Jeff Burtka
Attorney · George Mason University Law School
Common Questions: Trusts
Trusts aren't right for everyone. Learn more about trusts, how they work, and whether you might need one. ... READ MORE
Do Life Insurance Proceeds Go Through Probate?
Insurance companies pay out life insurance policies directly to beneficiaries—usually without the need for probate, but there are a few exceptions. ... READ MORE
Marital Deduction Trusts
Marital deduction trusts help married people 1) eliminate estate taxes when the first spouse dies and 2) control how the surviving spouse uses property of the deceased spouse. You do not need to worry about estate taxes unless you and your spouse together have property worth many millions of dollars. ... READ MORE
Planning Your Real Property Transfers Can Save Your Family Money
Learn how to keep your real estate out of probate and save time and money for your loved ones. ... READ MORE
Understanding Transfer on Death Deeds
How to protect one of your most significant assets—your home—from probate. ... READ MORE
What Is a Living Trust?
Get answers to common questions about revocable living trusts. ... READ MORE
What Is the Estate Tax and How Much Will You Pay?
Not everyone needs to worry about estate tax. Are you one of the few who do? ... READ MORE
What Kind of Estate Plan Do You Need?
Which estate planning documents you'll need depends on your life circumstances. ... READ MORE
What Can an Estate Planning Attorney Do for You?
Find out how an estate planning lawyer can help you with your specific estate planning goals. ... READ MORE
Trusts for Minors
Use a minor's trust to name a trusted adult to manage a young person's inheritance. ... READ MORE