Common error: We will die at the same time

One of the most common error in the trusts is that couples assume they will die at about the same time. When one of the couple survives by years and the survivor needs to have access to the assets without family interference. It is amazing how many times an adult child will say she wants her deceased's parent's half of the funds and wants to keep money from the surviving parent -- or argues about how the money was spent after they both died. A trust needs enough flexibility to protect the couple whether one survives the other for years or if they pass at about the same time.