{"id":287100,"date":"2017-08-03T15:50:47","date_gmt":"2017-08-03T20:50:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/estate\/wills\/living-trust-vs-will.html"},"modified":"2025-03-31T12:52:02","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T17:52:02","slug":"living-trust-vs-will","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/wills\/living-trust-vs-will.html","title":{"rendered":"Living Trust vs. Will"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Living Trust vs. Will<\/h1>\n
\n
\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
\n

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
\n

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

You’re trying to create a legal document that will control who will inherit your property after you die. Both wills and trusts allow you to arrange the distribution of your assets upon your death. But what legal effects do different types of wills and living trusts have?<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

How do you decide whether a revocable living trust or a will is the best for your estate plan? Deciding between a living trust and a will depends on your estate planning goals. Read on to find out how living trusts and wills differ.<\/p>\r\n

What Are Living Trusts and Wills?<\/h2>\r\n

Both wills and living trusts are important estate planning documents.<\/p>\r\n

What Is a Will?<\/h3>\r\n

A will<\/a> is a legal document that describes your estate and a person or an entity that will receive your property. Making a will to make your final wishes known is a common estate planning practice for the distribution of assets. Depending on your wishes, you can also include:<\/p>\r\n