Wills and trusts have a lot of overlap, but also a lot of differences.

Wills are simpler documents that let you name guardians for kids and pets, designate where assets go, and specify final arrangements. The simplicity of a will does come with some drawbacks: a will offers more limited control over the distribution of assets and often must go through a probate process after death.

Like a will, a trust also controls the disposition of assets but provides greater control over when and how your assets are distributed. Trusts only apply to assets held in the trust, so you will need to transfer assets to the trust. This makes a trust a little more complex to set up, but it brings a major benefit. Trusts are also often used to minimize or avoid probate entirely, which can be a huge draw for many and justifies the additional work upfront needed to create a trust.

Both are ways to say who will receive your assets - each has different ways of distributing those assets, as well as different advantages and disadvantages.

You can learn more about trusts and wills here!

Most people complete a will in 15 minutes, and a trust in about 20 minutes. All your answers are saved as you go, so feel free to pause and come back to pick up where you left off at any time!

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Yes! Online estate planning offers the same level of validity and function as its traditional counterpart, with added advantages (such as affordability and accessibility). By leveraging advanced technology alongside exceptional customer support, their services ensure a smooth experience from start to finish, simplifying estate planning for everyone. Trust & Will is the trusted estate planning partner of 100+ financial institutions across the US.