Estate planning should include both a will and trust

Estate planning can be a confusing topic for many people. The confusion about what is really needed for a solid estate plan might even cause many people to avoid the task of estate planning all together. Do people need a will and a trust?

Trusts can be important instruments to help a family avoid going to probate after a loved one dies. When people are forming their estate plans they might wonder what the purpose of a will is, if a trust is the document that helps their loved ones avoid probate. Wills are still very important estate planning documents.

A will can be called a pour over will. This type of document will help assets that might have been missed in the trust pour into the trust. It acts as a safety net that can be very beneficial if someone doesn't include an asset in their trust.

Speaking with an experienced estate planning attorney in Harrisburg might be a wise decision. They can help a person address many aspects of estate planning. Whether it is talking points that a person might want to have with their family, figuring out what assets need to be included in the estate plan or writing up the proper estate planning documents, an attorney will be able to help.

Having a proper estate plan can provide peace of mind for a person and their family. If someone unexpected happened to a person, their affairs would be handled and their loved ones would understand their wishes.

Source: nwitimes.com, "ESTATE PLANNING: Pour over wills direct estate assets into trust," Christopher W. Yugo, Aug. 31, 2013