Pros and Cons of Will vs Trust: What You Need to Know
When it comes to protecting your loved ones and your legacy, estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take. But one of the biggest questions I hear all the time is:
“Do I need a will or a trust?”
The truth is, both serve important purposes—but depending on your situation, one may be a better fit than the other.
In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between wills and trusts, share the pros and cons of each, and help you take the next step—whether that’s starting your plan online or getting it properly notarized.
📌 Quick note: I’m not an attorney, and this isn’t legal advice—but this information is widely available and comes from ongoing conversations I have with estate attorneys, planners, and families just like yours.
What Is a Will?
A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets distributed after your death. You can name guardians for your children, appoint an executor, and leave instructions for how your property should be handled.
Wills are simpler to set up and are often the go-to option for individuals with straightforward needs.
What Is a Trust?
A trust—typically a living trust—is a legal arrangement where a trustee manages your assets for your beneficiaries. Unlike a will, a trust goes into effect while you're still alive and can help you avoid probate after death.
Trusts offer more control and privacy, which makes them a popular option for families with larger estates or more complex situations.
Pros and Cons of a Will
✅ Pros:
Simple and affordable to create
Lets you name guardians for minor children
Works well for straightforward estates
⚠️ Cons:
Goes through probate, which can be lengthy and expensive
Becomes public record
Offers limited control after you pass
Pros and Cons of a Trust
✅ Pros:
Avoids probate, saving time and money
Keeps your wishes private
Offers more control over asset distribution
⚠️ Cons:
More expensive and complex to set up
Requires regular updates and asset transfers
Not always necessary for small/simple estates
Will vs Trust: At a Glance
Ready to Create Your Will or Trust?
If you’re feeling ready to take action but not sure where to begin, LegalZoom offers affordable, step-by-step tools to help you create a will or trust without breaking the bank.
You don’t need to be a lawyer—or hire one—to get started. LegalZoom makes it easy and budget-friendly.
💡 Tip: Many of my clients use LegalZoom to create their estate documents, and then book me to notarize them—it's a simple, secure process that gives you peace of mind.
Don't Forget: These Documents Often Need to Be Notarized
Creating your will or trust is just one part of the process. To make these documents legally binding, you may need to have them notarized—especially if you're including powers of attorney or certain affidavits.
That’s where I come in!
I offer mobile and online notary services across New York, so whether you're working with a lawyer or doing it yourself through a platform like LegalZoom, I can help you finalize everything the right way.
✅ Book a notary appointment with me today – www.AlishasMNS.com
📩 Questions? Email me at alisha@alishasmns.com
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose a will or a trust, the most important thing is to do something. Putting your wishes in writing protects your family, your assets, and your peace of mind.
With affordable options like LegalZoom and the convenience of mobile notarization, estate planning doesn’t have to be hard—or expensive.
Let’s make it simple, together.
❗️Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no additional cost to you—if you choose to make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend tools and services I trust and believe can genuinely help you.
