Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin Youtube Instagram
(407) 977-8080
marketing@HoytBryan.com
BOOKS BY US
CONTACT US

What are the Differences Between Wills and Revocable Living Trusts?

When you start thinking about estate planning in Florida, the terminology can be a little intimidating: wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills…

It can get confusing.

There are important differences between these estate planning tools, each accomplishing a different task (or multiple tasks in some cases) within a comprehensive estate plan. Think of each one as a different way to protect you and your loved ones.

Let’s start with the main differences between wills and revocable living trusts…

What are wills and trusts?

A will is a legal document written to accomplish the following:

  • Pass on assets to intended beneficiaries after death
  • Nominate a personal representative to manage one’s affairs after death
  • Provide instructions for the care of dependent children (e.g., naming a guardian)
  • Express any other wishes, e.g., funeral arrangements

Revocable Living Trusts are different. First of all, there are many different kinds of trusts and they each function differently and accomplish different goals. For the purposes of this article, whenever we reference the term Trust, we are referring to a revocable living trust, which is the document that is most often compared to your last will.

Trusts are not merely “will substitutes”, as you may have heard them referred to. A revocable living trust is a document that is effective when you sign it and that moves through the phases of life with you. The grantor or trustmaker of a trust appoints a trustee to oversee its contents and disburse property to the beneficiary according to instructions stated within the trust agreement. It can also have instructions for your assets while you are alive and well, in the event that you become incapacitated and finally when you pass away.

Some, but not all, of the basic purposes of revocable living trusts include:

  • Avoid the probate process for transferring assets (not possible with a will that controls assets)
  • Pass assets on to a beneficiary in a variety of ways (there is more flexibility in the way to leave assets to beneficiaries in a Trust than there is in a will.)
  • Provide an income for a loved one who is not ready or not able to manage finances themselves
  • Protect assets from creditors or their divorcing spouses
  • Control property you own in multiple states
  • Customized disability/incapacity instructions for yourself
  • Remarriage instructions and/or protections for your surviving spouse

Main differences between trusts and wills

Do you need a trust, a will or both? That’s the big question.

We’ve already alluded to some differences between trusts and wills. Let’s consider the differences in more detail.

Trusts originated in medieval England when laws prohibited members of certain religious groups from owning property. So, instead of giving property directly to such individuals, it would be given to friends “in trust” to look after. In this way, legal ownership and the enjoyment of property were effectively separated.

This principle continues today with modern trusts, where assets such as real property, investments, and bank accounts are held for the benefit of another individual.

Legally, a trust comes into being as soon as you create it. The appointed trustee must follow your instructions to pass on specific assets to specific beneficiaries after you die or manages the assets for your benefit during your lifetime. The trustee holds legal title to the property on behalf of the beneficiary and, in this way, you maintain control over when and how the transfer is managed.

Many families decide to set up trusts for specific purposes, such as to plan for disability care for a loved one (without losing the right to government support) or to minimize taxes.

There are also differences concerning administration after death. A will must pass through the probate process in Florida before the assets of the estate can change title to the beneficiaries.

A trust, however, passes outside of probate as legal ownership has already been validated by the processes required to set it up. Just because a trust may avoid probate, does not mean it avoids administration when someone dies. A revocable living trust still needs to be administered when the Trust maker dies. This is called a trust administration, and it is a private process.

Should you have a will AND a trust?

The bottom line is that wills and revocable living trusts are both useful estate planning devices that accomplish different goals. To decide which type of estate plan will work better for your just depends on what you are trying to accomplish with your estate plan.

If you want to leave specific assets to specific beneficiaries and maintain control over when and how they receive the assets, or you are interested in giving asset protection to your beneficiaries, consider setting up a trust. With a trust, you will also want to have a pour over will as part of your estate plan. A pour over will names your trust as the beneficiary in your will to make sure that all of your assets are put into your trust (where all of your instructions are) after your death if they did not get transferring into your trust during your lifetime.

If you simply want to pass assets to intended beneficiaries upon death, in the simplest way possible, a will might be a better option for you.

Protect assets and loved ones with your estate plan

Now you know the main differences between wills and trusts, you are in a better position to begin estate planning.

Call the Law Offices of Hoyt and Bryan, LLC if you need assistance in creating your estate plan: (407) 977-8080.

Share:

856 Responses

  2. Atossa plans to seek input from regulatory authorities about potential approvable indications for Endoxifen in the window of opportunity and the design of future clinical studies cost of generic cytotec prices Taking these antibiotics along with yerba mate can increase the risk of side effects including jitteriness, headache, increased heart rate, and other side effects

  3. I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

  10. Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

  14. Hi there I am so happy I found your blog, I really found you by accident, while I was researching on Bing for something else,Anyways I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a fantastic post and a all round interesting blog(I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read throughit all at the moment but I have saved it and also includedyour RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back toread much more, Please do keep up the superb b.

  15. The when I read a weblog, I’m hoping which it doesnt disappoint me about this. Come on, man, Yes, it was my choice to read, but I personally thought youd have something fascinating to say. All I hear is actually a handful of whining about something that you could fix when you werent too busy trying to find attention.

  21. Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblogand I’m inspired! Very useful info particularly the final part 🙂 I take care ofsuch info much. I was seeking this certain info for a long time.Thank you and good luck.

  22. I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site. I really hope to check out the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own, personal site now 😉

  23. Hi there! This article couldn’t be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I am going to forward this information to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  34. online medicine shopping in india [url=https://indiamedfast.com/#]India Med Fast[/url] online medicine shopping in india

  41. my canadian pharmacy [url=https://interpharmonline.shop/#]canada pharmacy no prescription[/url] best rated canadian pharmacy

  47. trustworthy canadian pharmacy [url=https://interpharmonline.com/#]legitimate canadian pharmacies online[/url] safe canadian pharmacies

  54. cheapest online pharmacy india [url=https://indiamedfast.shop/#]india online pharmacy store[/url] online pharmacy india

  63. mexican pharmacy online order [url=https://mexicanpharminter.com/#]buying from online mexican pharmacy[/url] mexican pharmacy online order

  69. Kamagra Kopen Online [url=https://kamagrakopen.pro/#]kamagra jelly kopen[/url] Officiele Kamagra van Nederland

  70. 退職後にテレビ大阪→東海ラジオ → 文化放送を経て、定年退職後にフリー。小池は、小学校卒業後の1878年（明治11年）12歳で甲州財閥の名士若尾逸平の門に入り師事。仕事を失ってしまいます。その夜、OJとエメラルドは酒を酌み交わしながら昔話に花を咲かせます。艦載用としては、M61A1に小型の捕捉・尚、保険会社では立証によって詐欺案件と断定できた場合は請求者に対して調査にかかった費用全額を請求すると共に、特に悪質な場合は警察に詐欺未遂で告訴することもある。

  72. I just could not depart your website before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often in order to check up on new posts

  79. Sildenafil Citrate Tablets 100mg [url=http://generic100mgeasy.com/#]Generic100mgEasy[/url] Sildenafil 100mg price

  87. buy generic 100mg viagra online [url=http://generic100mgeasy.com/#]Cheap generic Viagra[/url] over the counter sildenafil

  94. cialis without a doctor prescription [url=https://tadalafileasybuy.com/#]Cheap Cialis[/url] Tadalafil Easy Buy

  101. Kamagra Kopen Online [url=https://kamagrakopen.pro/#]Kamagra Kopen[/url] kamagra pillen kopen

  109. KamagraKopen.pro [url=https://kamagrakopen.pro/#]kamagra kopen nederland[/url] kamagra pillen kopen

  115. cialis without a doctor prescription [url=https://tadalafileasybuy.com/#]Tadalafil Easy Buy[/url] Generic Cialis without a doctor prescription

  118. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  121. buy generic 100mg viagra online [url=https://generic100mgeasy.com/#]Generic100mgEasy[/url] Viagra tablet online

  127. Generic100mgEasy [url=http://generic100mgeasy.com/#]Buy generic 100mg Viagra online[/url] Generic100mgEasy

  131. sildenafil online [url=https://generic100mgeasy.com/#]buy generic 100mg viagra online[/url] Generic100mgEasy

  133. Online apotheek Nederland met recept [url=https://apotheekmax.com/#]Online apotheek Nederland met recept[/url] Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept

  142. apotek online [url=https://apotekonlinerecept.shop/#]Apotek hemleverans idag[/url] Apotek hemleverans idag

  151. Kamagra kaufen [url=https://kamagrapotenzmittel.shop/#]Kamagra online bestellen[/url] Kamagra Gel

  155. Kamagra Original [url=https://kamagrapotenzmittel.shop/#]Kamagra online bestellen[/url] kamagra

  162. ApotheekMax [url=http://apotheekmax.com/#]Apotheek Max[/url] Beste online drogist

  169. apotek online recept [url=https://apotekonlinerecept.com/#]Apotek hemleverans idag[/url] Apotek hemleverans idag

  174. reputable indian online pharmacy [url=https://wwwindiapharm.shop/#]top online pharmacy india[/url] п»їlegitimate online pharmacies india

  181. mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs [url=https://agbmexicopharm.shop/#]pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa[/url] Agb Mexico Pharm

  188. Agb Mexico Pharm [url=http://agbmexicopharm.com/#]mexico drug stores pharmacies[/url] Agb Mexico Pharm

  197. www india pharm [url=https://wwwindiapharm.com/#]п»їlegitimate online pharmacies india[/url] www india pharm

  204. canadian discount pharmacy [url=https://gocanadapharm.com/#]go canada pharm[/url] pharmacy canadian superstore

  212. www india pharm [url=https://wwwindiapharm.com/#]buy medicines online in india[/url] www india pharm

  218. AmOnlinePharm [url=http://amonlinepharm.com/#]amoxicillin over counter[/url] AmOnlinePharm

  227. ZithPharmOnline [url=https://zithpharmonline.com/#]ZithPharmOnline[/url] can you buy zithromax over the counter in australia

  234. prednisone 10 mg tablets [url=https://predpharmnet.shop/#]Pred Pharm Net[/url] Pred Pharm Net

  241. Clom Fast Pharm [url=http://clomfastpharm.com/#]can i order generic clomid[/url] Clom Fast Pharm

  250. Clom Fast Pharm [url=https://clomfastpharm.com/#]can i purchase clomid[/url] Clom Fast Pharm

  257. cost of clomid without dr prescription [url=http://clomfastpharm.com/#]cost clomid price[/url] can you buy generic clomid without prescription

  265. oyun sitesi oyun sitesi oyun sitesi [url=https://casibom1st.com/#]casibom guncel giris[/url] saДџlam bahis siteleri 2025 casibom1st.shop

  272. katД±lД±m bonusu veren bahis siteleri [url=https://casibom1st.com/#]casibom giris adresi[/url] en iyi deneme bonusu veren siteler casibom1st.shop

  280. sweet bonanza demo [url=https://sweetbonanza1st.com/#]sweet bonanza yorumlar[/url] sweet bonanza yorumlar sweetbonanza1st.com

  286. welches online casino [url=https://casibom1st.shop/#]casibom resmi[/url] en bГјyГјk bahis siteleri casibom1st.shop

  292. sweet bonanza slot [url=http://sweetbonanza1st.com/#]sweet bonanza[/url] sweet bonanza 1st sweetbonanza1st.com

  300. 1xbet bonus Г§evrim ЕџartlarД± [url=http://casibom1st.com/#]casibom guncel adres[/url] casino deneme bonusu veren bahis siteleri casibom1st.shop

  307. casino maxi [url=http://casibom1st.com/#]casibom mobil giris[/url] 100 tl deneme bonus veren bahis siteleri casibom1st.shop

  313. mexico drug stores pharmacies [url=https://usmexpharm.com/#]usa mexico pharmacy[/url] certified Mexican pharmacy

  322. usa mexico pharmacy [url=https://usmexpharm.com/#]mexico drug stores pharmacies[/url] usa mexico pharmacy

  330. usa mexico pharmacy [url=https://usmexpharm.shop/#]usa mexico pharmacy[/url] mexican pharmacy

  338. mexican pharmacy [url=https://usmexpharm.com/#]Us Mex Pharm[/url] Mexican pharmacy ship to USA

  354. USA India Pharm [url=http://usaindiapharm.com/#]UsaIndiaPharm[/url] UsaIndiaPharm

  362. indian pharmacy [url=http://usaindiapharm.com/#]USA India Pharm[/url] best india pharmacy

  370. world pharmacy india [url=https://usaindiapharm.com/#]USA India Pharm[/url] USA India Pharm

  378. indian pharmacy [url=https://usaindiapharm.com/#]india online pharmacy[/url] USA India Pharm

  385. UsaIndiaPharm [url=https://usaindiapharm.com/#]indian pharmacies safe[/url] best india pharmacy

  392. UsaIndiaPharm [url=https://usaindiapharm.shop/#]UsaIndiaPharm[/url] online pharmacy india

  397. canadian pharmacy 24h com safe [url=https://usacanadapharm.shop/#]USACanadaPharm[/url] USACanadaPharm

  404. usa canada pharm [url=http://usacanadapharm.com/#]USACanadaPharm[/url] canadian pharmacy world

  409. canadian pharmacy scam [url=https://usacanadapharm.com/#]canadianpharmacyworld com[/url] usa canada pharm

  416. canadian drugs pharmacy [url=https://usacanadapharm.com/#]canadianpharmacymeds com[/url] usa canada pharm

  422. usa canada pharm [url=https://usacanadapharm.com/#]usa canada pharm[/url] canadian pharmacy in canada

  429. canadian pharmacy world [url=https://usacanadapharm.shop/#]usa canada pharm[/url] canadian drugs

  434. canada rx pharmacy world [url=https://usacanadapharm.shop/#]canadian drug stores[/url] canadian pharmacy oxycodone

  471. Cialis sans ordonnance 24h [url=https://tadalmed.com/#]Acheter Viagra Cialis sans ordonnance[/url] Acheter Cialis tadalmed.com

  475. cialis sans ordonnance [url=https://tadalmed.com/#]cialis sans ordonnance[/url] Acheter Cialis tadalmed.com

  479. kamagra pas cher [url=http://kamagraprix.com/#]Acheter Kamagra site fiable[/url] achat kamagra

  484. kamagra en ligne [url=https://kamagraprix.shop/#]kamagra oral jelly[/url] kamagra en ligne

  489. Achetez vos kamagra medicaments [url=https://kamagraprix.com/#]kamagra pas cher[/url] kamagra en ligne

  492. pharmacie en ligne fiable [url=https://pharmafst.shop/#]pharmacie en ligne pas cher[/url] pharmacie en ligne fiable pharmafst.shop

  496. Acheter Cialis 20 mg pas cher [url=http://tadalmed.com/#]Cialis en ligne[/url] Cialis sans ordonnance pas cher tadalmed.com

  503. Cialis sans ordonnance 24h [url=http://tadalmed.com/#]cialis generique[/url] Cialis sans ordonnance 24h tadalmed.com

  508. kamagra oral jelly [url=https://kamagraprix.shop/#]achat kamagra[/url] acheter kamagra site fiable

  513. Kamagra Oral Jelly pas cher [url=http://kamagraprix.com/#]Acheter Kamagra site fiable[/url] Acheter Kamagra site fiable

  518. Pharmacie sans ordonnance [url=https://pharmafst.shop/#]Livraison rapide[/url] Pharmacie sans ordonnance pharmafst.shop

  524. cialis prix [url=https://tadalmed.com/#]Acheter Viagra Cialis sans ordonnance[/url] Tadalafil sans ordonnance en ligne tadalmed.com

  530. Tadalafil achat en ligne [url=https://tadalmed.com/#]Cialis generique prix[/url] Pharmacie en ligne Cialis sans ordonnance tadalmed.com

  534. kamagra 100mg prix [url=https://kamagraprix.com/#]Acheter Kamagra site fiable[/url] kamagra pas cher

  538. Pharmacie en ligne Cialis sans ordonnance [url=https://tadalmed.shop/#]Pharmacie en ligne Cialis sans ordonnance[/url] Acheter Cialis tadalmed.com

  551. cialis prix [url=http://tadalmed.com/#]Achat Cialis en ligne fiable[/url] Pharmacie en ligne Cialis sans ordonnance tadalmed.com

  558. northern pharmacy canada [url=https://expressrxcanada.com/#]Express Rx Canada[/url] canadian pharmacy no scripts

  564. buy medicines online in india [url=https://medicinefromindia.shop/#]indian pharmacy online[/url] indian pharmacies safe

  570. canadian pharmacy com [url=https://expressrxcanada.com/#]Generic drugs from Canada[/url] canadian pharmacy ratings

  575. medicine courier from India to USA [url=https://medicinefromindia.shop/#]Medicine From India[/url] indian pharmacy

  581. canadian pharmacies online [url=https://expressrxcanada.com/#]Express Rx Canada[/url] drugs from canada

  586. mexican rx online [url=https://rxexpressmexico.shop/#]Rx Express Mexico[/url] mexico pharmacies prescription drugs

  591. best rated canadian pharmacy [url=http://expressrxcanada.com/#]ExpressRxCanada[/url] vipps approved canadian online pharmacy

  595. indian pharmacy online [url=http://medicinefromindia.com/#]Medicine From India[/url] indian pharmacy

  600. vavada casino [url=https://vavadavhod.tech/#]vavada вход[/url] вавада казино

  604. pin up вход [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап казино официальный сайт[/url] pin up вход

  608. пинап казино [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]pin up вход[/url] pin up вход

  613. vavada [url=https://vavadavhod.tech/#]vavada casino[/url] вавада официальный сайт

  621. вавада казино [url=https://vavadavhod.tech/#]vavada casino[/url] вавада зеркало

  632. vavada [url=http://vavadavhod.tech/#]вавада казино[/url] vavada casino

  637. вавада официальный сайт [url=http://vavadavhod.tech/#]вавада[/url] вавада зеркало

  641. пин ап зеркало [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап вход[/url] пин ап казино официальный сайт

  655. вавада зеркало [url=http://vavadavhod.tech/#]вавада казино[/url] вавада казино

  658. вавада зеркало [url=http://vavadavhod.tech/#]вавада официальный сайт[/url] vavada

  662. пин ап вход [url=http://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап зеркало[/url] пин ап казино официальный сайт

  666. вавада [url=http://vavadavhod.tech/#]вавада[/url] vavada casino

  670. пин ап вход [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап вход[/url] pin up вход

  674. пин ап казино официальный сайт [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап вход[/url] пинап казино

  681. pin-up casino giris [url=https://pinupaz.top/#]pin up az[/url] pin up casino

  685. pin up вход [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап казино официальный сайт[/url] пин ап казино

  690. pin-up [url=http://pinupaz.top/#]pin up azerbaycan[/url] pin up azerbaycan

  694. пинап казино [url=http://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап вход[/url] pin up вход

  701. пин ап вход [url=http://pinuprus.pro/#]pin up вход[/url] пин ап зеркало

  710. pin up az [url=http://pinupaz.top/#]pin up[/url] pin-up casino giris

  714. пин ап вход [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап казино официальный сайт[/url] пин ап казино официальный сайт

  717. пин ап вход [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап казино[/url] pin up вход

  721. vavada casino [url=http://vavadavhod.tech/#]vavada[/url] vavada вход

  724. пин ап вход [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап казино официальный сайт[/url] пин ап казино официальный сайт

  728. вавада [url=https://vavadavhod.tech/#]vavada casino[/url] вавада зеркало

  738. пин ап казино официальный сайт [url=http://pinuprus.pro/#]pin up вход[/url] пин ап казино

  742. legit Viagra online [url=https://maxviagramd.com/#]safe online pharmacy[/url] discreet shipping

  748. cheap Cialis online [url=https://zipgenericmd.com/#]online Cialis pharmacy[/url] online Cialis pharmacy

  753. generic tadalafil [url=https://zipgenericmd.shop/#]Cialis without prescription[/url] Cialis without prescription

  759. doctor-reviewed advice [url=http://modafinilmd.store/#]verified Modafinil vendors[/url] purchase Modafinil without prescription

  764. modafinil pharmacy [url=https://modafinilmd.store/#]doctor-reviewed advice[/url] legal Modafinil purchase

  770. fast Viagra delivery [url=http://maxviagramd.com/#]safe online pharmacy[/url] fast Viagra delivery

  775. buy generic Cialis online [url=https://zipgenericmd.com/#]discreet shipping ED pills[/url] best price Cialis tablets

  779. modafinil 2025 [url=http://modafinilmd.store/#]doctor-reviewed advice[/url] safe modafinil purchase

  784. order Cialis online no prescription [url=http://zipgenericmd.com/#]Cialis without prescription[/url] generic tadalafil

  790. affordable ED medication [url=https://zipgenericmd.com/#]discreet shipping ED pills[/url] best price Cialis tablets

  796. purchase Modafinil without prescription [url=http://modafinilmd.store/#]modafinil 2025[/url] safe modafinil purchase

  802. legal Modafinil purchase [url=https://modafinilmd.store/#]safe modafinil purchase[/url] modafinil legality

  805. amoxicillin in india [url=https://amohealthcare.store/#]amoxicillin from canada[/url] Amo Health Care

  812. how to buy cheap clomid without prescription [url=http://clomhealth.com/#]Clom Health[/url] can i purchase clomid without rx

  817. amoxicillin capsules 250mg [url=https://amohealthcare.store/#]amoxicillin 30 capsules price[/url] rexall pharmacy amoxicillin 500mg

  822. PredniHealth [url=http://prednihealth.com/#]can you buy prednisone[/url] PredniHealth

  827. PredniHealth [url=https://prednihealth.shop/#]ordering prednisone[/url] PredniHealth

  831. cost generic clomid pill [url=http://clomhealth.com/#]cheap clomid no prescription[/url] cost generic clomid pills

  835. amoxicillin buy no prescription [url=https://amohealthcare.store/#]order amoxicillin online[/url] Amo Health Care

  840. mambo 36 tadalafil 20 mg [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]Tadal Access[/url] cialis advertisement

  845. cialis coupon walgreens [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]cialis precio[/url] cialis vs flomax for bph

  849. cialis substitute [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]centurion laboratories tadalafil review[/url] cialis generic 20 mg 30 pills

  853. is tadalafil the same as cialis [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]Tadal Access[/url] where to buy tadalafil in singapore

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Table of Contents

On Key

Related Posts

The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan are committed to educating the community on the basics of Estate and Medicaid planning.
We recommend our clients attend an educational workshop prior to scheduling an appointment to better prepare them for a consultation; however, attending a workshop is optional. For inquiries drop your message in the form below.

Full Name *

Advice you can trust, from people you like.
The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan is Central Florida’s leading estate planning and elder law firm and the only Florida law firm with two attorneys board certified in both Wills, Trusts and Estates as well as in Elder Law. We were founded in 1999 and our main office is located in the heart of historic Oviedo, Florida. 

Our office address:
254 Plaza Drive
Oviedo, Florida 32765

Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin Youtube Instagram

Our Privacy Statement

Practice Areas

marketing@HoytBryan.com

(407) 977-8080

Books

FAQs

100% board certified logo

© 2025 The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED