152: The Truth About AB Trusts: Will Your Wishes Be Followed?

Absolute Trust Talk

Welcome back to Absolute Trust Talk with Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert! In this second episode of our AB Trust series, we dive into a vital question: Will your wishes truly be honored? While AB Trusts are a common estate planning tool for couples, they have potential challenges. One significant issue is when the deceased spouse's wishes are unintentionally—or even deliberately—overlooked or altered. Tune in as we explore how and why this happens and, more importantly, what steps you can take to ensure that your estate plan works exactly as intended.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

0:20 Recap: A quick refresher on what AB Trusts are and why they’re such a critical part of estate planning for many couples.

1:07 Many couples believe their AB Trust fully protects their estate, but here’s why that might not be the case—and what you should look out for.

1:56 Concerned about how your trust will be managed after you’re gone? Discover key safeguards that can help protect your estate plan from unwanted changes.

2:48 When is it time to consider hiring a professional trustee? This segment breaks down the scenarios where expert help is essential.

3:23 The bottom line: Every estate plan is unique. Be sure to consult with your attorney to ensure your AB Trust is tailored to your specific needs and offers the right protections for your family.