A settlement preservation trust is a great tool to protect your settlement from squandering. It is important to consider how you will use your settlement and the rules you will need to follow. By protecting your settlement from such misuses, you are taking the first step in protecting your settlement from squandering.

Charitable Purposes

The charitable purposes of a Settlement Preservation trust are generally those that benefit a public good and an indefinite number of individuals. These purposes may include religious or educational purposes, child or animal abuse prevention, or rehabilitation services. They can also include public recreation or civic improvements. However, there are some exceptions.

Design

The design of a settlement preservation trust is an important step in the settlement planning process. Trusts are legal document that binds a trustee to a higher standard of conduct. Trustees are required to avoid self-dealing and conflicts of interest. Trusts may be established by an individual, company, or public entity.

A settlement preservation trust may be set up to place the entire settlement or just a portion of the settlement. The funding of the trust can come from one large deposit or continuing payments from an annuity structure. The fund can be distributed in taxable or tax-free distributions.

Another benefit of a settlement preservation trust is that the trustee can control the distributions of the trust. The trustee can hire a care manager and adjust the payments based on need. The trustee can also assist with big purchases and navigate government benefit programs. A settlement preservation trust can be used for large settlements, and the design can vary over time.

Termination

A Settlement Preservation Trust is a legal document in which a claimant’s settlement is protected from irresponsible spending and misuse. The document contains a termination date and typically names an individual or corporate trustee to manage the funds. In some jurisdictions, the claimant may also designate a Medical Custodial Account to pay for health expenses and fund Medicare Set-Asides.

A settlement preservation trust may be terminated when the testator’s interests have been diluted. The testator may not object to the termination of the trust. In this event, the trustee may distribute a proposal to the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries have 30 days to object to the proposal. A trustee may also waive the power to terminate the trust if the beneficiaries do not object. The primary purpose of a settlement preservation trust is to provide for the beneficiary during her lifetime. 

Funding

A Settlement Preservation Trust can protect the beneficiary from exploitation. Whether a plaintiff has been injured in an accident or has suffered a traumatic brain injury, it’s important to have a protection plan in place. This type of trust is self-funded and can be useful for different purposes. For example, a settlement preservation trust can help a beneficiary obtain public benefits such as Social Security or Medicaid.

A trustee manages the money that is deposited into the trust. The trustee is responsible for reporting to the IRS annually. Settlement trusts generally yield conservative interest rates. These funds can also be used for day-to-day expenses. They also provide a measure of liquidity for settlement plans.

A Settlement Preservation Trust can receive periodic payments from a structured settlement annuity. It can also be drafted in advance of the beneficiary’s need for governmental benefits. Because a Settlement Preservation Trust does not typically include a Medicaid payback provision, it can be used for various purposes, including the beneficiary’s needs.