Even if you create a Living Trust, it’s important to also have a Will. These two documents serve different purposes and work together to complete your estate plan.
Why a Will Is Still Needed
A Will acts as a backup for any assets that don’t make it into your Living Trust. For example:
If you purchase new property or open a new account but don’t transfer it into your Trust before your death, that asset wouldn’t be covered by the Trust alone.
A special type of Will, called a Pour-Over Will, ensures any remaining assets are directed into your Trust after you pass.
→ Learn more: What Is a Pour-Over Will?
Naming Guardians for Children
Another important reason to have a Will is that only a Will can legally name a guardian for your minor children. A Trust does not serve this function. If you have young children, your Will is the place where you formally designate who you want to care for them if something happens to you.
→ Related: What is a Guardian?
With NetLaw, You Get Both—Automatically
When you use NetLaw’s SmartGuide Interviews, you don’t need to create a Will and Trust separately. Our process is designed to build both documents at the same time, ensuring they work together seamlessly.
Your Trust and Pour-Over Will are generated together
Your assets, beneficiaries, and guardianship wishes are captured in a single guided experience
You don’t have to worry about missing key pieces of your estate plan