How Much Money Do You Need To Start A Trust Fund For A Child?

How Much Money Do You Need To Start A Trust Fund For A Child - How To Set Up A Trust Fund For A Child - Types Of Trusts For Minors

How much money do you need to start a trust fund for a child?

In this article, you’ll learn about: 

  • how much money you need to start a trust fund for a child
  • what is a trust fund for a child
  • how they work
  • how to set up a trust for a child
  • types of trusts for minors (and how much they each cost)
  • what assets you can put into a trust

Let’s dig in.

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How Much Money Do You Need To Start A Trust Fund For A Child?

To start a trust fund for a child, you typically need at least $100 to $500 for the initial contribution. 

Some financial institutions may have higher minimum requirements. 

The amount needed also depends on the type of trust you choose. 

A trust attorney charges fees to set up the trust, which can range from $2,000 to $5,000+. 

It’s wise to have a plan for ongoing contributions to help the trust fund grow. 

Tax implications and state laws can affect the trust fund, so understanding these aspects is important. 

Starting with a few hundred dollars and budgeting for legal fees is a good base for setting up a trust fund for a child.

Read More: The Biggest Mistake Parents Make When Setting Up A Trust Fund

What Is A Trust Fund For A Child?

A trust fund for a child is a legal arrangement created by a parent or guardian to hold and manage assets on behalf of a child. 

It provides financial protection and can be used to support the child’s education, healthcare, and other needs. 

The assets in the trust fund are managed by a trustee, who is responsible for making decisions in the child’s best interest. 

The child becomes the beneficiary of the trust fund when they reach a certain age or milestone specified in the trust document. 

The purpose of a trust fund is to ensure that the child has financial security and access to resources in the future.

Read More: Do I Need A Trust To Avoid Probate

How Does A Trust Fund Work For A Child?

A trust fund for a child is a legal arrangement where assets or money are set aside and managed by a trustee for the child’s benefit. 

The funds are typically provided by a parent, relative, or benefactor. 

The trustee has the responsibility to oversee and invest the assets until the child reaches a specified age or milestone. 

The purpose is to ensure that the child has financial support and protection for the future. 

The trust fund can be used for various purposes, such as:

  • education
  • medical expenses
  • housing
  • any other needs determined by the trust’s terms

Read More: How To Put House In Trust With Mortgage

How To Set Up A Trust Fund For A Child

To set up a trust fund for a child:

  1. Decide the Purpose: Determine why you are setting up the trust fund for the child, such as for education, general support, or special needs.
  2. Choose the Type of Trust: Pick between a living trust, which starts while you’re alive, and a testamentary trust, which begins after you pass away.
  3. Select a Trustee: Choose a person or institution that will manage the trust responsibly.
  4. Draft the Trust Agreement: Create a document that acts like a rulebook for the trust. Include details such as who the beneficiary is, how the money should be used, and when it can be accessed.
  5. Fund the Trust: Add money or assets to the trust. Remember, there’s no minimum, but generally more is better.
  6. Plan for Taxes: Be aware that the trust might have tax implications, so plan accordingly.
  7. Monitor the Trust: Regularly review the trust’s performance and make any necessary adjustments or changes.

Types Of Trusts For Minors And How Much They Cost

When considering setting up a trust fund for a child, it’s essential to understand:

Trust funds serve various purposes, from educational savings to providing for children with special needs. 

Here, we break down seven common types of trust funds.

And we outline both the purpose they serve and the estimated costs involved in setting them up.

  • 529 College Savings Plans have the purpose of saving primarily for educational expenses. They usually have no setup fee and minimum initial contributions can be as low as $25.
  • Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are for education expenses, including K-12. These have no setup fee and allow a maximum contribution of $2,000 per year per beneficiary.
  • Custodial Accounts (UGMA/UTMA) are for general purposes but are often used for education. They have no setup fee and no limits on contributions, but large contributions are subject to the gift tax.
  • Revocable Living Trusts are flexible and can be used for education, living expenses, and more. The legal fees for setup usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.
  • Irrevocable Living Trusts are used for asset protection, tax planning, and general financial support. The setup legal fees for these trusts usually range from $1,500 to $5,000.
  • Special Needs Trusts provide financial support to a child with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for government benefits. The setup legal fees usually range from $2,000 to $5,000.
  • Crummey Trusts are used for gifting assets to beneficiaries, including minors while retaining the annual gift tax exclusion. The setup legal fees for these trusts usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.
  • Testamentary Trusts are used to transfer assets to a child after the grantor’s death. The legal fees as part of estate planning usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.

What Assets Can You Put In A Trust Fund For A Child?

You can put various assets in a trust fund for a child.

  • Use Cash: Deposit cash into the trust. This can be a lump sum or regular contributions.
  • Invest in Stocks and Bonds: Buy stocks or bonds with the trust’s money. This helps the fund grow over time.
  • Add Real Estate: Put property in the trust. When it increases in value or earns rent, the trust benefits.
  • Life Insurance Policies: Name the trust as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy. When the policy pays out, the money goes into the trust.
  • Gifts and Inheritances: Ask family and friends to leave gifts or inheritances to the trust.
  • Transfer Business Interests: If you own a business, transfer shares or interests into the trust.
  • 529 Plans: Open a 529 college savings plan and link it to the trust. This is good for education funding.
  • Bank CDs and Savings Bonds: Purchase certificates of deposit (CDs) or savings bonds in the trust’s name for secure growth.
  • Annuities: Buy annuities that pay a steady income into the trust.

The trustee will manage these assets for the child until they reach a certain age. 

This age is usually specified in the trust document. 

The trust helps protect the assets and can provide for the child’s needs.

Here is a list of what assets can and cannot get put into each type of trust fund for a child. 

  • 529 Plans can include cash used for investments like mutual funds within the plan, but cannot include real estate, individual stocks, tangible personal property, or business interests.
  • UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) Accounts can include cash, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, but cannot include real estate or tangible personal property.
  • UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) Accounts can include cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, and tangible personal property, but cannot include business interests.
  • Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESA) can include cash used for investments like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds within the account, but cannot include real estate, tangible personal property, or business interests.
  • Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILIT) can include life insurance policies, but cannot include cash (except for paying premiums), real estate, stocks, bonds, or tangible personal property.
  • Special Needs Trusts can include cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, and life insurance policies, but cannot include assets that would disqualify the child from receiving government benefits.
  • Crummey Trusts can include cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, and life insurance policies, but there are no specific restrictions, though they’re typically not used for tangible personal property.
  • Testamentary Trusts can include cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, business interests, art, collectibles, and life insurance proceeds, but cannot include assets that are not part of the deceased’s estate or assets that are jointly owned with rights of survivorship.

Read More: Does Your House Have To Be Paid Off To Put It In A Trust

FAQs About How Much Money You Need To Start A Trust Fund For A Child

Here are other questions our clients ask us related to how much money you need to start a trust fund for a child.

What Is The Average Trust Fund Amount?

The average trust fund amount varies widely. 

Trust funds can range from a few thousand dollars to millions or even billions. 

Many people think of trust funds as being for the very wealthy, but smaller trust funds are common too. 

For middle-class families, a trust fund might typically hold between $50,000 and $200,000. 

For wealthier families, trust funds can often hold millions of dollars or more. 

Various factors like family wealth, purpose, and region can affect the size of a trust fund.

Read More: Who Needs A Trust Instead Of A Will?

Can A Minor Be A Beneficiary Of A Trust Fund?

Yes, a minor can be a beneficiary of a trust fund. 

This means that someone sets up a trust fund and names a minor as the person who will receive the benefits. 

The trust holds assets, like money or property, for the minor until they reach a certain age. 

A trustee manages the trust and follows rules set in the trust document. 

The trustee can use the trust’s assets to pay for the minor’s needs, such as education or healthcare. 

Once the minor becomes an adult or reaches the age specified in the trust document, they can access the trust’s assets. 

This setup helps protect the minor’s inheritance and ensures it is used wisely.

Can A Minor Be A Trustee Of A Trust?

No, a minor cannot be a trustee of a trust. 

A trustee must be able to manage the trust’s assets and make legal decisions. 

Since minors are not legally able to enter into contracts or make binding decisions, they cannot serve as trustees. 

Usually, an adult who is at least 18 years old is required to be a trustee. 

This ensures that the trustee has the legal capacity to manage the trust effectively and in accordance with the law.

Can A Minor Be A Beneficiary On A Bank Account?

Yes, a minor can be a beneficiary on a bank account. 

A beneficiary is someone who receives money or assets if the account holder passes away. 

To add a minor as a beneficiary, the account holder typically fills out paperwork provided by the bank. 

This includes the minor’s name, birth date, and Social Security number. 

It’s often wise to also name a custodian for the minor. 

A custodian is an adult who can manage the money until the minor reaches a certain age, usually 18 or 21. 

This helps ensure the minor’s financial best interest.

Can A Minor Be A Beneficiary On A Life Insurance Policy?

Yes, a minor can be a beneficiary on a life insurance policy. 

The minor will receive the policy’s death benefit.

But they may not have direct control over the funds until they reach the age of majority. 

A guardian or trustee may be appointed to manage the funds on behalf of the minor.

Set Up A Trust Fund For A Child

If you want help setting up your child’s trust fund, fill out the form below. 

At The Hive Law, we understand the importance of:

  • protecting your hard-earned assets 
  • ensuring your family’s future
  • not losing everything to creditors and lawsuits
  • properly (and legally) distributing assets 

We only accommodate a limited number of clients each month.

So don’t miss your opportunity to work with our trust fund lawyers.

Benefits of working with our trust attorneys:

  • Tailored solutions to fit your unique needs and goals
  • Expert guidance in navigating complex tax and legal matters
  • Preservation of your wealth for future generations
  • Streamlined asset distribution according to your wishes

Avoid the pitfalls of inadequate estate planning strategies:

  • Creditors seizing your assets
  • Lawsuits jeopardizing your family’s financial security
  • Family disputes over inheritance
  • Costly and time-consuming probate processes

Talk soon.

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