Can I leave assets to a minor in my will?

Yes, you can leave assets to a minor in your will, but additional planning is often recommended. While minors can be named as beneficiaries, they cannot directly manage inherited assets until they reach the age of majority.

Without additional planning, a court may need to appoint someone to manage the inheritance on the child’s behalf. This process can create additional administrative requirements and may not provide the level of control many parents desire.

For this reason, many estate plans incorporate trusts for minor beneficiaries. A trust can designate a trustee to manage assets, establish guidelines for distributions, and determine when beneficiaries receive control over inherited property.

Trust planning can also provide flexibility for educational expenses, health care needs, and long-term financial management. Rather than requiring a large distribution at a young age, a trust can structure distributions over time.

Parents and grandparents frequently use trusts to provide both protection and guidance for younger beneficiaries while ensuring inherited assets are used responsibly.