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Trust, Will and EstateManagement
Trust, Will and EstateManagement
Ensure your assets and estate are protected.
Why Should I Consider Navy Federal forTrust, Will and Estate Management Services?
Planning ahead for your loved ones’ future is a huge deal. It’s how you protect and manage your assets, make sure your heirs won’t overpay taxes and ensure your wishes are honored. When it comes to your trust, will and estate, our partners are ready to serve you.
Our Partners in Service
Trust & Will Creation
Our partner, Trust & Will, provides online tools with step-by-by step instructions to help you create a will, trust or both. Navy Federal members get a 20% discount.
Trust and Estate Plan Management
Our partner, Members Trust Company, offers estate planning and trust management services to help ensure your wishes are honored.
FAQs
Not sure where to begin with estate planning? Here are some important questions to consider to help protect your legacy and your family's financial future.
Is there a difference between a trust and a will?
Yes. A will is a legal document where you:
- name guardians for children and/or pets
- direct how you want your money and property distributed
- express your preference for your final arrangements
It won’t go into effect until you pass away. Most wills go through probate court to make sure your wishes are followed.
A trust is an account you set up while you’re alive to hold your assets; it doesn’t replace a will. It will go into effect as soon as it’s set up, but you control how and when assets are distributed. You’ll appoint someone to manage the trust and distribute assets according to your instructions, which could help your heirs avoid probate and lower their tax burden. Trusts can also help protect you if you become disabled or incapacitated.
Like a will, you can name guardians and declare your preferences for final arrangements. But, trusts can be more complicated and costly than wills—partly because of fees for set-up, continual management and other services.
What's an estate plan?
An estate plan sets out your wishes for once you pass away or become unable to make your own decisions. Some of the more common documents an estate plan might include are a will, trust, guardianship documents, financial powers of attorney and advance directives for medical decisions, also known as a living will.
Do I need an estate plan?
It’s likely, yes. If you don’t have an estate plan, especially a will, a probate court will make those decisions and divide your estate according to state law—which may not be in your family’s best interest. Plus, when you have an estate plan, your heirs won't have to guess things like:
- how you’d want things managed or distributed
- who should have guardianship of your children
- what you want to happen if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself
Can I have both a will and a trust?
Yes. Everyone should have a will. Whether you need a trust depends on:
- how large or complex your estate is
- the needs and abilities of your beneficiaries
- how soon you want your wishes to go into effect
Do I need an attorney to create a will or trust?
No. Hiring an attorney is one option for creating a will or trust. There are also online services like Trust & Will that provide templates you can customize to create them yourself. But, if your situation is complex and/or your estate is large, it may make sense to consult an attorney.
Who can I contact with questions about managing a trust or distributing my assets?
Members Trust and Trust & Will are our exclusive partners and have teams of experienced trust services professionals that can help you put the tools in place to plan for your family’s future.
Nondeposit investment and insurance products are offered through Navy Federal Financial Group, LLC, (NFFG) and through its subsidiary, Navy Federal Investment Services, LLC (NFIS), a member of FINRA/SIPC and an SEC registered investment advisory firm. Brokerage and advisory products are offered through NFIS. These productsare not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guaranteed or obligations of the credit union, are not offered, recommended, sanctioned, or encouraged by the federal government, and may involve investment risk, including possible loss of principal.
Trust and Will documents and services are made available to Navy Federal members through Trust & Will. Navy Federal is in no way responsible for any products or services provided by or through Trust & WIll or their affiliates, subsidiaries, and company partners. Navy Federal Financial Group enables this program to be offered and is entitled to compensation from Trust & Will. Trust Services available through Members Trust Company. 1-855-358-7878.
