Do I need a trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement that lets you name a trustee to manage certain assets for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries. A trust can help explain how and when assets should be distributed.

A trust may be helpful for people who own a home, have children, own property in more than one state, want to avoid probate, want more privacy, own a business, or have specific wishes for how heirs receive assets.

A will and a trust can do different things. A will can name beneficiaries, guardians, and an executor. A trust may help certain assets avoid probate and provide more detailed instructions for asset management.

A properly created and funded trust may help certain assets avoid probate. Assets that are not placed in the trust or otherwise assigned may still require additional steps.

No. Many people consider a trust because they own a home, have children, want privacy, or want to make things easier for their family.