What is the Difference Between a Will and Trust?

Everyone should have an estate plan. However, determining which type of estate plan is right for you can be difficult. Wills and living trusts are often the foundation of most estate plans. Each is a separate legal tool with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. While most people understand the purpose of having a will or living trust they often do not know the subtle differences between the documents. To understand the difference between a traditional will and a Living trust, you must first understand the basics of each. So what is the difference between a will and a trust?

Last Will and Testament

A will, or last will and testament, is a legal document which allows a person, referred to as the testator, to make decisions on how their probate estate will be managed and distributed after their death. A will has no effect until one passes away. As such, it generally does not offer any protection for your assets while you are living.

Once a person passes, their will is usually submitted to the probate court where an estate is opened. The court then oversees the appointment of a personal representative, the payment of creditors, and the distribution of assets. Gifts made using a will are outright. Meaning, a person cannot put conditions or strings upon the gifts made in the will. A will is generally prepared as part of complete estate plan including durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and living will.

Revocable Living Trust

A trust is an instrument that allows a one party, called a trustee, to hold legal title to assets on behalf of another party, called the beneficiary or beneficiaries. The person that creates the trust is referred to as the trustor. The property within the trust is referred to as the trust assets, or the trust corpus.

Generally, when you create a living trust you are initially both the trustee and beneficiary. This means you keep full control over the property held in your trust. In addition, in the beginning you are the only party who can receive distributions from the trust.

A trust contains provisions to protect and distribute your property should you pass away or become incapacitated. Trusts can be arranged in many ways and can specify exactly how and when the assets pass to your successor beneficiaries.

A living trust can avoid probate if your assets are properly placed into the trust. Further, assets held in trust may be accessed more quickly by your loved ones to assist you with your care should you become unable to manage your own affairs.

Having your assets in a trust can save your family time, court fees, and the headache that come with the probate process. In addition, it provides your family with privacy. Lastly, unlike a will, a trust allows you to place conditions upon gifts made to you beneficiaries. Therefore, you retain more control over what happens to you assets after you pass.

Person Signing their last will and testament

 

Summary of Difference

Issue Last Will Trust
Probate A will does not avoid probate. Generally, a will requires a probate estate to be opened and administered through the court. A trust can avoid probate if set up properly. Avoiding probate can save substantial legal fees and court costs.
Gifts A will allows you to make outright gifts. It does not, however, allow you to place conditions or restrictions on those gifts. A trust allows you to place restrictions or conditions on gifts, i.e., setting an age at which gifts are made, restricting the use of a home, requiring an heir to earn a college degree. Moreover, a trust allows for alternate beneficiaries to avoid your wealth passing to an unintended person such as a child’s spouse or step-children
Disability Planning A will, alone, does not provide any protection for your estate should you become incapacitated. A trust allows you to appoint a successor trustee to manage your affairs should you become incapacitated. Your successor trustee will manage the trust assets and make distributions to you or on your behalf as needed. As a result, your trust can help prevent a conservatorship proceeding.
Control A will only directs who is to be your personal representative and who is to receive your property. Nothing More. A will cannot be used to put additional restrictions on your heirs’ gifts. The assets of your trust are subject to the terms and conditions of your Trust. This means that your assets can only be used for those purposes outlined in your trust. Should you pass or become incapacitated, your trust directs how your successor trustee is to manage your affairs and make distributions.
Creditor Protection for your Debts Your personal representative is required to pay all valid debts owed by your estate. Your successor trustee is required to pay all valid debts owed by your estate.
Creditor Protection for your Heirs’ Debts A will requires distributions to be made to the named beneficiaries. Once the money is distributed to your heirs it may be subject to your heirs’ creditors. If an heir is being sued, going through a divorce, or in bankruptcy your gift to them may be at risk. A trust generally contains a spendthrift provision which can help prevent your heirs’ inheritance from being taken by creditors. A spendthrift provision allows your successor trustee to hold assets in your trust until an heir’s creditors are no longer a threat.
Costs A will generally costs less to set up than a trust. A trust costs more to establish in the beginning. However, there is generally substantial cost savings in the long run. In addition, a trust can have a substantial impact on estate taxes.
Privacy A will generally must be filed with the probate court where it becomes a public document. In addition, your personal representative usually must publish notice of your passing in a local newspaper. A trust offers more privacy because it is generally not filed with the court.
Tax Planning A simple will usually does not allow for tax planning. A living trust can provide substantial tax benefits.
Flexibility A will can be amended at any time before you die or become incapacitated. A trust can be amended at any time before you die or become incapacitated.
Minor Children A will allows you to choose a guardian to provide care for your minor children. Your assets, however, will likely be tied up in a court for some time before being available for your children. A Trust allows you to choose a guardian to provide care for your children. A trust also allows you to continue to provide financial support to your children seamlessly, without intervention by the court.

 

Which is Right For You?

Everyone should have an estate plan. Determining which type of estate plan is right for you can be difficult. The answer largely depends more on your goals and the type of assets you have than the value of your assets. Below are some other general factors that tend to suggest which is right for you:

Issue Last Will and Testament Revocable Trust
Desire To Avoid Probate
Minor Children
Likelihood Of Moving To Another State
Asset Profile That Would Require Probate Administration
Desire For Disability Planning
Sophisticated Distribution Plan For Assets
Desire To Place Conditions On Gifts To Heirs
Mixed Or Blended Families (Children From A Prior Relationships)
Second Marriages
Out of State Property
Tax Planning
Privacy Concerns
Anticipate A Dispute
Administration Expenses
Desire To Make Things Easier For Heirs
Initial Cost  
Asset Profile That Would Allow You To Accomplish Goals Without A Trust   
Desire For Simplicity   
You Have A Very Simple Estate   

 

Learn the Differences Between Wills and Trusts

Starting an estate plan can seem daunting. But it does not have to be! Our attorney can guide you through the process making it quick and easy. As part of your estate plan, our firm can also provide you with a living will, medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney, special needs trusts and more!

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About the Author: Aaron R. Shahan is an attorney at Atlas Law, PLC. Aaron dedicates his practice to virtually all aspects of estate planning, elder law and probate.

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By |2021-11-12T18:44:23+00:00December 8th, 2017|Estate Planning, Financial, Guardian, Probate, Taxes, Trusts, Uncategorized, Wills|Comments Off on What is the Difference Between a Will and Trust?