Asset-Protection Trusts for Reading, PA

Koch & Koch helps clients establish revocable and irrevocable trusts in Reading, PA, to protect assets and avoid probate. Serving families throughout Berks County since 1981, our attorneys bring over 125 years of combined legal experience to estate planning and trust administration. Whether you are planning for a child with special needs, protecting a family home, or keeping your estate out of Berks County Orphans' Court, a properly structured trust may be the most powerful tool available to you. Call (610) 378-9002 to schedule a consultation.

Document with information about a living trust and glasses on it.

What Types of Trusts Are Available in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law recognizes several types of estate-planning documentation, each designed to meet different planning goals. Choosing the right structure depends on your family situation, asset types, and long-term objectives. Koch & Koch can help you compare options and select the trust that best protects your assets, your privacy, and your beneficiaries.

Revocable 

A revocable living trust allows you to maintain full control of your assets during your lifetime while designating how they pass to beneficiaries after your death. You can amend or revoke the trust at any time. Because assets held in a revocable trust do not pass through probate, your family can avoid the delays and public filings that come with Berks County Orphans' Court proceedings.

Irrevocable

An irrevocable trust transfers assets out of your taxable estate permanently, providing protection from creditors and potential benefits for Medicaid planning. Because terms generally cannot be changed after signing, irrevocable estate-planning documents require careful drafting and a clear understanding of your long-term goals.

Special Needs

A special needs trust benefits a family member with a disability without disqualifying them from Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. For Reading, PA, families caring for a loved one with ongoing medical or developmental needs, this trust can preserve vital benefits while still providing financial support.

How Do Trusts Help You Avoid Probate in Berks County?

When assets are properly titled in the name of a revocable living trust, they pass directly to named beneficiaries upon your death, bypassing Orphans' Court entirely. This means faster property transfers, reduced court costs, and greater privacy. A will alone does not avoid probate. Assets governed by a will must still pass through Berks County Orphans' Court before reaching your beneficiaries. A trust works alongside a will as part of a complete plan. Learn more about estate planning and administration at Koch & Koch.

Trust vs. Will: Understanding the Difference

A will takes effect only at death and must pass through probate. A trust can take effect immediately, holds assets during your lifetime, and transfers them without court involvement. For many Berks County families, a coordinated plan that includes both offers the most complete protection.

Our Trust Planning Process

Working with Koch & Koch on a trust is a guided, straightforward process.

 

  1. Schedule a consultation to discuss your assets, family structure, and planning goals.
  2. Review trust options with an attorney to identify the right structure for your needs.
  3. Gather relevant financial and property information for drafting.
  4. Review and sign your trust document with your attorney present.
  5.  Fund the trust by retitling assets and updating beneficiary designations.


Koch & Koch offers home and hospital visits for clients unable to travel to the Reading, PA, office. This flexibility ensures elderly, ill, or homebound clients throughout Berks County can still complete their trust planning without delay or added stress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trusts

  • Do I Need a Trust if I Already Have a Will in Pennsylvania?

    A will passes through probate. A trust can transfer assets without involving Berks County Orphans' Court. Many Reading, PA, area families use both.

  • Can a Trust Protect My Assets From Nursing Home Costs in Pennsylvania?

    An irrevocable trust may protect assets from Medicaid spend-down, but timing matters due to Pennsylvania's look-back period. Koch & Koch can review your options.

  • How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Trust in Reading, PA?

    Trust costs vary by complexity, asset types, and structure. Contact Koch & Koch directly to discuss fees for your needs.

  • What Happens to My Trust if I Move Out of Pennsylvania?

    A Pennsylvania trust generally stays valid if you relocate, though the new state's laws may affect administration or taxation. Have it reviewed locally.

  • Who Should I Name as Trustee?

    Choose someone you trust fully to manage assets per your terms. Many Reading, PA, residents name a family member first, with an institutional backup.

Contact Koch & Koch to Begin Your Trust Plan

Koch & Koch serves residents of the Berks County communities with counsel for trusts in Reading, PA, that is clear, practical, and personalized. The firm has been part of the legal community since 1981, and its attorneys are licensed to practice throughout Pennsylvania. Visit Koch & Koch to read client reviews, or call (610) 378-9002 to schedule your consultation. You can also explore the firm's wills and estates services and attorney profiles to learn more about who will handle your case.