Living Trust & Estate Planning
Trust & Will Estate Planning
We begin with a plain language map of what you own and who you are protecting. Then we choose the simplest trust or combination of trusts that gets it done. We focus first on flexibility through revocable trusts, then layer in irrevocable structures when tax or asset protection benefits justify it.
Common trust designs include the following:
- Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts can move growth out of the estate while keeping flexibility for a married couple.
- Grantor retained annuity trusts can transfer appreciation on concentrated positions with low gift impact.
- Intentionally defective grantor trusts pair well with sales of private business interests.
- Irrevocable life insurance trusts provide tax-efficient liquidity for estate costs.
- Dynasty-style trusts can keep family assets protected across generations when that aligns with your philosophy.
Protect Your Money With a Trust
At EWA, we keep the human side front and center. We draft distribution standards to support education, health, a reasonable lifestyle, and entrepreneurship while still requiring responsibility. Trustees are selected with care and are often a mix of family and corporate, so there is accountability and continuity. We take into consideration the Situs and governing law so that administration and taxes are handled well.
Be Aware of Funding
Finally, we keep the plan alive. Your EWA team monitors law changes and coordinates and schedules periodic reviews. The result is a trust plan that is clear, protective, and easy for your family to operate when they need it most.
Is Our Wealth Management Approach the Right Fit for You?
- We serve high-net-worth individuals and families with $1 million or more in investable assets.
- We have particular expertise supporting households in the $10–$100 million range who face complex financial structures, liquidity events, and multi-generational dynamics.
- We do not offer standalone tax preparation or insurance services. All services are fully integrated under one advisory fee:
Protect Your Money With a Trust
EWA has a way of simplifying complicated structures to make them work. A well-designed trust turns your intentions into action—so your money keeps working for the people and causes you care about most. With offices based in Pittsburgh, we serve clients both locally and across the U.S. Request an appointment now.