QUALITY
 
|
As the name suggests, this web site is all about the benefits of living trusts. The overview section provides a lengthy explanation of the why one needs a living trust. In this section are real life examples of how a living trust could be beneficial in that it can be used to avoid double taxation and paying high capital gains tax. Also explained are the pitfalls of jointly held property. Although the site attempts to appear impartial by providing down sides of living trusts, both "problems" are turned into more reasons why a living trust is a good choice. Overall the quality of the content on this site is very good, with the only drawback being the commercial aspect of the site. In another section of the site, the benefits of a living trust are explained in great detail. The process of probate and why to avoid it (because costly and unnecessary) is covered at length. The estate tax section does a fine job of explaining the benefits of using the annual exclusion and including a QTIP provision in your living trust. The taxation section gives concrete examples of why to avoid joint tenancy and taking advantage of stepped up valuation. Other sections with plenty of information are sections on conservatorship and medicaid. The question and answer section is useful in answering many questions about living trusts. Finally, this site has the potential to continue to grow as there is a newsletter section which contains articles on the state of the law and new developments in living trusts. |
 |
RELEVANCY
|
The information presented is extremely useful in determining if a living trust is the right solution for you. Both the strengths and weaknesses of a living trust are given. However, to the estate planning community at large, this site only offers information on trusts and is not a good site for general estate planning information. |
|
QUANTITY
|
After reading the information on this site, the user should be very familiar with the benefits of a living trust. More than enough information is presented on various issues concerning estate planning and the use of living trusts. |
|
APPEARANCE
|
The site is very professionally laid out and has a pleasing color scheme. Attractive graphics add to the quality of the site and help to maintain consistency throughout the site. |
|
EASE OF USE
|
Although a generic way to lay out a website, with the main links in the left hand column, it is a practical layout and makes it very easy to jump from topic to topic. The colors and graphics work well together. And finally, the use of frames is not obnoxious and adds to the useability of the site. |
|
