Do you have a will?
The need for a will as a key component of your estate plan may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised by the number of people — even affluent individuals — who don’t have one. A reason for this may be a common misconception that a revocable trust (sometimes called a “living trust”) obviates the need for a will.
Purpose of a will
True, revocable trusts are designed to avoid probate and distribute your wealth quickly and efficiently according to your wishes. But even if you have a well-crafted revocable trust, a will serves several important purposes, including:
The last point is important, because for a revocable trust to be effective, assets must be titled in the name of the trust. It’s not unusual for people to acquire new assets and put off transferring them to their trusts or simply forget to do so.
To ensure that these assets are distributed according to your wishes rather than a formula mandated by state law, consider having a “pour-over” will. It can facilitate the transfer of assets titled in your name to your revocable trust.
Make it your decision, not your state’s
Although assets that pass through a pour-over will must go through probate, that result is preferable to not having a will. Without a will, the assets would be distributed according to your state’s intestate succession laws rather than the provisions of your estate plan. Please contact us with questions regarding your will or overall estate plan.
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The Law Office of Eugene Gorrin, LLC
17 Watchung Avenue, Suite 204
Chatham, NJ 07928
973.701.9300
AI-Powered Modern Legacy & Inheritance Planning | CEO /Founder My-Legacy.ai
1 年Having a will is crucial for ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones protected. While a revocable trust offers benefits, it doesn't replace a will entirely. Both work hand in hand to address various aspects of estate planning. It's essential to understand their complementary roles for a comprehensive plan.