Wills vs. Living Trusts - Which One Protects Your Legacy Best?
- Samantha
- Aug 20
- 2 min read
If you’ve ever thought estate planning was just “getting a will in place,” you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: a will and a living trust are not the same thing, and the difference could mean months of delays, thousands in costs, and a lot of headaches for your family.
Our blog post “Wills vs. Living Trusts" breaks it down in everyday language. But here’s the heart of it, and why it matters to you:
The Map vs. The Keys to the Car
A Will = A Map
Think of a will like a paper map. It shows exactly where you want your assets to go after you’re gone.
The problem? To make those transfers happen, a court has to sign off.
That process is called probate and it can take months (even years), cost thousands, and make your estate a public record.
A Living Trust = A Map AND the Keys to the Car
A living trust also outlines who gets what, but you name a successor trustee while you’re alive.
That person can sign and transfer assets without involving the court.
No probate. No delays. More privacy.
Why This Matters
Think of your estate plan like your retirement or tax strategy, designed to bind your legacy, not unravel it.
Timing & Cost: Probate can take months (even years) and erode your legacy value. A living trust avoids that hurdle.
Privacy: A will becomes public record during probate. A trust stays private.
Clarity: A trust allows you to set clear, flexible instructions; protecting your heirs, a business, or a chosen charity on your terms.
In Real-Life Terms
One client—let’s call her Laura—once told us:
"I thought a will was enough… until I saw how probate could erode everything my parents saved. Plus, I spent over 18 months getting her wishes executed. I don’t want that for my kids."
We helped her convert her estate plan into a living trust, gain peace of mind, and save her children years of uncertainty and needless court costs.
Why We Care
At Compass Financial, we believe everyone should have access to a living trust. While many estate attorneys charge $3,000 - $5,000 for a trust package, we can offer it through our partnership for half the price.
✨ Explore your options, learn the benefits, and get answers to your FAQs here:
Because your legacy isn’t just what you leave — it’s how you leave it.
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