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Wilmington Trust is a registered service mark used in connection with various fiduciary and non-fiduciary services offered by certain subsidiaries of M&T Bank Corporation including, but not limited to, Manufacturers & Traders Trust Company (M&T Bank), Wilmington Trust Company (WTC) operating in Delaware only, Wilmington Trust, N.A. (WTNA), Wilmington Trust Investment Advisors, Inc. (WTIA), Wilmington Funds Management Corporation (WFMC), Wilmington Trust Asset Management, LLC (WTAM), and Wilmington Trust Investment Management, LLC (WTIM). Such services include trustee, custodial, agency, investment management, and other services. International corporate and institutional services are offered through M&T Bank Corporation’s international subsidiaries. Loans, credit cards, retail and business deposits, and other business and personal banking services and products are offered by M&T Bank. Member, FDIC. 
M&T Bank Corporation’s European subsidiaries (Wilmington Trust (UK) Limited, Wilmington Trust (London) Limited, Wilmington Trust SP Services (London) Limited, Wilmington Trust SP Services (Dublin) Limited, Wilmington Trust SP Services (Frankfurt) GmbH and Wilmington Trust SAS) provide international corporate and institutional services.
WTIA, WFMC, WTAM, and WTIM are investment advisors registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration with the SEC does not imply any level of skill or training. Additional Information about WTIA, WFMC, WTAM, and WTIM is also available on the SEC's website at adviserinfo.sec.gov. 
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Wealth Management Services

Directed Trusts

A Delaware directed trust may allow your clients to take advantage of the state's beneficial trust and tax laws while retaining the services of a long-standing and trusted investment advisor. Discover how we can help serve as your client's Delaware directed trustee while providing ongoing administrative services.

Features of the Delaware directed trust

May provide families with the flexibility and freedom to overcome many estate planning hurdles.

  • Retention of a trusted advisor
    By adding a directed trust feature to the desired trust structure, the client's long-standing advisor can continue to control the investment of family assets held in trust.
  • Providing for flexible future distributions
    A directed trust allows for the appointment of a distribution advisor who is close to the family and who can properly take into account family needs and values when making future distribution decisions.
  • Protecting the grantor's interests
    A directed trust allows for the appointment of a trust protector who can remove or replace a trustee and assist with carrying out the grantor's goals in establishing the trust.
  • Control of difficult-to-manage assets
    Trusts such as Delaware asset protection trusts and Delaware dynasty trusts can also be beneficial as directed trusts, as they often hold assets that are concentrated, illiquid, or otherwise difficult for a trustee to manage.

Advantage of working with Wilmington Trust

With roots dating back to our founding as a trust company in 1903*, we have the fiduciary heritage and commitment your clients need from a trustee. We strive to demonstrate impartiality, fairness, and sensitivity to the needs of the beneficiaries we serve and administer each trust in accordance with its specific provisions.

Connect with us if a Delaware directed trust is the right solution for your client.

Source: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title12/c033/index.html

*Wilmington Trust traces its roots to the founding of Wilmington Trust Company in 1903.

Wilmington Trust Company operates offices in Delaware only.
Note that a few states, including Delaware, have special trust advantages that may not be available under the laws of your state of residence, including asset protection trusts and directed trusts.

Contact one of our team members

  • Jeffrey C. Wolken
    National Director, Delaware Trust Planning
    Email Jeff