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Preserving Wealth Across Generations

Enduring wealth calls for thoughtful, experienced stewardship.

Delaware Trust
Philanthropy & Wealth Education

A Delaware trust can be a versatile tool to help protect and preserve your family’s wealth across generations.

The Value of a Delaware Trustee

With its long history as a leading jurisdiction for personal trusts, Delaware has been respected for its modern trust legislation, sophisticated body of case law, and unmatched flexibility in trust design.

Flexibility & Control

Delaware offers significant flexibility and control within trust structures. The state provides progressive, practical methods for modifying the terms of an irrevocable trust—often without going to court.

Delaware also provides for the appointment of directed trust advisors and trust protectors, individuals who can be granted authority to direct the trustee on investment, distribution, and tax matters. This structure is particularly well-suited for business owners, corporate executives, and those who have inherited significant wealth in private investments.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Deciding when and how much to share about their wealth is one of the most personal decisions a family can make. Delaware law permits the appointment of a “designated representative” to receive notice on behalf of beneficiaries, providing families the space to have meaningful conversations about wealth at a pace they choose and on terms they set. This structure is often referred to as a “silent trust” and can empower families to engage in thoughtful, proactive intergenerational wealth planning.

Potential Tax Savings

Delaware does not tax a trust’s accumulated income if the trust’s beneficiaries are not residents of Delaware. However, the accumulated income may be subject to tax in another state depending on circumstances such as the residency of the settlor, beneficiaries, and trustee.

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An Independent Firm with a Fiduciary Heritage

The Glenmede Trust Company of Delaware (GTCDE) is a Delaware chartered, limited purpose trust company offering access to estate planning services that can account for your unique circumstances and evolve with your family’s needs.

Our fiduciary duty has been more than an obligation—it is the foundation of our culture and the lens through which we view every client relationship.

A Shared Commitment

At GTCDE, client success is a shared mission. We work closely with clients and their estate planning counsel to deliver customized, comprehensive wealth planning guidance.

  • A Client-First Service Model—Direct access to senior leadership, personalized solutions, and a long-term planning philosophy
  • The Right Scale—Large enough to deliver institutional capabilities and nimble enough to not lose sight of your individual needs
  • Collaboration with the Delaware Legal Community—We can facilitate introductions to local Delaware counsel

Our priority is and always has been to work in the best interests of our clients.

About Us
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Estate of Affairs provides timely developments on trust, tax, estate, and wealth planning strategies, highlighting opportunities and considerations.

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It is our privilege to have the opportunity to partner with you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are many trusts established and administered in Delaware?
Delaware has a long history of being considered a leading jurisdiction for personal trusts. It has world-renowned status in the areas of trust and business entity law, a premiere state court forum for sophisticated corporate litigation and trust matters, and a well-established legal and banking community that serves the needs of clients worldwide. It offers significant flexibility and control when determining a trust’s structure.
What are the benefits of a corporate trustee?
Administering trusts can be complex and choosing a trustee is a decision that may affect you and your family for generations. A corporate trustee has fiduciary responsibilities and can provide experience, expertise, and objectivity when administering a trust. Corporate trustees may also offer continuity across generations, facilitating long-term planning.