When most people think about estate planning, they imagine simply passing assets to loved ones after death. But a truly effective estate plan does more than distribute wealth—it protects your beneficiaries from potential risks and ensures your legacy is preserved with care. This article covers how you can protect your beneficiaries with your estate plan.

At Legacy Law Group, we help families design estate plans that go beyond the basics. One of the most powerful tools in estate planning is the ability to protect your beneficiaries—especially when an outright inheritance might do more harm than good.

Why “Outright Distributions” Can Be Risky

An outright distribution means your beneficiaries receive their inheritance all at once, with no restrictions. While this might work for some, it can be problematic in many situations, such as when a beneficiary:

• Is a minor or young adult with limited financial experience
• Has a disability and receives government benefits
• Struggles with addiction or mental health challenges
• Faces creditor issues or is going through a divorce
• Is vulnerable to financial exploitation

In these cases, a lump-sum inheritance could be quickly lost—or even harmful.

How Trusts Can Protect Your Loved Ones

Instead of leaving assets outright, you can direct them into a trust share for the benefit of a beneficiary. A trust allows you to appoint a trustee - someone you trust to manage the assets on behalf of your beneficiary. The trustee can make distributions for things like:

• Education
• Medical care
• Housing and living expenses

This approach ensures that your loved one benefits from your legacy without being overwhelmed or put at risk.

You can also build flexibility into the trust share. For example, you might allow the beneficiary to take control of the trust at a certain age or when they meet specific conditions (such as completing college or demonstrating financial responsibility).

Customizing Your Plan for Real-Life Situations

Every family is different. That’s why we work closely with clients to design estate plans that reflect their unique goals and concerns. Whether you’re planning for a child with special needs, a blended family, or a loved one facing personal challenges, we can help you create a plan that:

• Protects assets from creditors and lawsuits
• Preserves eligibility for government benefits
• Encourages responsible behavior
• Provides long-term support without enabling dependency

Download our estate planning checklist for more information about creating the right estate plan for you and your loved ones. When you're ready to start the process of getting your customized estate plan in place, request an appointment to meet with one of our estate planning attorneys.