Living Trusts
Living Trusts Attorney in Evansville, IN
Protect Your Legacy and Avoid Probate With a Thoughtfully Crafted Trust
A living trust is a flexible, powerful tool for managing and transferring your assets during life and after death. It allows you to maintain control of your estate, avoid the delays and costs of probate, and ensure a smooth transition of assets to your beneficiaries. Whether you’re planning for the future or updating an existing estate plan, a living trust can offer peace of mind and long-term protection.

At the law office of John Andrew Goodridge, we help clients throughout Evansville and Southern Indiana create and manage living trusts tailored to their personal and financial goals. With more than 30 years of estate planning experience, we provide trusted guidance and personalized support every step of the way.
What Is a Living Trust?
A living trust is a legal document that places your assets—such as property, bank accounts, and investments—into a trust during your lifetime. You retain control of the assets as the trustee and can change or revoke the trust at any time. After your death, the person you name as successor trustee manages or distributes the trust assets according to your instructions.
Unlike a will, a living trust:
- Does not go through probate
- Keeps your estate private
- Allows for faster distribution of assets
- Provides greater control over how and when beneficiaries receive assets
- Can include instructions for managing your affairs if you become incapacitated
Benefits of a Living Trust
- Avoid Probate: Assets in a living trust bypass the probate court process, saving time and legal costs for your loved ones.
- Maintain Privacy: Trusts are not public record, so your estate details remain confidential.
- Plan for Incapacity: A trust allows someone you trust to manage your affairs if you’re unable to do so.
- Support Minor or Special Needs Beneficiaries: You can control how and when funds are distributed, protecting vulnerable beneficiaries.
- Reduce Family Conflict: Clear instructions and legal structure help prevent disputes over your estate.
Our Living Trust Services Include:
- Drafting and reviewing revocable living trusts
- Funding the trust by transferring assets into it
- Naming successor trustees and beneficiaries
- Coordinating your trust with your will, power of attorney, and other planning tools
- Reviewing and updating existing trusts
- Explaining how your trust can meet your long-term planning goals
We ensure that your living trust reflects your wishes, protects your loved ones, and complements your complete estate plan.
Serving Clients Across Southern Indiana
We prepare living trusts for individuals and families across Evansville, Boonville, Chandler, Cynthiana, Darmstadt, Fort Branch, Haubstadt, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Petersburg, Princeton, Poseyville, Rockport, Wadesville, and surrounding areas. Schedule a consultation to get started.
Need Legal Help?
Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and get the experienced legal support you need.
Practice Areas
Why Choose John Andrew Goodridge?
- Over 30 years of legal experience
- Proven track record in Indiana courts
- Focused, personalized attention on every case
- Clear communication and honest guidance
- Trusted by clients across Evansville and surrounding areas
- Strong trial experience and skilled negotiation
- Committed to protecting your rights and best interests
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a will if I have a living trust?
Yes. A will can handle any assets not included in your trust and allows you to name guardians for minor children. We typically create both as part of a full estate plan.
Can I change or revoke a living trust?
Yes. A revocable living trust can be modified or revoked at any time during your life, as long as you are mentally competent.
What kinds of assets can go into a living trust?
Most assets can be placed into a trust, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property. We’ll help you transfer and title them correctly.
Will a living trust protect my assets from creditors or nursing home costs?
A standard revocable living trust does not protect against creditors or Medicaid recovery. However, there are other tools and trusts that may provide those benefits—we can discuss what’s right for your situation.
What’s the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust?
A revocable trust can be changed or canceled. An irrevocable trust cannot, but it may offer tax or asset protection advantages. We can help you evaluate the pros and cons.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Case
If you're facing a legal challenge, don’t navigate it alone. John Andrew Goodridge, Attorney at Law, is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the best possible outcome. We proudly serve clients in Evansville and surrounding areas, including Boonville, Chandler, Cynthiana, Darmstadt, Fort Branch, Haubstadt, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Petersburg, Princeton, Poseyville, Rockport, and Wadesville. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.
