Why You Need A Trust

If you die owning property like a house, land, or investments without a trust, your estate usually has to go through probate. Probate is a court process that can take months—or even years—before your heirs get the property. It also costs money in court fees and legal bills.

Example: Jane dies owning a home and savings accounts in her name. Her children may have to wait for the court to approve the sale of the house and the distribution of money. If the property had been in a trust, her successor trustee could transfer everything immediately according to her instructions.

A trust lets you decide exactly how and when your assets are given out. You can protect minor children, manage money for a family member who isn’t financially savvy, or provide for someone with special needs without risking public court involvement.

Example: Tom wants his 12-year-old son to inherit his savings. Instead of giving it all at once, he sets up a trust that releases money in portions as his son reaches certain ages.

Unlike a will, which becomes public during probate, a trust is private. This keeps details about your property, debts, and who gets what out of public records.

When your house or land is titled in the name of your trust rather than in your personal name, it bypasses probate entirely. Your successor trustee can transfer the property directly to your beneficiaries without court involvement. This saves time, reduces costs, and avoids unnecessary legal hurdles.

Example: Sarah owns a home in her name. When she passes, her heirs must go through probate to transfer the deed. If the home had been titled in her trust, the successor trustee could immediately transfer the deed to her children, avoiding months of court proceedings and fees.

A trust allows your successor trustee to handle your property smoothly, without family arguments or delays. It’s a clear plan that reduces confusion and conflict during an already emotional time.

Revocable living trusts can be changed while you’re alive. You can add or remove assets, change beneficiaries, or update instructions as life changes.