Why So Many Texans May Prefer a Living Trust Over a Will
Discover why more Texans are choosing living trusts over traditional wills to avoid probate, protect privacy, and simplify estate transfers. Learn how a trust may benefit your family.
If You Think a Will Is Enough, Read This First
In Texas, having a last will and testament is often seen as the gold standard of estate planning. But more and more Texans are discovering that a revocable living trust may offer smoother, faster, and more private asset distribution after death.
While both wills and living trusts serve the purpose of passing assets to loved ones, they function very differently—especially when it comes to avoiding probate court, maintaining family privacy, and protecting heirs from delays and legal fees.
Let’s explore why thousands of Texas families are now choosing living trusts as their preferred estate planning tool.
1. Living Trusts Help Avoid Probate in Texas
Probate is the court-supervised legal process of validating a will, paying debts, and distributing assets. In Texas, even a simple probate case can take 6-12 months or longer, and court costs and attorney fees can add up quickly.
A living trust, on the other hand, allows your assets to pass directly to your beneficiaries without going through probate. This can save your loved ones stress, time, and thousands of dollars in court-related expenses.
Bonus: Avoiding probate also means your family won’t have to make court appearances or deal with the public scrutiny of a legal process.
2. Trusts Offer More Privacy Than Wills
Wills become public record once they enter probate. That means anyone—including creditors or nosy neighbors—can access the details of your estate.
A living trust, however, remains private. It doesn’t go through the court system, so the contents of your estate, your heirs, and their inheritances stay confidential. For many families in Texas, especially those with high-value property or family-owned businesses, this privacy is a major benefit.
3. You Can Plan for Incapacity
A will only takes effect after you die. But what if you become incapacitated due to illness or injury?
A revocable living trust includes provisions for managing your affairs if you’re ever unable to do so yourself. You can name a successor trustee who steps in to manage your assets without needing court approval. This can avoid costly guardianship proceedings and keep your finances protected.
4. Trusts Allow for Greater Control and Customization
Living trusts offer more flexibility than wills. Want your children to receive their inheritance at a certain age? Want to stagger distributions over time or protect assets from divorce, debt, or bad decisions?
A trust allows you to create detailed instructions that go beyond the basic terms of a will. You can even include provisions for special needs beneficiaries or charitable giving.
5. Peace of Mind for Families Across Texas
Many clients at Mike Massey Law PLLC tell us that creating a living tru
st brings them peace of mind. They know their loved ones will be taken care of without court interference, delays, or unnecessary drama.
From Austin to Houston to Dallas—and everywhere in between—Texans are choosing living trusts for a more thoughtful, efficient, and protective estate plan.
Ready to Find Out If a Living Trust Is Right for You?
At Mike Massey Law PLLC, we’ve helped thousands of Texans build personalized estate plans that work before and after death. Our transparent pricing, 3-day delivery, and 500+ five-star reviews make the process simple and stress-free.
Book a free consultation today and take the first step toward protecting your legacy.
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Mike Massey Law PLLC
Serving clients statewide across Texas from our offices in Austin, Houston, and beyond.
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