Helping Atlanta Families Protect What Matters Most
When you’ve spent years building something—financial stability, a home, a legacy—you want to be sure it doesn’t fall apart after you’re gone. That’s not just about taxes or paperwork. It’s about the people you leave it to.
Sometimes the concern isn’t who inherits. It’s how they’ll handle it.
If you’re worried a loved one isn’t ready to manage an inheritance—maybe because of poor spending habits, addiction, or financial instability—a spendthrift trust can give you a way forward that protects both your assets and your family.
What a Spendthrift Trust Does
At its core, a spendthrift trust keeps money out of the hands of creditors and bad decisions. You’re not cutting someone off. You’re putting structure in place.
You choose a trustee—someone reliable, someone who understands the role. That trustee follows the instructions you’ve outlined. You decide how much money is distributed, when, and under what circumstances. Maybe it’s monthly support. Maybe it’s milestone-based. Maybe it pauses altogether if certain risks come up.
It’s flexible. But it’s firm.
Why It Matters
If your beneficiary racks up debt, creditors can’t touch what’s inside the trust. If they struggle with substance abuse or gambling, distributions can be delayed or limited. The trust acts as a buffer. It gives your loved one support without handing over a lump sum that could do more harm than good.
It’s not about control. It’s about care. You’re setting boundaries to protect someone who may not be able to protect themselves.
Plan with Clarity. Lead with Care.
At Fletcher Estate Planning, we work with families across Atlanta who want more than a simple will. They want a plan that reflects the real people in their lives—their strengths, their struggles, their stories.
A spendthrift trust isn’t right for everyone. But for the families who need it, it can be the difference between long-term security and unintended consequences.
If you think this might be part of your solution, let’s talk. We’re here to help you build a plan that’s clear, protective, and built to last.
Call us at (404) 409-5665 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.
