The ideal time to transfer assets to trusts for family members is when the gifted asset has a low value and is expected to appreciate in the future. The appreciation of the asset then is in the hands of the trusts for family members, rather than adding to your own net worth. Typically, we recommend one trust per family member. If you want to create this type of trust, we will need to know who you want to name as Trustees and successor Trustees. Also, please consider what rules you would like to put into place that govern when the Trustee may distribute assets to your family members. Some ideas regarding a distribution standard include “for support, education, maintenance, and health;” an annual cap of 5% of the trust assets, for example, and special distributions for special events such as marriage.