          
          
          
          "Trust Me" - A Word About Trusts:
          
          
               In life we often hear the word "trust" employed,
          almost always with a special, distinctive connotation. 
          Invoking the Deity, "In God We Trust" is the official
          national motto etched on all U.S. currency and coinage. 
          When people speak of "trust," they usually describe a
          unique personal relationship on which reliance
          rightfully can be placed.  In the eyes of the law, the
          meaning of the word "trust" also partakes of this
          special quality of high purpose, reliance and mutual
          confidence. 
               In the law, a "trust" is a legal device in
          contract form allowing title to, and possession of
          property to be held, used and/or managed by one person,
          the trustee, or property manager, for the benefit of
          one or more other persons, the beneficiaries, or
          recipients.  A trust is initiated by a grantor, or
          creator, the original owner of property that is
          transferred to the trust and becomes trust assets.  In
          essence the contract, in the form of a "trust
          declaration," is between the grantor and the trustee,
          with the beneficiaries as third parties who profit from
          this voluntary arrangement.
               A trust is one of the most ancient and flexible
          legal mechanisms available, and is useful for almost
          any purpose that is legal or not against public policy;
          a trust can conduct a business; hold title to and
          invest in real estate, cash, stocks, bonds, negotiable
          instruments and personal property; care for minors or
          the elderly; pay medical, educational or other
          expenses; provide financial support in retirement,
          marriage or divorce; and serve as a major avenue of
          avoidance for the muddle of probate courts and the
          burden of inheritance taxes.
               By their very nature trusts are relatively complex
          and technical, a domain of lawyers and accountants,
          investment planners and bankers, which means expense of
          creation and administration.  But do not let complexity
          or cost dampen your interest - a trust can play a major
          role in your estate, tax, gift and investment
          planning - and save (and make) you and your family lots
          of money - far more than it will cost to establish and
          operate. 
          
          
          
