At What Age Should Children Receive Their Inheritance?

One of the most common questions parents ask during the estate planning process is when their children should receive an inheritance. While children typically automatically inherit assets at age eighteen, that may not always be the best approach. In reality, most parents are uncomfortable with the idea of a teenager suddenly receiving unrestricted access to a substantial amount of money.

Trust planning allows parents to structure inheritances in a way that reflects their children’s maturity, needs, and long-term goals. Some parents choose to delay distributions until a child reaches ages such as twenty-five, thirty, or even older. Others prefer staggered distributions, where portions of the inheritance are released over time. Our firm typically recommends a child receive their inheritance at thirty to thirty-five years of age. This approach encourages financial responsibility and stability, while still providing support for education, housing, or business opportunities.

There is no single “correct” age for a child to receive an inheritance. Every family is different, and estate plans should be tailored to the specific circumstances of the children involved. Factors such as financial maturity, spending habits, creditor concerns, and family dynamics often play an important role in determining how and when assets should be distributed. Careful planning can help ensure that an inheritance becomes a source of long-term stability rather than financial risk. Choosing the right trustee is also an important consideration. 



Johnston Burkhardt is an attorney at Sternberg, Naccari & White, LLC with experience in trusts and estate planning for families. He regularly assists families in structuring trusts to protect long-term financial security and protection. To learn more about trusts and estate planning or to schedule a consultation, contact Johnston at (504) 324-2141 or johnston@snw.law.