Estate Planning

Vacation Home Trust Checklist: How to Protect and Pass Down a Second Home

Protect the Cabin. Protect the Family. Protect the Legacy.

Use this checklist before meeting with an estate planning attorney.


Ownership Structure

☐ Is the property individually owned?
☐ Jointly owned?
☐ In an LLC?
☐ In a trust?
☐ Do all heirs understand current title structure?


Probate Avoidance

☐ Will the property go through probate?
☐ Is there a revocable living trust?
☐ Has the deed been properly transferred into the trust?


Usage Rules

☐ Is there a scheduling system?
☐ How are holidays divided?
☐ Are guests permitted?
☐ Can heirs rent the property?


Expense Sharing

☐ Who pays property taxes?
☐ Who pays insurance?
☐ Who covers maintenance?
☐ Is there a reserve fund?
☐ What happens if someone refuses to pay?


Exit Strategy

☐ Can an heir sell their interest?
☐ Is there a right of first refusal?
☐ Is there a valuation formula?
☐ Can a forced sale occur?


Divorce & Creditor Protection

☐ Is the property protected from spouses?
☐ Is it protected from creditors?
☐ Is asset protection planning necessary?


Long-Term Vision

☐ Should the cabin stay in the family forever?
☐ Is selling eventually acceptable?
☐ Are future generations included?


Download this checklist before your estate planning meeting.
Planning prevents conflict.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *