Do you remember learning to compare and contrast in grade school? I still love it — and it comes up more than you'd think in my work.

On a recent discovery call, a potential client asked me a question I get pretty often as a Personal Family Lawyer: What's the difference between a will and a trust? It's a great question, and the answer is simpler than you might expect.

The short version:

A will tells people what to do with your stuff after you're gone. A trust goes further — it manages your assets both during your lifetime and after, and it does so privately, without going through the court system. Wills are simpler and less expensive to set up. Trusts cost more upfront, but they give you more control and more privacy.

Here's how they stack up:

When does it kick in?

A will only takes effect after you die. A trust starts working the moment it's created and funded — your assets are actually titled in the trust's name from day one.

What about the courts?

Wills go through probate — a public court process that takes time and becomes part of the public record. Trusts skip probate entirely, which means a faster, more private transfer to your loved ones.

What if you become incapacitated?

This is a big one. A trust protects you here — a successor trustee can step in and manage your assets if you're unable to. A will offers no protection during your lifetime.

What about your kids?

Only a will can name a guardian for your minor children. That's true whether you have a will alone or a will paired with a trust — which is actually a very common combination.

Which one is right for you?

A will might be the right fit if you're starting simple — fewer assets, straightforward wishes, lower cost.

A trust tends to make more sense if you own real estate, have significant assets, or want to keep your affairs private and control exactly how and when your beneficiaries receive what you leave them.

Wills and trusts are as different as a dog and a cat — both wonderful, but built for different needs. Not sure which one fits your situation? That's exactly what a discovery call is for.

Graduation Season Is Here… And Everything Is Changing

From kindergarten to high school to college, graduation marks a new chapter for your family. Your child is growing, gaining independence, and stepping into the next stage of life. And while that’s exciting, it also brings new responsibilities and new risks most families don’t think about.

Because as life changes, so does what your family needs to stay protected. If something were to happen, would your family be prepared for this next stage? Would the right people be in place to step in, make decisions, and support you and your loved ones the way you want?