Wills & Trusts

Wills & Trusts

A will goes into effect after you die to pass your assets and property in keeping with your wishes. If you do nothing else, set up a simple will with a Court Buddy estate lawyer because otherwise, the default laws and customs of your state — not you — will determine who gets your property, and the court will decide who will raise your children.

In many states, it is common to use a will to take care of your estate. However, a will has certain limitations: for example, certain types of property cannot pass through a will, and many states send wills through probate. A living trust (sometimes just called a trust) is funded while you are alive, to protect your assets and property and pass them on in keeping with your wishes. A trust avoids probate. You can set up a trustee or executor to administer your estate in accordance with your wishes, avoiding the need for any court involvement in settling your estate (and avoiding probate fees and estate taxes, which can be substantial, depending on the size of the estate). A Court Buddy estate lawyer can help you chose between a will or a trust, and can take steps to ensure your loved ones avoid probate and that your wishes are followed.