Protect Your Children and Your Assets with a Virginia Children’s Trust

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Why Set Up a Children’s Trust? Protecting Your Kids and Their Inheritance

Minors under 18 can’t legally manage an inheritance on their own. Without planning, a court would appoint someone to manage the money, and your child could receive the entire amount at 18. A Children’s Trust (or minor’s trust) lets you set the terms—so assets are managed by a trusted adult and given to your child only when they’re truly ready.

Your Wishes, Your Timing—How a Children’s Trust Keeps You in Control

Custom Distribution Ages

Decide when your child receives funds—age 25, 30, or spread over several milestones.

Ongoing Support

Trust assets can be used for your child’s health, education, living expenses, and more—exactly as you direct.

Trustee Selection

You choose the trustee (and a backup) who manages the trust, separate from or in addition to your child’s legal guardian.

Built-In Protections

Funds are safeguarded from being squandered, mismanaged, or controlled by the court.

A Real-World Example: Planning for the “What Ifs”

If something happened to you and the other parent, do you want your 10-year-old to inherit everything at 18? With a children’s trust, you can:



  • Stagger distributions—some at 25, the rest at 30
  • Ensure the guardian has access to funds for your child’s upbringing, activities, and health needs
  • Keep the courts out of your family’s finances and put a trusted adult in charge

Children’s Trusts Built Into Your Estate Plan—Made Simple

  • Trusts can be included in your will (testamentary trust) or as part of a living trust
  • Michael will guide you through picking the right trustee(s) and setting detailed instructions
  • All documents drafted in plain English, so you and your trustee know exactly how the trust should work
  • Unlimited questions and revisions until you’re confident your children are covered

  • Do I need a will or a trust?

    That depends on your goals. A will is a basic document, but it still goes through probate. A trust helps avoid probate and gives you more control. We’ll help you understand the pros and cons.

  • What happens if I don’t have an estate plan?

    If you die without a will or trust in Oklahoma, state law determines who gets your assets—and the people you care about most might be left out.

  • How often should I update my plan?

    We recommend reviewing your plan every 3 years or whenever there’s a major life change like a birth, death, divorce, or new asset.

  • Is estate planning only for wealthy people?

    Not at all. If you own a home, have children, or simply want to stay in control, estate planning is for you.

  • Do I need a will or a trust?

    That depends on your goals. A will is a basic document, but it still goes through probate. A trust helps avoid probate and gives you more control. We’ll help you understand the pros and cons.

  • What happens if I don’t have an estate plan?

    If you die without a will or trust in Oklahoma, state law determines who gets your assets—and the people you care about most might be left out.

  • How often should I update my plan?

    We recommend reviewing your plan every 3 years or whenever there’s a major life change like a birth, death, divorce, or new asset.

  • Is estate planning only for wealthy people?

    Not at all. If you own a home, have children, or simply want to stay in control, estate planning is for you.

  • How long does the whole process take?

    From your first consultation to signed documents, most plans are completed within 4-6 weeks-depending on your pace and preferences.

  • What does the first meeting include?

    It's 60-90 minutes focused on education. You'll learn how wills, trusts, guardianship, and powers of attorney work-then decide what makes sense for your family.

  • Do you offer payment plans?

    Yes, we're happy to talk through options. We also work on a flat-fee basis, so you'll always know the cost up front.

  • Can I update my plan later?

    Absolutely. Life changes, and your plan should keep up. We offer annual reviews and update support.

Children’s Trust Questions, Answered Clearly

  • Who should be the trustee?

    You can choose a trusted family member, friend, or even a professional trustee. The guardian of your kids and the trustee can be the same person, or you can keep those roles separate for added oversight.

  • What can the trust money be used for?

    Anything you specify typically, health, education, maintenance, and support (the “HEMS” standard). You can add as much detail or flexibility as you want.

  • Can I make sure my kids don’t receive everything at 18?

    Absolutely. You decide the ages or events for distributions, and the trustee manages the assets until then.

  • Can I change the terms of a Children’s Trust later?

    It depends on the type of Children’s Trust if it is revocable, you can change the terms anytime, but if it is irrevocable, changes are usually limited and may require consent or court approval.

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A Gift of Security—Plan Now, Rest Easy

Setting up a children’s trust is one of the most loving steps you can take for your family. Even if it feels uncomfortable to imagine, making these decisions today ensures your children are financially protected, with someone you trust managing their future.