Connecticut Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney

Trust Modernization & Decanting | Law Office of Aakash Sharma, LLC
Connecticut Trust Modernization

Your Trust Was Perfect...
In 2010

Connecticut law changed dramatically in 2019, giving families powerful new tools to update outdated trusts—typically without court involvement. If your trust is more than 5 years old, it's time for a review.

No Court Required Creditor Protection Tax Optimization
Schedule Free Consultation → 📘 Free Guide

Why Trusts Become Outdated

2019
Connecticut adopted the Uniform Trust Decanting Act—powerful new modernization tools.
$13M+
Current estate tax exemption—up from $5.49M in 2017. Old trusts may be over-restricted.
90 Days
Typical timeline to modernize your trust with proper planning and execution.

"Decanting" is like pouring wine from an old bottle into a new one. We transfer your trust assets into a modernized trust with updated provisions—administratively and privately. No court approval typically required, no lengthy proceedings, just better protection for your family.

Has your trust become a straightjacket?

If your trust was created before 2019, it may be missing critical protections.

Tax Problem

Outdated Tax Planning

Designed when exemptions were under $5M—creating unnecessary restrictions and complexity today.

Protection Gap

No Creditor Protection

Beneficiaries going through divorce or lawsuits may have exposed inheritances.

Flexibility Issue

Rigid Distribution Rules

Terms that no longer fit your family's current needs or changed circumstances.

Tax Trap

Missing Basis Step-Up

Costing your family thousands in unnecessary capital gains taxes on appreciated assets.

Admin Problem

Inflexible Trustee Rules

Creating administrative headaches when trustees can no longer serve or are unsuitable.

Design Flaw

Generic Bank Language

Provisions designed for the institution's convenience, not your family's unique needs.

What Connecticut's Law Allows

Under the Uniform Trust Decanting Act, a trustee with discretionary distribution authority can modernize your trust in powerful ways—typically without court approval.

Add creditor protection for vulnerable beneficiaries
Extend trust term for multi-generational wealth
Update tax provisions for new planning opportunities
Fix drafting errors or ambiguous language
Change trustees or succession plans
Add special needs protections
Grant new powers for basis step-up planning
Respond to family changes (divorce, remarriage)
Note: While most decanting can be accomplished administratively, some complex situations may benefit from or require court involvement. We'll advise on the best approach for your circumstances.

How It Works

Your Path to a Modern Trust

A clear, step-by-step process to update and protect your family's trust.

1

Consultation

Free

Discuss your trust situation, family goals, and determine if modernization makes sense.

2

Trust Review

$500

Comprehensive document review with written analysis and specific recommendations.

3

Strategy

Included

Discuss options, cost-benefit analysis, and create your personalized modernization plan.

4

Execution

$3,500–$7,500

Drafting, 60-day notices, trustee coordination, and post-decanting administration.

📘 Free Guide: Understanding Trust Decanting

Plain-English guide to Connecticut's Uniform Trust Decanting Act—no legal jargon.

Download Your Free Guide →

Transparent Pricing

Flat Fees. No Surprises.

Know exactly what you're paying before we start.

Consultation

Free
  • Discuss your trust situation
  • Understand your options
  • No obligation to proceed
  • Virtual or phone meeting
Schedule Now

Trust Review

$500 flat fee
  • Comprehensive document review
  • Written analysis & recommendations
  • 90-minute strategy session
  • No obligation to proceed
Start Review

Decanting

$3,500+ flat fee
  • Complete drafting & preparation
  • All required legal notices
  • Trustee coordination
  • Post-decanting administration
Discuss Options

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, no. Connecticut's decanting law allows most trust modifications to be made administratively. However, some complex situations may benefit from or require judicial oversight. We'll advise you on the best approach for your circumstances.
Not necessarily. Beneficiaries must receive notice, but their consent is generally not required unless the decanting would reduce their vested interests. The trustee makes the decision to decant.
When done properly, decanting is generally tax-neutral. The assets maintain their existing tax basis, and no gift or estate tax is triggered. We analyze all tax implications before recommending decanting.
Typically 90–120 days. Connecticut law requires 60 days' notice to beneficiaries before the decanting can take effect, plus time for document preparation and execution.
Most irrevocable trusts can be decanted if the trustee has discretionary distribution authority. However, some trusts contain provisions that limit or prohibit decanting. We'll review your specific trust to determine what's possible.

Don't Let Your Trust Become a Liability

Connecticut gave you powerful new tools in 2019.
Your family deserves a trust that works for today.

Schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and learn what options may be available to modernize your family's trust.

Schedule Your Consultation →

Or call directly: (860) 560-8382

Law Office of Aakash Sharma, LLC
Trust Modernization & Estate Planning · Serving Connecticut Families

Attorney Advertising: The materials on this page are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a retainer agreement has been executed. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

✔Licensed in Connecticut