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What is the benefit of having a living trust instead of a will?

A living trust offers several benefits over a will. First, a living trust allows you to avoid probate, which is the court-supervised process of distributing your assets after you pass away. This can save your beneficiaries time and money, as the probate process can be lengthy and expensive.

Second, a living trust offers greater privacy than a will, as it is not a public document. This means that your estate plan details will not be available for the public to access.

Third, a living trust allows you to have greater control over the distribution of your assets, as you can set specific conditions or restrictions for the release of funds or property. For example, you may specify that a certain amount be set aside for a child's education or that a beneficiary must reach a certain age before receiving their inheritance.

Finally, a living trust can be especially beneficial for those with large or complex estates, as it offers greater flexibility in managing and distributing assets, and can help to minimize estate taxes.

It is important to note that a living trust only covers assets that have been transferred into the trust, and any assets that have been left out of the trust will still need to go through probate. Additionally, a living trust can require more upfront costs and ongoing maintenance than a simple will.

It is always recommended to seek advice from a licensed attorney when creating an estate plan, as individual circumstances may vary and require additional planning or documentation.