How to Establish a Trust Fund for a Life Insurance Beneficiary

Most of the time, you are the owner of your life insurance as the person covered under the policy. When you die, the proceeds of the life insurance are subject to estate taxes. If you set up a trust for the policy, proceeds are not subject to taxation. While you do give up other rights when you set up a life insurance trust, you can designate how and when the proceeds of your insurance are to be distributed.

Fill out the paperwork designed to set up the trust. Check with your state's Secretary of State to find out if your state requires that you file a copy of the trust document. The initial paperwork requires you to name a trustee and beneficiaries.

Name a trustee for the trust. You may choose anyone to serve in this capacity. You can choose a friend or relative, but you should talk to the person first to make sure she is willing to take on the responsibility. Additionally, you should make alternative plans if she dies before you do.

Sign the trust agreement and retain the signature of your appointed trustee. Your trustee should be trustworthy and agree to follow the terms of your trust. They will be in charge of your assets once you die and must be able to fairly distribute your assets as you intended. The trustee may accept payment for the services.

Choose an institutional trustee, such as a bank, family attorney or financial institution, to make sure your funds are handled appropriately and to avoid potential disputes within your family. In many cases, an insurance company will serve as the trustee at no extra charge because there are no ongoing investment decisions or other duties that accompany the position. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer this service.

Transfer the assets to the trust that you wish to be included in the fund. Visit your insurance agent who manages your life insurance policy to change the beneficiary on the policy. The beneficiary will be the actual trust.