Should I Get a Will or a Trust? Understanding the Right Choice for Your Estate Plan

When planning for the future, one of the most common questions people ask is:

“Should I get a will or a trust?”

Both are powerful estate planning tools, but they serve different purposes and offer different benefits. Choosing the right one depends on your goals, the complexity of your estate, and how you want your assets managed and distributed.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. It also allows you to name a guardian for minor children and an executor to manage your estate.

Pros of a Will:

• Simpler and less expensive to create than a trust

• Names guardians for minor children

• Distributes assets according to your wishes

Cons of a Will:

• Must go through probate, a court-supervised process that can be time-consuming and public

• Does not help manage assets during incapacity

• Offers no privacy — becomes public record upon death

What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement where you transfer assets to a trustee, who manages them for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries. The most common type is a revocable living trust, which can be changed or canceled during your lifetime.

Pros of a Trust:

• Avoids probate, keeping your affairs private and efficient

• Provides ongoing management of your assets in case of incapacity

• Can distribute assets over time or under certain conditions (useful for young or financially inexperienced beneficiaries)

• Greater privacy and control

Cons of a Trust:

• Costs more to set up initially

• Requires active funding (you must transfer assets into the trust)

• Slightly more complex than a will

Which Is Right for You?

Ask yourself the following:

• Do you want to avoid probate? → Trust

• Do you have young children? → Will (at minimum)

• Do you own real estate in multiple states? → Trust (avoids multiple probates)

• Do you want privacy and control over how and when beneficiaries receive assets? → Trust

• Do you have a simple estate and want a basic plan? → Will

Florida-Specific Considerations

Florida’s probate process, while streamlined compared to other states, can still take months and involve court costs and attorney’s fees. A trust allows for a faster, private, and often smoother transition of assets — particularly useful in blended families, second marriages, or high-value estates.

Let Us Help You Make the Right Choice

At EZ Estate Planning, we help Florida families understand their options and build estate plans that fit their goals. Whether you need a will, a trust, or both, we’ll make the process simple, clear, and secure.

Contact us today to schedule your personalized estate planning consultation.