Understanding The Will-Trust Question
One of the most common estate-planning questions from residents of Eastern Massachusetts, the Pioneer Valley, and all across Vermont is whether a will alone is enough—or if a trust is also needed.
The truth is that most people benefit from having both documents. Each serves a unique purpose, and together they create a more complete plan.
What a Will Does
A will outlines your wishes for distributing property after death. It also names a personal representative (sometimes called an executor) and can appoint guardians for minor children.
Without a will, Massachusetts and Vermont intestacy laws determine who receives your property. That might mean a court in Hampden or Brattleboro decides for you.
What a Trust Adds
A trust manages assets during your lifetime and after your death. Property placed in a trust can avoid probate—a lengthy process that families in places like Longmeadow, Southwick, and Dover often prefer to avoid.
Trusts also offer privacy, since they are not filed publicly like wills. They can protect loved ones with special needs and even help shield assets from nursing-home costs when properly structured.
When Both A Will And Trust Are Needed
Many families in Brookline, Framingham, or Wellesley use a will to name guardians and serve as a backup in case anything inadvertently goes through probate, and a revocable living trust to hold real estate and liquid assets. This combination keeps things simple while avoiding unnecessary court involvement.
The Bottom Line Regarding Wills and Trusts
A will alone directs where assets go, but a trust keeps the process private and efficient. Working with an estate-planning attorney in Massachusetts or Vermont ensures both documents work together for your situation.
If you’re ready to find out which option best fits your situation, schedule a consultation today at https://www.oconnelllawgroup.com/schedule-an-appointment/