Will Vs Trust
Explore the key differences between wills and trusts to understand which estate planning tools fit your family's situation.
What's the difference between a will and a living trust?
A will takes effect only after you pass away and must go through probate — a court-supervised process that can take months and become part of the public record. A revocable living trust, on the other hand, takes effect immediately when funded, allows assets to transfer to your family without probate, and keeps your affairs private. Wills also offer no protection if you become incapacitated during your lifetime, while a trust can name a successor trustee to manage your assets on your behalf. Many families use both together — a trust to hold major assets and a pour-over will to catch anything left outside the trust.
