwords for trustees matter. A lot. They’re the behind-the-scenes heroes of estate planning. Give your trustee what they need to actually do the job. Or at least leave them something more helpful than a sticky note that says “my password is in my other pants.”</span></p>


Passwords for Trustees: The Ultimate Estate Planning Plot Twist


<p><span>Planning your estate is a vital step toward protecting your loved ones and honoring your wishes. But even with the best intentions, mistakes can happen. Let’s explore 20 of the most common estate planning mistakes—and how you can avoid them.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-not-having-an-estate-plan-at-all"><strong>1. Not Having an Estate Plan at All</strong></h4>



<p><span>It’s a common misconception that estate planning is only for the wealthy. In reality, everyone can benefit from having a clear plan. Not having one leaves you wide open to all sorts of issues.</span> (There are plenty of reasons why people <a href="https://simplytrust.io/3156/10-reasons-people-delay-estate-planning/">delay</a> estate planning, but they&#8217;re not good reasons.)</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-procrastinating-the-process"><strong>2. Procrastinating the Process</strong></h4>



<p><span>Delaying estate planning can lead to unnecessary complications. Starting early ensures that you prepare for any eventuality.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-failing-to-update-your-estate-plan"><strong>3. Failing to Update Your Estate Plan</strong></h4>



<p><span>Life events like marriage, divorce, or having children should prompt an update. Keeping your plan current is crucial.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-overlooking-digital-assets"><strong>4. Overlooking Digital Assets</strong></h4>



<p><span>From social media accounts to cryptocurrency, digital assets often go unaddressed. Catalog these in your plan.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-ignoring-health-care-directives"><strong>5. Ignoring Health Care Directives</strong></h4>



<p><span>Without a clear health care directive, decisions about your medical care may fall to someone unfamiliar with your wishes.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-choosing-the-wrong-executor"><strong>6. Choosing the Wrong Executor</strong></h4>



<p><span>An executor should be trustworthy, organized, and capable of handling complex tasks. It’s not always best to choose someone because of convenience (e.g., the closest family member).</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-forgetting-to-name-guardians-for-minor-children"><strong>7. Forgetting to Name Guardians for Minor Children</strong></h4>



<p><span>If you have kids, designating a guardian is essential to ensure their care aligns with your values.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-not-planning-for-estate-taxes"><strong>8. Not Planning for Estate Taxes</strong></h4>



<p><span>Failing to account for taxes can reduce the amount that passes to your heirs. Tax-efficient strategies can help maximize your estate for them.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-leaving-beneficiary-designations-outdated"><strong>9. Leaving Beneficiary Designations Outdated</strong></h4>



<p><span><a href="https://simplytrust.io/3318/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-beneficiary/">Beneficiary</a> designations on accounts like life insurance override wills, so keep them up to date.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-overcomplicating-or-oversimplifying-trusts"><strong>10. Overcomplicating or Oversimplifying Trusts</strong></h4>



<p><span>A poorly designed trust can lead to confusion and disputes. Work to strike a balance between clarity and specificity.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-11-forgetting-about-contingent-beneficiaries"><strong>11. Forgetting About Contingent Beneficiaries</strong></h4>



<p><span>Always name secondary beneficiaries to ensure proper distribution of your assets, even if primary beneficiaries can’t inherit.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-12-assuming-a-will-avoids-probate"><strong>12. Assuming a Will Avoids Probate</strong></h4>



<p><span>Many people mistakenly believe a will helps <a href="https://simplytrust.io/2675/avoid-probate-with-a-trust/">avoid probate</a>. Including a tool like a revocable trust can help streamline the process.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-13-overlooking-funeral-instructions"><strong>13. Overlooking Funeral Instructions</strong></h4>



<p><span>Clearly stating your funeral wishes can spare your loved ones the burden of making tough decisions during a difficult time.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-14-failing-to-include-charitable-giving"><strong>14. Failing to Include Charitable Giving</strong></h4>



<p><span>If philanthropy matters to you, include charitable donations in your plan to leave a lasting legacy.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-15-not-protecting-loved-ones-with-special-needs"><strong>15. Not Protecting Loved Ones with Special Needs</strong></h4>



<p><span>Establishing a special needs trust can safeguard benefits for loved ones who require lifelong care.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-16-skipping-asset-inventory"><strong>16. Skipping Asset Inventory</strong></h4>



<p><span>A complete inventory helps ensure you leave nothing out—financial assets, sentimental items, and everything in between.</span> (Here&#8217;s an <a href="https://simplytrust.io/2781/estate-inventory-checklist-for-you/">estate inventory checklist</a> for you.)</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-17-forgetting-about-business-succession"><strong>17. Forgetting About Business Succession</strong></h4>



<p><span>If you own a business, a clear succession plan can protect its continuity and value for your heirs.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-18-not-funding-a-your-trust"><strong>18. Not Funding a Your Trust</strong></h4>



<p><span>Not funding a trust means setting up a trust but failing to transfer your assets into it. This step is critical—without it, the trust is essentially an empty shell.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-19-failing-to-communicate-the-plan"><strong>19. Failing to Communicate the Plan</strong></h4>



<p><span>Family disputes often arise when plans are unclear. Discuss your wishes with those affected to minimize misunderstandings.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-20-not-reviewing-plans-periodically"><strong>20. Not Reviewing Plans Periodically</strong></h4>



<p><span>Estate planning isn’t a one-and-done task. Regular reviews ensure your plan adapts to life’s changes.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avoid-common-estate-planning-mistakes">Avoid Common Estate Planning Mistakes</h2>



<p><span>Avoiding these common estate planning mistakes can save your family time, money, and unnecessary stress. By taking proactive steps, you can create a plan that protects what matters most to you.</span></p>


20 Common Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid


<p>Should you include digital assets in trusts? Yes. <span>When you think of estate planning, physical assets like homes or bank accounts might come to mind first. However, </span><strong>digital assets</strong><span>—everything from social media accounts to cryptocurrency wallets—are becoming increasingly important to include in trusts. </span></p>



<p><span>Not including digital assets in trusts can lead to challenges for loved ones, ranging from financial losses to lost sentimental value.</span> (When we say to include in a trust, we mean <a href="https://simplytrust.io/2698/what-does-fund-a-trust-mean/">fund a trust</a>.)</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-include-digital-assets-in-trusts"><span>Why Include Digital Assets in Trusts?</span></h2>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Ensure Accessibility</strong></li>



<li><span>Digital assets often require passwords, two-factor authentication, or encryption for access. When you include digital assets in trusts, you enable the trustee to access and manage them according to your wishes. Without proper documentation, family members may face legal and technical roadblocks.</span></li>



<li><strong>Preserve Sentimental Value</strong></li>



<li><span>Family photos, email accounts, or personal blogs hold emotional significance. Including them in your estate plan ensures they remain accessible to loved ones.</span></li>



<li><strong>Avoid Financial Loss</strong></li>



<li><span>Cryptocurrency, online businesses, and other financial digital assets can be valuable. Including them in a trust prevents these assets from being overlooked or lost.</span></li>



<li><strong>Maintain Privacy</strong></li>



<li><span>Without a clear plan, some digital assets may default to public or uncontrolled access. A trust keeps your digital footprint private, even after you’re gone.</span></li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-include-them"><span>How to Include Them</span></h2>



<p><strong>1. Inventory Your Digital Assets</strong></p>



<p><span>Start by listing all your digital assets. This can include:</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram)</span></li>



<li><span>Email accounts</span></li>



<li><span>Cryptocurrency and online wallets</span></li>



<li><span>Cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)</span></li>



<li><span>Domain names and websites</span></li>



<li><span>Online subscription accounts</span></li>
</ul>



<p><strong>2. Document Access Information</strong></p>



<p><span>For each asset, record the necessary login credentials, backup codes, or encryption keys. Because <a href="https://simplytrust.io/3329/passwords-for-trustees-the-ultimate-estate-planning-plot-twist/">passwords for trustees</a> matter&#8230;a lot. Use a secure method, such as a password manager, to share this information with your trustee.</span> </p>



<p><strong>3. Outline Your Wishes</strong></p>



<p><span>Specify how you want to manage or distribute each asset. For example:</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Social media accounts: Should the trustee delete, memorialize, or transfer them?</span></li>



<li><span>Cryptocurrency: Should the trustee liquidate or transfer it to beneficiaries?</span></li>
</ul>



<p><strong>4. Name a Trustee with Digital Expertise</strong></p>



<p><span>Managing digital assets in trusts requires a level of tech-savviness. Choose a trustee who understands these complexities or is willing to learn how to properly include digital assets in trusts.</span> </p>



<p><strong>5. Update Legal Documents</strong></p>



<p><span>Work with estate planning documents to include digital assets. Many states now recognize &#8220;fiduciary access to digital assets&#8221; laws, allowing authorized trustees to manage these accounts.</span></p>



<p><strong>6. Stay Updated</strong></p>



<p><span>Technology evolves quickly. Periodically review your digital inventory and update login credentials, especially for newly created accounts.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-include-digital-assets-in-trusts"><span>Include Digital Assets</span> in Trusts</h2>



<p><span>Incorporating digital assets and other <a href="https://simplytrust.io/3027/non-financial-assets-in-trusts/">non-financial assets in trusts</a> helps ensure that the trustee handles them according to your wishes. A proactive approach prevents stress for loved ones and maintains the legacy you’ve built in the digital world. </span></p>



<p><span>By treating digital assets with the same care as physical ones, you’re ensuring a comprehensive and modern estate plan that reflects today’s realities. </span>(By the way, here&#8217;s an exhaustive list of <a href="https://simplytrust.io/2693/what-goes-in-trusts-here-are-50-things/">what goes in trusts</a>.)</p>



<p></p>


Include Digital Assets in Trusts


<p><span>You’ve probably heard people talk about putting things “in trust,” but what does that even mean? Spoiler: It’s not just for billionaires trying to shelter their yachts. Trusts are surprisingly versatile and can hold way more than you’d think—from your house to your grandma’s vintage tea set (yes, really). So, what goes in trusts? Here’s a rundown of 50 things.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-your-home"><strong>1. Your Home</strong></h4>



<p><span>The classic starter. Putting your <a href="https://simplytrust.io/3346/putting-a-house-in-a-trust/">house in a trust</a> helps you avoid probate and make things easier for your heirs.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-vacation-property"><strong>2. Vacation Property</strong></h4>



<p><span>Because even your beach getaway deserves a little estate planning love.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-rental-properties"><strong>3. Rental Properties</strong></h4>



<p><span>Got tenants? Keep things tidy by putting in your rental properties.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-bank-accounts"><strong>4. Bank Accounts</strong></h4>



<p><span>Savings, checking, CDs—you can park them all in. Just leave enough for your coffee habit.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-investment-accounts"><strong>5. Investment Accounts</strong></h4>



<p><span>Stocks and bonds feel right at home in a trust, whether they’re skyrocketing or…well…not.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-retirement-accounts-sort-of"><strong>6. Retirement Accounts (Sort Of)</strong></h4>



<p><span>While you can’t technically move retirement accounts in, you can name the trust as a beneficiary. Clever, right?</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-life-insurance-policies"><strong>7. Life Insurance Policies</strong></h4>



<p><span>Ensure that payout goes exactly where you want it to—no detours.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-cars"><strong>8. Cars</strong></h4>



<p><span>Yes, even your beloved vintage Mustang or trusty minivan can go in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-boats"><strong>9. Boats</strong></h4>



<p><span>If you’re lucky enough to have one, keep it shipshape in a trust.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-art-collections"><strong>10. Art Collections</strong></h4>



<p><span>Picasso or paint-by-numbers, your art can go safely in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-11-jewelry"><strong>11. Jewelry</strong></h4>



<p><span>Grandma’s pearls? Uncle Joe’s gold cufflinks? Trust-worthy.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-12-antiques"><strong>12. Antiques</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your Victorian rocking chair can have a secure future, too.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-13-heirlooms"><strong>13. Heirlooms</strong></h4>



<p><span>Pass down the family treasures without drama. Trusts to the rescue!</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-14-business-interests"><strong>14. Business Interests</strong></h4>



<p><span>Got an LLC or shares in a company? Placing them in protects them.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-15-patents-and-trademarks"><strong>15. Patents and Trademarks</strong></h4>



<p><span>Own the next big invention? Keep those royalties flowing where you want them.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-16-copyrights"><strong>16. Copyrights</strong></h4>



<p><span>Music, books, or films you created? Your trust can hold the rights to your masterpieces…or your family beach videos.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-17-digital-assets"><strong>17. Digital Assets</strong></h4>



<p><span>Yes, even <a href="https://simplytrust.io/2951/include-digital-assets-in-trusts/">digital assets</a> like your blog, social media accounts, or NFT collection can go in</span>.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-18-cryptocurrency"><strong>18. Cryptocurrency</strong></h4>



<p><span>Bitcoin? Ethereum? Trusts can hold the keys to your digital goldmine.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-19-promissory-notes"><strong>19. Promissory Notes</strong></h4>



<p><span>Owed money? Trusts can hold these, making repayments smoother.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-20-mortgages"><strong>20. Mortgages</strong></h4>



<p><span>If someone owes you, a trust can hold that asset.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-21-loans-to-family"><strong>21. Loans to Family</strong></h4>



<p><span>Keep those IOUs in to avoid future awkwardness.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-22-precious-metals"><strong>22. Precious Metals</strong></h4>



<p><span>Gold bars, silver coins, or platinum—trusts love a good shine.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-23-farm-equipment"><strong>23. Farm Equipment</strong></h4>



<p><span>Got a tractor? Put it in. Your John Deere will thank you.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-24-livestock"><strong>24. Livestock</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your cows, sheep, or alpacas can also join the party.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-25-agricultural-land"><strong>25. Agricultural Land</strong></h4>



<p><span>Because farmland is worth protecting for future generations.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-26-mineral-rights"><strong>26. Mineral Rights</strong></h4>



<p><span>Oil, gas, or other resources? A trust can hold those royalties.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-27-airplane"><strong>27. Airplane</strong></h4>



<p><span>Private jet or hobby glider? (I mean, some people do own airplanes). You can keep them flying high.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-28-collectible-cars"><strong>28. Collectible Cars</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your pristine 1967 Camaro deserves a secure spot.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-29-wine-collections"><strong>29. Wine Collections</strong></h4>



<p><span>Whether it’s for drinking or investing, wine’s a worthy asset.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-30-sports-memorabilia"><strong>30. Sports Memorabilia</strong></h4>



<p><span>Babe Ruth’s signed baseball or your childhood rookie card collection fits right in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-31-firearms-in-some-states"><strong>31. Firearms</strong> (in Some States)</h4>



<p><span>Firearm trusts are a thing—</span>in some states<span>. (Not all states allow for their inclusion in trusts because of the complexity of firearm licensing.</span>)</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-32-horses"><strong>32. Horses</strong></h4>



<p><span>Racehorses, show horses, or your daughter’s beloved pony—cover it all.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-33-timeshares"><strong>33. Timeshares</strong></h4>



<p><span>Avoid the paperwork headache by putting timeshares in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-34-club-memberships"><strong>34. Club Memberships</strong></h4>



<p><span>Golf, country club, or yacht club memberships can go in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-35-wedding-rings"><strong>35. Wedding Rings</strong></h4>



<p><span>Sentimental and valuable, these deserve protection.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-36-collectible-stamps"><strong>36. Collectible Stamps</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your prized philatelic treasures will stay safe.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-37-coins"><strong>37. Coins</strong></h4>



<p><span>Old pennies or rare gold coins? Trust-approved.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-38-furnishings"><strong>38. Furnishings</strong></h4>



<p><span>From IKEA to bespoke furniture, it’s trust material.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-39-books"><strong>39. Books</strong></h4>



<p><span>First editions, signed copies, or family Bibles can all find a place.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-40-tools"><strong>40. Tools</strong></h4>



<p><span>Hand tools, power tools, or that one wrench you’ve had forever.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-41-music-instruments"><strong>41. Music Instruments</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your Steinway piano or Fender guitar can live on in trust.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-42-medical-equipment"><strong>42. Medical Equipment</strong></h4>



<p><span>You can include wheelchairs, prosthetics, or other medical devices.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-43-airline-miles"><strong>43. Airline Miles</strong></h4>



<p><span>Yes, you can assign these to a trust. Free flights forever!</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-44-frequent-flyer-points"><strong>44. Frequent Flyer Points</strong></h4>



<p><span>Similar to airline miles, these can also go in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-45-gift-cards"><strong>45. Gift Cards</strong></h4>



<p><span>If they’re valuable enough, even gift cards can hang out in a trust.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-46-holiday-decorations"><strong>46. Holiday Decorations</strong></h4>



<p><span>Yes, even your prized antique Christmas ornaments.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-47-pets"><strong>47. Pets</strong></h4>



<p><span>This one is serious. <a href="https://simplytrust.io/2706/are-pet-trusts-a-thing/">Pet trusts</a> ensure that your furry loved ones get the care you want them to.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-48-sentimental-items"><strong>48. Sentimental Items</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your scrapbook or photo albums or whatever else you want can go to the right person.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-49-cash"><strong>49. Cash</strong></h4>



<p><span>Sometimes the simplest option is also the best.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-50-anything-else-of-value"><strong>50. Anything Else of Value</strong></h4>



<p><span>If it matters to you and has worth, even if it’s just sentimental, it’s probably trust material.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-goes-in-trusts-what-doesn-t-sort-of"><strong>What goes in trusts? What doesn’t (sort of)?</strong></h2>



<p><span>Trusts are like a Swiss Army knife for estate planning—they can hold a surprisingly wide variety of items. Whether it’s your Tesla, your typewriter, or your tuxedo collection, trusts are flexible enough to handle it. So, what goes in trusts? Just about everything but the kitchen sink (and honestly, maybe that too).</span></p>


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