trusts attorney

Most people assume having a simple will is enough. And don’t worry, if that’s all you have in your estate plan, it is definitely helpful, but it won’t cover everything. A will must still go through Kanawha County probate court. A trust works differently. Especially if it’s made correctly by a trust attorney. It permits your assets to pass onto loved ones without the court’s interference.

Here in West Virginia, probate is a special kind of headache.

It requires filing an appraisal of all your assets within 90 days of an appointment at the Kanawha County Courthouse, notifying creditors through newspaper publications (who even reads them nowadays?!), and meeting strict deadlines that can completely freeze your family’s inheritance by 6-12 months. Sounds annoying, doesn’t it?

By working with Chris Pritt, you can:

Avoid Probate: Keep your family out of the extensive and frustrating process of probate while saving them from the mandatory trust fees and bonding costs that eat into an inheritance. Without probate, your assets will immediately be distributed to your chosen beneficiaries after your death.

Maintain Privacy: Unlike a will, which becomes a public record in the County Clerk’s office, a trust stays completely private. What is your private business stays your private business.

Protect Minor Children: If you have kids or grandkids, a trust ensures their inheritance is managed responsibly until they reach an age you decide, rather than receiving it all at once at 18.

Plan for Incapacity: If you ever become unable to handle your own affairs, your trust has a plan ready, so your family isn't left guessing or fighting for guardianship in court to be able to help you.