Estate Planning Has Changed: Why Most Families Now Choose Living Trusts Over Wills
Estate planning used to be simple: you met with a lawyer, signed a will, and called it a day. But the world, and the law, have changed. Fast-forward to today, and more and more families are choosing living trusts instead of traditional wills. Here’s why.
Wills go through probate. Trusts don’t.
A will has to be filed with the court after you pass away. That process, called probate, can take months (sometimes over a year), cost thousands in legal fees, and make your private family matters public record.
A living trust, on the other hand, lets your successor trustee handle everything privately and quickly. No court delays, no unnecessary expenses, no public drama.
Modern families are more complex.
Blended families, second marriages, kids from prior relationships are common today. Life is more layered now than it was a generation ago. A trust gives you far more control and flexibility to customize how, when, and to whom your assets are distributed. It can even protect your children’s inheritances from divorce or creditors.
People value privacy and simplicity.
In the digital age, privacy matters. Unlike a will, a trust never becomes public record. It’s a private instruction manual for your loved ones, and it’s built to work efficiently, even if you own property in multiple states.
Planning isn’t just for death anymore.
A living trust also helps if you’re alive but unable to manage your affairs. Your chosen trustee can step in right away to pay bills or handle investments without court involvement — something a will simply can’t do.
The new normal.
Today, most attorneys consider a living trust the gold standard for comprehensive estate planning. It’s the modern way to make sure your wishes are honored and your family avoids unnecessary stress.
Next Steps
Ready to check “estate planning” off your to-do list? Start by booking a Peace of Mind Planning Session. This is a 1-hour meeting with me. We’ll answer your questions and go over your options and our flat fees. Then, if we decide we’re a good fit to work together, we’ll discuss next steps. Mention this blog and we’ll waive the $450 session fee.
Estate planning used to be simple: you met with a lawyer, signed a will, and called it a day. But the world, and the law, have changed. Fast-forward to today, and more and more families are choosing living trusts instead of traditional wills. Here’s why.
Wills go through probate. Trusts don’t.
A will has to be filed with the court after you pass away. That process, called probate, can take months (sometimes over a year), cost thousands in legal fees, and make your private family matters public record.
A living trust, on the other hand, lets your successor trustee handle everything privately and quickly. No court delays, no unnecessary expenses, no public drama.
Modern families are more complex.
Blended families, second marriages, kids from prior relationships are common today. Life is more layered now than it was a generation ago. A trust gives you far more control and flexibility to customize how, when, and to whom your assets are distributed. It can even protect your children’s inheritances from divorce or creditors.
People value privacy and simplicity.
In the digital age, privacy matters. Unlike a will, a trust never becomes public record. It’s a private instruction manual for your loved ones, and it’s built to work efficiently, even if you own property in multiple states.
Planning isn’t just for death anymore.
A living trust also helps if you’re alive but unable to manage your affairs. Your chosen trustee can step in right away to pay bills or handle investments without court involvement — something a will simply can’t do.
The new normal.
Today, most attorneys consider a living trust the gold standard for comprehensive estate planning. It’s the modern way to make sure your wishes are honored and your family avoids unnecessary stress.
Next Steps
Ready to check “estate planning” off your to-do list? Start by booking a Peace of Mind Planning Session. This is a 1-hour meeting with me. We’ll answer your questions and go over your options and our flat fees. Then, if we decide we’re a good fit to work together, we’ll discuss next steps. Mention this blog and we’ll waive the $450 session fee.