Creating a trust for your children is one of the most thoughtful steps you can take to protect their financial future. But one of the most common—and most difficult—questions parents face when setting up a trust is:
👉 “At what age should my children receive their inheritance?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every family and every child is different. However, there are several important factors to consider when deciding how and when your children will receive distributions from a trust.
Here are five key things to think about before you make this important decision.
The most obvious factor is your child’s level of maturity. Few 18-year-olds are equipped to manage a large sum of money responsibly—and even some 25-year-olds may not be ready.
When you create your trust, you can structure distributions to match your children’s growing financial skills. For example:
This staged approach allows your children to learn from early decisions without risking their full inheritance.
Some parents prefer to tie trust distributions to specific life events, not just age. You might authorize distributions for milestones such as:
This approach aligns financial support with meaningful life goals—and encourages your children to plan thoughtfully.
Under Florida law, trusts can be drafted with flexible distribution terms, allowing your trustee to make judgment calls based on your intent and your child’s circumstances (see Florida Trust Code, Chapter 736).
Even well-intentioned children can face unexpected challenges—divorce, lawsuits, or debt. One way to protect their inheritance is to keep assets in trust longer, rather than distributing everything outright at a young age.
A “continuing trust” structure allows the trustee to make distributions for the child’s health, education, maintenance, and support, while keeping the principal shielded from creditors and potential ex-spouses.
In other words, sometimes less access means more protection.
If your children are minors—or if you simply want to delay full distributions—you’ll need a trustee to manage funds on their behalf.
Choosing the right trustee is crucial. Think about:
A well-chosen trustee can provide financial oversight and mentorship, ensuring your children’s inheritance supports their growth rather than hinders it.
Finally, remember that life changes—and so do children. A child who isn’t ready for money at 25 might be fully capable by 28.
Your trust can include discretionary provisions, giving the trustee authority to accelerate or delay distributions based on maturity, health, or other circumstances.
Alternatively, you can require that children complete a financial literacy course or work with a financial advisor before receiving certain funds. This encourages responsibility and gives them the tools to manage wealth wisely.
Setting the right age for trust distributions isn’t about picking a number—it’s about balancing protection, opportunity, and responsibility.
A thoughtful estate plan considers each child’s unique personality, your family’s values, and the long-term purpose of your legacy.
We can help you draft a trust that’s flexible, protective, and perfectly aligned with your family’s goals—so your children receive not just wealth, but wisdom.
Ready to start planning? Give us a call today.
