Why you need a trust
It’s not just for the ultra-wealthy. It’s for anyone who wants to make things easier for the people they leave behind.
When people hear the word “trust,” they often think it’s something only rich families or complicated estates need. But here’s our take: everyone should have one.
A revocable living trust is one of the most effective tools you can use to protect your assets, avoid court delays, and ensure your wishes are followed smoothly—during your life and after.
Most people will be best served by having both a trust and a will. They work together to cover all the bases. Here’s why the trust piece matters so much…
What a living trust actually does
Unlike a will—which only takes effect after you die—a revocable living trust kicks in while you’re still alive and continues after death. It allows you to:
Avoid probate (so your family doesn’t have to deal with court delays or paperwork)
Stay in control of your assets during your lifetime
Plan for what happens if you become incapacitated
Keep your affairs private (trusts aren’t public record)
Set specific rules about how and when assets are passed down
Why a will alone isn’t enough
A will is still important. It lets you name guardians for children, pets, and spell out your wishes. But it has limits:
Wills must go through probate, which can be slow, public, and expensive
They only go into effect after death
They don’t help manage your finances or care if you become incapacitated
A trust, on the other hand, works while you’re alive, gives you more control, and makes life a lot easier for the people who’ll be handling things after you’re gone.
Real-life examples: what happens with and without a trust
No will or trust → Loved ones are left in the dark about how you want things taken care of. The court decides what happens, and it’s a long, stressful process.
Will but no trust → Many of your wishes are known, but your family still goes through probate. Delays, public filings, and added stress.
Will + trust → Assets pass efficiently, guardians are named, and the process is private and much smoother for everyone.
Why this matters for real people—not just estates with millions
A trust is especially valuable if:
You want to avoid putting your family through probate
You’re part of a non-traditional family or want to protect chosen family
You have young children, and want to set conditions on when they receive money
You want to leave money for a pet, manage a small business, or control how digital assets are handled
You just want a cleaner, more efficient process when you're gone
What it takes to set up a trust
It’s not as hard (or expensive) as you might think.
Here’s what it involves:
Create the trust
Use an online service like Trust & Will or work with an estate attorney. You’ll name a successor trustee, outline your asset distribution, and sign the document.
Fund the trust
This is the part people skip—don’t. You need to retitle assets (like your home, financial accounts, etc.) into the name of the trust for it to work properly.
Maintain it
Update your trust after big life events—marriage, divorce, new child, major purchases. Keep a clear record of what’s in the trust and where it’s stored.
What it costs:
Online services (like Trust & Will): Around $499 for individuals or $599 for couples. Often includes a will, trust, healthcare directive, and power of attorney. Read more about what five documents you need to get your affairs in order before you die.
Estate attorneys: Typically $1,000–$4,000 for a basic trust and will package. For more complex estates—such as those involving businesses, multiple properties, or blended families—costs may go higher.
Our take
A revocable living trust isn’t just about controlling wealth—it’s about easing the load for your loved ones. It saves time, prevents stress, and helps ensure that the plan you put in place actually works.
Pair it with a will to name guardians and cover any loose ends, and you’ll be leaving behind clarity—not chaos.
Want help getting started?
There are plenty of places that can create your will or trust—but they don’t help you figure out what needs to go in it. That’s where most people get stuck. You’re suddenly faced with big decisions, scattered documents, and no clear starting point.
We help you get ready.
Our Advance Planning Course walks you through every step—from inventorying assets to setting up your trust and will.
It’s everything you need to create a plan that works—clearly laid out, easy to follow, and built for real life.
