Will vs. Living Trust: Which Do I Need?

“Do I need a will, or should I have a trust?” Many people ask this question when planning for the future.

Both wills and living trusts are effective tools to provide for the future needs of your family. Both can also be used to support Flat River Outreach Ministries and the other causes close to your heart.

A will is your written instructions to the probate court about who should receive your assets after your lifetime and who should oversee the process. A will may also designate a guardian for minor children or provisions for family members with special needs. A will takes effect at the time you go to be with the Lord, so you can change it at any time during your lifetime. Almost everyone should have a will, regardless of what they own.

A living trust, on the other hand, is a way of holding your assets while you are still alive. Like a will, it provides future instructions for the distribution of your assets, but it may also protect your family from delays and extra costs by avoiding probate altogether. You can name yourself or another person to manage trust assets during your lifetime.

Which of these do you need? It’s not necessarily an either/or. You certainly need a will, and you might need a trust, as well. Your trusted professional advisors can assess your needs based on your goals, where you live, and the complexity of what you own.

What else should your plan include? To learn more about the who’s, what’s, and how’s of the planning process, request your free copy of “The Roadmap to Your Completed Will.” Email Arianne Hall at arianneh@fromlowell.org or call 616.897.8260 today.