Wills vs. Trusts: What's the Difference?

What a will does

A will is a set of written instructions that takes effect when you pass away. It says who receives your belongings, who wraps up your affairs, and — critically for parents — who you want to raise your minor children. A will goes through probate, the court process that makes it official. It can be complicated or straightforward but takes time and is part of the public record.

What a trust does

A revocable living trust holds your assets while you're alive and passes them to the people you choose when you're gone — usually without court involvement. You stay in full control the whole time: you can change it, add to it, or undo it whenever you like. Because a properly funded trust skips probate, your family typically gets faster, more private access to what you left them. A trust can also manage things if you become unable to, not just after you pass.

When each one makes sense

• A will may be enough if your situation is simple and your main goals are naming guardians for your kids and directing who gets what.
• A trust is often worth it if you own a home, want to keep your affairs private, want to spare your family the court process, or want more control over how and when children or grandchildren receive an inheritance.
• Many families use both. A trust handles your assets, and a simple "pour-over" will catches anything left out and names guardians for your children.

The honest answer

There's no universal right choice — it depends on your family, your assets, and what you want to happen. That's exactly what a planning session is for: we look at your real life and build the plan that fits, at a flat fee you'll know up front.