It’s essential to plan for your future, and many people want to leave behind a legacy for their children and other family members. One way to make sure your assets are properly handled after you pass away is by establishing a trust. A trust can go a long way in achieving this goal, but there are definitely considerations you need to have when establishing one. Discover how our team can help when you call us today at Carpenter & Lewis PLLC to work with our Seymour, TN trust lawyer!
A trust is a structured legal tool that lets you place your assets under the care of a designated trustee, who oversees and distributes them according to your wishes. People create trusts for many different reasons, but one of the most common is the desire to bypass probate. Probate often involves delays, court costs, and unnecessary stress that can add to a family’s grief.
By using a trust, you can streamline the transfer of your property and spare loved ones from potential conflict. Trusts can also serve important financial purposes, such as shielding assets from creditors, reducing certain tax burdens, and providing ongoing support for children or relatives who have special needs. Should disputes arise after you pass away, a trust will make the mediation process much easier.
Many people often assume that after they establish their trust, the work is completely done. While establishing your trust eliminates most of the heavy lifting the first time around, it’s wise to update your trust regularly. We recommend updating your trust after major life events, like a marriage or divorce, the birth of a child, or the acquisition of new assets of high monetary value. We’ll make sure any updates to your trust fulfill your wishes as well as the law.
Especially if you have a lot of beneficiaries or assets, it pays to work with our experienced team. Our Seymour trust lawyer brings over 30 years of legal experience, and he can provide you with a tailored solution that meets all your needs.
A trust can be an effective financial tool to pass on your legacy to your loved ones with minimal hurdles, but it needs to be implemented correctly. Discover how our Seymour trust lawyer can help when you reach out to us today at Carpenter & Lewis PLLC to schedule a consultation!

One of the primary services we provide is establishing customized trusts. Every individual and family has unique financial goals, and a properly structured trust can reflect those needs. Our lawyer works closely with clients to determine the right type of trust, whether revocable or irrevocable, and drafts documents that clearly outline how assets should be managed and distributed.
Revocable living trusts are popular tools for individuals who want flexibility and control over their assets during their lifetime. These trusts can help avoid probate, maintain privacy, and simplify asset distribution after death. We help clients fund their trusts properly and update them as life circumstances change.
Irrevocable trusts offer strong asset protection and potential tax advantages. Once created, these trusts generally cannot be changed without court approval, making careful planning essential. Our Seymour trust lawyer helps clients use irrevocable trusts for purposes such as asset protection, charitable giving, and minimizing estate taxes.
Families with loved ones who have disabilities often need special planning to ensure long-term care without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits. A special needs trust can provide financial support while preserving access to programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. We guide families through the process of establishing and managing these trusts.
Serving as a trustee can be complex and time-consuming. Trustees must follow legal duties, manage assets responsibly, and communicate with beneficiaries. Our firm assists trustees with trust administration, including interpreting trust terms, handling distributions, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant financial shifts may require updates to an existing trust. We help clients modify or restate trusts when permitted, ensuring documents remain aligned with current wishes and legal requirements.
Trusts can be used to shield assets from certain risks, such as creditors or lawsuits, when structured properly. Our trust lawyer works with clients to develop asset protection strategies that help preserve wealth for future generations.
For individuals who wish to support charitable causes, charitable trusts offer a meaningful way to give back while potentially receiving tax benefits. We assist clients in establishing trusts that support their philanthropic goals and align with their financial plans.
Trusts can also be used to hold business interests, real estate, or investment portfolios. Our lawyer helps structure these arrangements to ensure smooth management and transition of ownership.
Trust planning is an essential part of a comprehensive estate plan. With careful guidance from our Seymour trust lawyer, you can protect your assets, reduce stress for your loved ones, and create a clear plan for the future. At Carpenter & Lewis PLLC, we are committed to providing personalized, knowledgeable support at every step of the trust planning process. Founded in 1989 by Stephen L. Carpenter, our firm stands out by focusing solely on estate and transactional law, delivering precise solutions tailored to both individuals and businesses.
“We own several businesses and have had the pleasure of working with Stephen and his team for over 9 years now. He always comes through in a pinch. They have assisted us with leases, estate planning, company formations and even landlord issues. I highly recommend them for all your business attorney needs!”
Mary Ellen Nichols
Schedule Your Appointment
10413 Kingston Pike, Suite 200
Knoxville, Tennessee 37922
New Clients: (865) 509-9600
Existing Clients: (865) 690-4997
Facsimile: (865) 690-4790
10413 Kingston Pike, Suite 200 Knoxville, Tennessee 37922
Also Serving: Farragut TN
New Clients: (865) 509-9600
Existing Clients: (865) 690-4997
Facsimile: (865) 690-4790