Wills and Trusts

Is a Will or a Revocable Living Trust Right for Me?

Compare common factors that influence whether a will package or trust package is the better fit.

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The answer is: it depends. Every family has different goals, assets, relationships, and concerns about privacy, cost, and long-term administration.

A will is usually less expensive to prepare and can nominate guardians, appoint a personal representative, and include trust provisions for children. It does not, however, avoid probate or provide asset management during incapacity.

A revocable living trust generally costs more to prepare, but it can help avoid probate for properly titled assets and can provide continuity if incapacity occurs during life. It may also be useful for blended families, complex property arrangements, or clients who want more private administration.

An intake appointment allows the attorney to review your assets and family goals so the planning approach can be matched to your situation.

Related topics

Keep exploring this section.

Topic

What Is a Will?

Understand what a will does, what it does not do, and how it directs probate and guardianship planning.

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Topic

What Is a Revocable Living Trust?

Learn how revocable living trusts can help with both incapacity planning and post-death administration.

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Topic

Estate Planning for Parents

See why planning matters especially for parents of minor children and how guardianship and trusts fit in.

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Topic

What Should I Expect at Estate Planning Appointments?

Understand the intake, document review, and signing stages of the estate planning process.

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Topic

Estate Planning Packages

Review the typical documents included in will-based and revocable trust-based planning packages.

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