Is a Trust Right for You?

May 7, 2026 | Posted in Planning Your Future

What is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement where one person (the trustee) holds and manages property for the benefit of someone else (the beneficiary). The person who creates and funds the trust is called the grantor. While there are many different types of trusts, they all share the same basic structure: a written agreement, someone in charge, and someone who benefits.

Setting up a trust could be a good financial decision for anyone who wants to protect their assets while creating the legal framework for managing and distributing those assets.

Benefits of a Trust

Allows for someone to continue to manage your assets if you become incapacitated.
States how your assets are distributed upon your death.
Avoids probate — Unlike a will, which is part of the public record once it's been submitted to the court, the terms of a trust agreement may remain private because they typically do not get filed with the probate court or recorder of deeds.

Steps to Set Up a Trust

1. Designate a Trustee

The trustee you choose will manage your trust in the event of your incapacitation or death. A trustee can be a family member, friend or a corporate, third-party entity such as JVB.

2. Designate Your Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries are individuals or a group of individuals for whom a trust is created. You can designate one or more beneficiaries, and they can be family, friends or a charitable organization.

3. Draft Your Trust Documents

You should work with an attorney to create trust documents to ensure that your legacy and financial goals are incorporated entirely.

4. Fund Your Trust

Once your trust is set up, the final step is to fund it. This involves updating the ownership of assets currently held in your name to the name of the trust.

Trust Services Building Located at 1762 Butchershop Road, Mifflintown, PA 17059.

Interested in Learning More?

At JVB, our Trust Services Division brings you over 120 years of combined knowledge and expertise to help serve your unique needs. Whether you are investing to build wealth, protect your family, or preserve your assets, our personalized services focus on your needs, wants and long-term goals to create a plan tailored to you.

Contact our JVB Trust Services Division at 717-436-3218 for further assistance.

*The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated is to be construed as financial or legal advice. Some products not offered by JVB. JVB does not endorse any third parties, including, but not limited to, referenced individuals, companies, organizations, products, blogs, or websites. JVB does not warrant any advice provided by third parties. JVB does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by third parties. JVB recommends that you seek the advice of a qualified financial, tax, legal, or other professional if you have questions.*

What type of rates are you looking for?

What type of loan  would you like to  apply for?

Search The Site

Is a Trust Right for You?