As we go through life, we accumulate assets, and it is essential to plan for their distribution after our passing. For most people, the default estate planning tool is a will. However, a will is not always the best option, and a trust can be a better alternative.

What are the Drawbacks of a Will?

A will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s assets will be distributed after their death. However, there are several disadvantages to using a will as an estate planning tool.

• Probate: One of the significant disadvantages of a will is that it must be probated. Probate is a legal process that validates a will and supervises the distribution of assets according to the will’s instructions. Probate is a lengthy and expensive process that can take several months or even years, and it is conducted in court. During the probate process, the will becomes a public document, and anyone can view its contents.
• Will Contests: Another disadvantage of a will is that it can be contested. A will contest is a legal challenge to the validity of a will. A will can be contested on several grounds, including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, and duress. Will contests are often emotionally charged and can result in lengthy court battles, which can deplete the estate’s assets.

Lack of Privacy: As mentioned earlier, a will becomes a public document during the probate process. This means that anyone can view its contents, including sensitive information about the deceased and their family. Lack of privacy can lead to unwanted publicity and potential legal challenges.

Why Creating a Trust is Better

A trust is a legal entity that holds assets for the benefit of beneficiaries. A trust is a private document and does not go through probate. There are several advantages to using a trust as an estate planning tool.

• Avoiding Probate: The most significant advantage of a trust is that it avoids probate. Since a trust is a private document, it does not need to go through probate. This means that the assets held in the trust can be distributed to beneficiaries immediately after the trust maker’s death without court supervision.
• Privacy: A trust is a private document that does not become a public record. This means that the details of the trust, including its provisions and beneficiaries, remain confidential. Privacy is especially important for high-profile individuals or those with sensitive family matters.
• Asset protection: A trust can be used to protect assets from creditors and lawsuits. Assets held in a trust are not considered part of the trust maker’s estate and are, therefore, protected from the claims of creditors.
• Tax planning: Certain types of trusts, such as charitable trusts, can help reduce the grantor’s tax liability.
• Control: By creating a trust, the grantor can retain some control over the assets held in the trust and how those assets are managed and distributed after the grantor’s death.

While we believe a trust is better than a will in most scenarios, this post would not be complete without explaining the disadvantages of a trust as well.

• Cost: Creating a trust can be more expensive than creating a will, especially if the grantor hires an attorney to draft the trust document.
• Complexity: Trusts can be complex legal documents, and the grantor may need to hire an attorney to help create and manage the trust.
• Time: Creating a trust can take more time than creating a will, as the grantor will need to work with an attorney to create the trust document and transfer assets into the trust.
• Loss of Control: Depending on the type of trust created, the grantor may lose some control over the assets held in the trust, as the trustee is responsible for managing the assets according to the terms of the trust document.

Why Hire the Kazi Law Firm?

Creating a trust can be a complex process, and it is critical to work with an experienced attorney to ensure that the trust is set up and funded properly. The Kazi Law Firm, with offices throughout Texas, has extensive experience in creating trusts for hardworking Texans and can provide personalized advice and guidance throughout the process. The attorneys at the Kazi Law Firm have ample experience in this unique area of the law and will make recommendations based on each client’s unique needs and circumstances.

Creating a trust requires attention to detail, and the attorneys at the Kazi Law Firm are committed to providing thorough and accurate advice throughout the process. We work closely with clients to ensure that all necessary documentation is prepared and executed correctly. Additionally, the Kazi Law Firm provides continued support to clients after the trust is created. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how a trust can protect your assets for future generations to come.