{"id":287085,"date":"2024-12-19T12:05:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T17:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/estate\/trusts\/the-differences-between-life-estates-and-trusts.html"},"modified":"2025-07-25T12:05:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T17:05:00","slug":"the-differences-between-life-estates-and-trusts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/the-differences-between-life-estates-and-trusts.html","title":{"rendered":"The Differences Between Life Estates and Trusts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Differences Between Life Estates and Trusts<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Life estates and trusts are legal documents that allow you to create a plan for your assets, however, they have different characteristics. A life estate typically involves property, whereas a trust involves property, bank accounts, and life insurance policies.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

These planning tools also dictate how you can distribute those assets to your specified beneficiaries both during your lifetime and after your passing.<\/p>\n

Life estates and trusts can be helpful for the following:<\/p>\n