Put IRAs in Our Trust?

Q: I read your article Senior Citizens Need to Understand Why a Will Sometimes Won't Do" and your offer to answer financial questions.

My wife and I have joint wills, leaving all to each other and then divided equally between 3 kids. We also have a living trust that does the same. My question is regarding IRA's - both regular and Roth. I was told not to put them in the trust - I don't remember why, but the reason sounded good at the time. Is this good advice?

A: Your trust would have to have special language to allow the tax-deferred benefits of the IRA's to continue past your deaths. Since they avoid probate anyway, you can just name the beneficiaries on the IRAs.

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