Will vs. Trust: Which Is Better for Washington Families?

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but creating the right estate plan ensures your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected. For families in Moses Lake, Wenatchee, and throughout Central Washington, two of the most common tools are wills and trusts. While both serve important purposes, they work in very different ways.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that outlines how your property and assets will be distributed after your passing. It also allows you to:

• Name guardians for minor children
• Choose an executor to handle your estate
• Direct gifts of personal property, money, or real estate

In Washington State, wills must go through probate, which is the court-supervised process of validating the will and distributing assets. Probate can take time and involve court fees, but it also provides oversight to ensure debts are paid and property is properly transferred.

Best suited for:

• Families with straightforward assets
• Parents who want to name guardians for children
• Individuals who want to make their wishes legally clear

What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement where you transfer ownership of your assets into a trust managed by a trustee. Unlike wills, trusts often avoid probate, which means assets can be distributed more quickly and privately.

Trusts can also:

• Provide ongoing financial management for children or loved ones
• Protect assets if you become incapacitated
• Offer tax advantages for certain estates
• Control how and when beneficiaries receive property

There are several types of trusts, but a common choice for Washington families is the revocable living trust, which allows you to maintain control during your lifetime and adjust it as circumstances change.

Best suited for:

• Families who want to avoid probate
• Individuals with significant assets or complex family structures
• Those who want more control over when and how heirs receive property

Which Is Better for Washington Families?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some families benefit from a simple will, while others prefer the added control and privacy of a trust. Many people choose to use both: a will to name guardians for children and cover assets not placed in a trust, and a trust to handle major property and avoid probate.

The best choice depends on:

• The size and complexity of your estate
• Whether you want to avoid probate
• Your family’s needs for ongoing financial support
• The importance of privacy in handling your affairs

Plan Your Estate With Confidence

Whether you’re just starting to think about estate planning or want to update an existing plan, taking action now ensures your wishes are honored and your family is cared for.

At Central Washington Lawyers, PLLC, we help families in Moses Lake, Wenatchee, and across Central Washington understand the differences between wills and trusts and choose the tools that work best for their goals.

📞 Call us today at 509-581-4090 to schedule a consultation and begin planning with peace of mind.