A will is just instructions to the court on how you wish your assets...
to be distributed via the probate process. The court usually goes along with your will but is not bound to it.
A trust takes court/probate out of the process and the trust beneficiaries then control any assets in the trust.
I recently set one up for my assets. I had a family member pass recently and was very thankful that they too had a trust. Made life a lot...and I mean a lot....easier after their passing.
Thread Replies (12)
We're in the same quandary as you, decided to use an elder care attorney to
-- PWR2LZ
Jun 10, 2026 at 08:43 AM ET
PWR2LZ
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06/10/26 08:43 AM ET
Have both, had a will since early 90's, got a trust 4 years ago.**
-- 7Hokie1
Jun 09, 2026 at 09:06 PM ET
7Hokie1
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06/09/26 09:06 PM ET
I tried today and he talked for 30 minutes and I had no clue what he said
-- HokieMacDaddy
Jun 09, 2026 at 07:20 PM ET
HokieMacDaddy
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06/09/26 07:20 PM ET
A will is just instructions to the court on how you wish your assets...
◄
-- BleedinOandM
Jun 09, 2026 at 03:00 PM ET
BleedinOandM
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06/09/26 03:00 PM ET
did you use an attorney or DIY?**
-- HokieMacDaddy
Jun 09, 2026 at 03:11 PM ET
HokieMacDaddy
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06/09/26 03:11 PM ET
I think it depends upon how complicated your situation is. **
-- JM397
Jun 09, 2026 at 04:07 PM ET
JM397
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06/09/26 04:07 PM ET
not very so I'm thinking of DIY**
-- HokieMacDaddy
Jun 09, 2026 at 07:18 PM ET
HokieMacDaddy
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06/09/26 07:18 PM ET
Short answer: do both. The long answer is not my expertise but you can use
-- RhinoVT
Jun 09, 2026 at 02:07 PM ET
RhinoVT
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06/09/26 02:07 PM ET
Will has always struck me as very trustworthy, IMO. TIC
-- MP4VT2004
Jun 09, 2026 at 02:06 PM ET
MP4VT2004
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06/09/26 02:06 PM ET