We looked into this recently.
I think a lot of it comes down to if you have kids and their ages (especially if underaged) and the range of assets you have. Most of your financial accounts can be tied to beneficiaries and you can set up the deed to transfer to a beneficiary upon your death. All of these things can be done without a trust. You may want to consider a trust if you have a lot of assets and your children are young. It doesn't cost that much to consult an attorney if you are unsure.
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
We looked into this recently.
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-- No Clue
Jun 09, 2026 at 04:01 PM ET
No Clue
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06/09/26 04:01 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