Other Trusts- Testamentary, Marital, Spendthrift

Other Trusts

Tailored Legal Tools to Protect Your Legacy and Your Loved Ones

Trusts are powerful estate planning tools that offer flexibility, privacy, and protection. While revocable living trusts are common, there are other types of trusts that may be more appropriate depending on your goals. At The Law Office of Melissa E. Palmer, P.C., we help Texas families design custom trust strategies that address complex needs and offer long-term peace of mind.

Below are a few specialized trusts we frequently create for our clients:

Testamentary Trusts

A trust that begins after your death—created by your will.

A testamentary trust is established through your last will and testament and only takes effect upon your passing. This type of trust is commonly used to manage assets on behalf of minor children, family members with disabilities, or heirs who may not be ready to manage a full inheritance.

✅ Ideal for:

• Parents of young children

• Providing for beneficiaries with special needs

• Controlling distributions over time

💡 Note: Because the trust is created by your will, it will go through probate.

Marital Trusts (A/B Trusts or QTIP Trusts)

Ensure your spouse is provided for—while protecting the inheritance of your children.

Marital trusts are commonly used by married couples to reduce estate taxes and preserve assets for children from a previous marriage or relationship. These trusts can also ensure that assets are managed according to your wishes after you pass, even if your spouse remarries.

There are several types, including:

• A/B Trusts – Split the estate into two trusts to take advantage of both spouses’ estate tax exemptions

• QTIP Trusts – Provide income to the surviving spouse while preserving principal for children or other beneficiaries

✅ Ideal for:

• Blended families

• High-net-worth couples

• Tax planning and asset protection

Spendthrift Trusts

Protect your heirs from creditors—and from themselves.

A spendthrift trust is designed to protect a beneficiary’s inheritance from poor financial decisions, creditors, lawsuits, or divorce. You appoint a trustee to manage distributions according to terms you define, helping ensure the assets are used wisely and for the right purposes.

✅ Ideal for:

• Beneficiaries with a history of debt or poor money management

• Protecting inheritances from ex-spouses, lawsuits, or substance abuse issues

• Structuring long-term support without giving full control

Customized Trust Planning for Every Family

At The Law Office of Melissa E. Palmer, P.C., we take the time to understand your family’s dynamics and your long-term goals. Whether you need to protect a vulnerable loved one, preserve wealth for future generations, or reduce taxes and court involvement, we can help you build the right trust strategy.

Secure Your Family’s Future Today
Call us to discuss whether one of these specialized trusts is right for your estate plan. We’ll help you choose the best tools to protect the people and values that matter most.

📍 Based in Houston, Serving Clients Across Texas