Is a Living Trust the Same as a Family Trust?

Smiling generation family sitting at dining table during dinner

Many individuals assume that a living and family trust is the same, but while they share similarities, they serve different purposes. A living trust is a legal arrangement created during an individual’s lifetime to manage and distribute assets after death. It can be revocable, allowing modifications, or irrevocable, restricting changes once established.

A family trust is a living trust specifically designed to benefit family members. While it can also be revocable or irrevocable, the defining factor is that its beneficiaries must be within the family. Choosing the right trust depends on your estate planning goals. At Mountain View Law Group, we assist individuals in structuring trusts that align with their needs while ensuring asset protection and efficient wealth transfer.

Key Differences Between a Living Trust and a Family Trust

While living and family trusts are valuable estate planning tools, they have distinct purposes and structures. Understanding these differences can help individuals determine which type of trust best aligns with their financial and legal goals:

Who Can Be a Beneficiary—A living trust allows anyone, including friends, charities, or organizations, to be named as a beneficiary. In contrast, a family trust limits beneficiaries to relatives of the trustor, ensuring that assets remain within the family.
Control and Revocability – A revocable living trust allows modifications during the trustor’s lifetime, offering flexibility. Meanwhile, an irrevocable family trust provides stronger asset protection but limits the ability to make changes once established.
Avoiding Probate and Ensuring Privacy – Both types of trusts help avoid probate, allowing for a more private and efficient distribution of assets. Without a trust, an estate may be subject to probate court proceedings, causing delays and additional costs.

Those considering a trust as part of their estate plan in Utah should consult an attorney to determine which option is best suited for their needs. Learn more about our legal services by visiting our victories page.

The Benefits of Establishing a Trust in Utah

Building trust offers numerous advantages, from protecting assets to simplifying estate administration. Whether you choose a living trust or a family trust, having a well-structured plan ensures your wishes are carried out efficiently:

Asset Protection – An irrevocable trust in Utah can shield assets from creditors and legal claims by removing them from the trustor’s estate.
Avoiding Probate – A trust allows for directly transferring assets to beneficiaries without court involvement, saving time and reducing costs.
Tax Benefits – Certain trusts help minimize estate taxes, preserving wealth for future generations. A properly structured estate plan in Utah can optimize tax benefits while ensuring financial security.

To explore how a trust can benefit your estate planning strategy, consult our Utah trust attorneys for personalized guidance. Visit our practice areas for more information.

Choosing the Right Trust for Your Needs

Deciding between a living trust and a family trust depends on individual priorities. Those seeking flexibility may benefit from a revocable living trust, while individuals prioritizing asset protection may find an irrevocable family trust more suitable. No matter the choice, having a comprehensive estate plan is essential.

For individuals concerned about estate planning costs in Utah, our firm offers legal solutions tailored to different financial circumstances. Proper planning ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes while minimizing legal complications. Our Utah trust lawyers can guide you if you need assistance with trust creation.

Strengthen Your Estate Plan with the Right Legal Guidance

Establishing a trust is a critical step in protecting assets and ensuring a smooth transition for beneficiaries. Mountain View Law Group provides comprehensive legal services for those seeking a living trust in Utah or a family trust that aligns with their estate planning goals. Our firm ensures that your assets are managed according to your wishes while minimizing legal complications. Contact us today to discuss your estate planning options with our experienced legal team.

The Client Experience

Our clients rave about their experiences with Mountain View Law Group. Check out what they have to say.

It was a great experience and I highly recommend Addison. He was very patient and kind with my father who struggles communicating after a massive stroke. He made him feel very welcomed and understood. Thank you, Addison, and your team.

— Chrissy S.

Where do I start? The office staff is friendly, prompt, and professional! But you don't feel like just another client, they are very polite, Marlene remembered my name from day one. My experience with Moutain View Law group was amazing. My Attorney Scott was personable, really dug in to the case made it very personal. I ended up very satisfied with my experience it went much better than anticipated. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FIRM! Thanks so very much you helped…

— Tyler F.

Addison was very helpful in our estate planning. He was able to explain differences to my wife and I for our options. The process was not rushed at all and we were grateful for that. Overall, it was a very smooth process and we would certainly do it all again.

— Paul H.

Mr. Larreau was very kind, helpful and thorough in creating my estate plan. He reviewed everything with me at a pace that was comfortable to me. The office staff were also very nice.

— L. B.

What a wonderful experience with the Lawyer & the staff. They all made you feel like a friend. Great Time.

— Sue R.

Very friendly and helpful with anything I needed.

— V. S.

Always a warm smile when u walk in the office! I worked directly with Kim Stevens and she was absolutely amazing!! She walked me thru every step along the way, helped me understand what was being done and why! There was never a question left unanswered! I would use Kim a hundred times over again if needed! Highly recommended!

— Malachi

Addison was extremely helpful in the living trust process and patient with us as we asked questions. It was a very easy process to follows. The office was flexible and willing to work around our schedule. Glad we got this done so we don't have to worry about what happens with our assets when we pass on.

— Brian B.

Addison was a pleasure to work with and explained all information in detail. We were extremely satisfied working together with Addison.

— Rebecca M.

I would give Addison Larreau a five star review for everything he did for us! His staff was professional, and Addison went through everything in detail with us. We had a prior trust done and the attorney didn't go through anything, so we were kind of lost. And Addison even got me a band aid when I scratched my arm! Basically they went above and beyond to make sure we understood everything and that all areas were covered. I feel…

— Lynn P.

Helpful and explaining about the trust answered many of my questions. Thanks.

— George P.

We worked with Addison Larreau to create our Living Trust! He is very knowledgeable and easy to work with. He walked us through each section of the Trust and explained everything along the way. We are very happy with Mr. Larreau's attention to detail and our resulting Living Trust! We highly recommend using the expertise of Addison Larreau if you are planning your estate! Professional, Ethical and Comprehensive! Thank you Mr. Larreau!

— Carla P.

Addison and his staff were very helpful. Addison spent the time to explain everything in detail. He made us feel like we had everything in place with our Trust before we left. I would definitely recommend his law firm.

— Wendy A.

My legal issue was worked in a fast and efficient manner. Ursula H.

— Ursula H.

I WAS GRANTED DISABILITY AFTER 7 yrs trying. It’s because of Kimberly Stevens Office. I had given up hope on ever being granted disability until a friend of our family suggested we try Kimberly Stevens and try to apply once again. I worked with her office for only 2 yrs and was granted disability!!! was happy that I decided to go ahead and work with her. I was so grateful for her staff Lisa was always professional and quick to…

— Janice D.

They have been the most amazing people to my mom, because of them my mom has been able to get through all of the legal issues, my mom is endlessly thankful to Kimberly, and everything that she has done for her. This is the best attorney group in Ogden and I would even say the whole state, they made everything so simple for my mom and helped her every step of the way, if my mom or I ever have…

— Nicholas B.

My Husband retained Kimberly Stevens to handle his disability claim for Parkinson disease. He and I are so very pleased with the effort that she and her paralegal, Lisa has put forward to help us. They did an amazing job in helping him get his application and paper work in order. He received a quick approval from social security. Debbie W.

— Debbie W.

Mr Larreau is very knowledgeable about estate law. He knew right away how to help our family set up a unique trust to fit our situation! We feel very relieved to have it taken care of in a way that makes sense for everyone involved. Thank you!!

— Christine B.

I am a client of Larreau & Lytgoe's Mountain View Law Group. I highly recommend them to represent you in any legal matters you may be in need of. Kimberly Stevens is the utmost professional and answered all of my questions and returned all of my phone calls in a timely manner. Rob M.

— Rob M.

Have been with Addison Larreau since 2009 keeping my estate plan up to date and must say that Addison has been excellent to work with. He is a down to earth guy, knows his business, and is always willing to take the time to make sure I understand what needs to be done. If you're looking for an estate planner, Addison is the man!! Chuck E.

— Chuck E.

Very professional, personable, all around great! Please use their service. They won't disappoint! Shari A.

— Shari A.

After the recent sudden death of a close relative, I decided to have a will written up so that my affairs would be in order for my family in the event of my own sudden passing. Mr. Larreau went over all of the options with me, explaing the differences and significance of trusts and wills. He established a Family Trust for me. The whole process was very straightforward and Mr. Larreau took the time to address all of my concerns…

— John H.

Scott and his team were wonderful to work with. He took what was a hopeless situation and made it as favorable as possible for me and my husband. Even after getting his full payment he continued working to get us the best settlement he could. It is rare to find an attorney who goes above and beyond. I cannot recommend Scott and his group enough! Thanks Scott! - Donna W.

— Donna W.

Great law firm. They really went to bat for me and helped me with my accident claim. I highly recommend Scott Lythgoe and his associates. - Amy E.

— Amy E.

We are grateful & blessed for Damon Morris's legal knowledge, experience, resources of having dual state licenses & intellect! Without him we would have never gotten to the point where we are now. We felt helpless & sick with worry when the legal process in Las Vegas began with the children's father trying to reduce child support to now, having everything reversed in our favor & jurisdiction in Utah. Damon saw what the real issue was with the case &…

— Bob & Christine M.

Scott is great! He worked with me every step of the way and responded to all my calls quickly! He got me the settlement I deserved and I couldn't be happier! Thanks!! - Mariah P.

— Mariah P.

Mr. Larreau was able to see us on a short notice to complete a Family Trust due by the end of the year as I am retiring from my job. So long story short, I would not have any law benefits for 2015. Addison made time for us to complete three visits before the end of Dec., created a schedule and stuck with it until our legal concerns were completed. Addison is a very personable person, down to earth, and…

— Michael T.

I won't say it was a pleasant experience, but Scott Lythgoe made it as painless as possible. Scott and the firm worked very hard for my husband and for myself after his death. I can't express how much I appreciate you thank you for your help. I recommend your firm to anyone that needs help. Again thank you - Kurtis R.

— Kurtis R.

We hadn't done any Estate Planning. We researched several sources and found Addison Larreau. I recommend Addison to provide any Estate planning. He did a great job. - Richard A.

— Richard A.

Addison was patient and explained all elements of estate planning well. We felt comfortable with the process and confident in his knowledge and our final product. - Danielle M.

— Danielle M.

Scott and his team worked with me in timely fashion and they were able to get me my settlement in.a timely manner and my experience was excellent. I give his office 5 stars! - Kim W.

— Kim W.

My wife and I fad a personal injury case that Scott Lythgoe helped us on. We appreciate his knowledge, concern, professionalism. He always had our interest and concern at great the entire time and he would give us his legal advice and then ask us what we would like to do and how we felt about it. He was always very understanding and cooperative with us through the entire process. He did ab amazing job for us on our case!…

— Brett H.

I have had to use different attorney throughout my time in a custody case. I have finally found a firm and attorney that really put my best interest first. Damon Morris and staff have been extremely professional and great to work with. Since making the switch to their firm, I have never felt like I wasn't a priority. I want to say thank you to the entire team - Adam L.

— Adam L.

You guys are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for all the help you guys have done with not only my accidents but also my divorce. Not only will i always use you guys in the future but i will also tell everyone that ever needs a lawyer to come here. I want to do a special thanks to Alexis Cabero , Scott Lythgoe and Kimberly Stevens. Thank you , Drew M.

— Drew M.

I have been using the firm, now Larreau and Lythgoe, for at least eight years. I have received legal advice and help in various areas of law, including the following: setting up a business, employment law and family law. The lawyers at the firm have always worked quickly, reliably and effectively to help resolve any legal issues I had at the time or to provide me with the legal advice and direction that I needed. I feel very comfortable recommending…

— Clint C.

My husband and I were referred here to set up our family trust. We had tried to work with a lawyer previously and it was a complete waste of time. What a wonderful contrast this was. Mr. Larreau was efficient, thorough and fast! After waiting months for the previous lawyer he had our trust done in 3 weeks! He was also polite, considerate, and took the time to answer all of our questions. I would highly recommend him and I…

— Victoria T.

My husband and I have gone to this firm for multiply reasons and each time was a wonderful experience. The employees and law team are very helpful and making sure we understood what things meant so we could be more at ease. We have felt comfortable with our law decisions we have made. Anytime we have a question, they are more than helpful. We love how they are kind, and generous. I have loved working with this law firm and…

— Jennifer H.

I had a living trust set up and the experience was great. All the documents were explained well and I walked out after three visits with all my estate planning done. - Leana M.

— Leana M.

I'm thankful for the help with our estate planning and Addison Larreau did a great job. Our minds were put at ease. The staff was great. - Joanne S.

— Joanne S.