Client & Payment PortalStop Using One-Size-Fits-All Trusts: Meet the Directed Trust
In this episode of TFE Talks, Jordan Goewey and David Thompson break down the concept of directed trusts and how they differ from traditional “all-in-one” trustee arrangements. They explain how trustee duties can be split into investment, distribution, and administrative roles, and why this division can be especially useful for closely held business interests or clients who want to keep their existing financial advisor involved. The conversation covers the use of investment and distribution advisors, the benefits and costs of naming related parties versus independent fiduciaries, and the value of having a professional administrative trustee as the “adult in the room” to handle tax filings, recordkeeping, and compliance. They also discuss why certain jurisdictions, particularly Tennessee and Delaware, are often preferred for directed trusts due to their flexible statutes and tax advantages. Overall, the key takeaway is that directed trusts offer a high degree of flexibility, allowing clients to build a customized trust team and craft estate plans that better fit their assets, family dynamics, and long-term goals.
Notes:
Topics in this conversation include:
- Introducing Today’s Topic: Directed Trusts (0:33)
- Why Divide Trustee Roles Among Different Parties (3:01)
- Role of the Investment Direction Advisor and Grantor Control (4:39)
- Keeping Existing Financial Advisors Within a Directed Trust (6:50)
- Role of Distribution Advisors, Costs, and Related Parties (7:32)
- Choosing Trust Jurisdictions Like Tennessee and Delaware (12:18)
- Misconceptions About Directed Trusts and Flexibility (16:53)
- Building a Flexible Trust Team and Future Use of Directed Trusts (18:09)
- Final Thoughts and Takeaways (18:58)
TFE Talks: Navigating Wealth, Business, and Legacy is the official podcast from Thomas, Fisher & Edwards, a premier estate planning and business advising law firm in Greenville, South Carolina. Each episode, our attorneys break down complex legal topics—covering estate planning, business strategy, and legacy building—into clear, actionable insights. Whether you’re refining a plan with our team or preparing for the future, this podcast serves as your go-to resource for thoughtful, strategic planning. Tune in for guidance that helps you protect what matters most. Learn more at www.tfelawfirm.com.
The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship with Thomas, Fisher & Edwards or any of its attorneys. Laws and regulations vary, and legal matters are highly fact-specific. For personalized legal guidance, please consult with a qualified attorney.