Estate planning in California often starts with a basic but critical question: should you create a will, a trust, or both? While both tools are designed to distribute your assets according to your wishes, they operate very differently under California law. Understanding these differences can have a lasting impact on your family, property, and peace of mind.

At Kushner Legal Corporation, we help Californians navigate wills and living trusts and create estate plans that protect their assets and long-term goals. Below are five key differences to consider when deciding between a will and a trust, with references to the California Probate Code where relevant.

1. 1. Probate Requirements, Will vs. Trust in California: One of the most important differences between wills and trusts is whether your estate must go through probate. Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will, appointing an executor, paying debts, and distributing assets.
      1. Wills: Most wills must be probated unless the estate qualifies for California’s small estate exemption under Probate Code Section 13100.
      2. Trusts: Assets held in a properly funded revocable living trust generally avoid probate. Probate Code Section 15200 recognizes express trusts that can hold and distribute property without court involvement.

      Avoiding probate often means faster distribution, lower costs, and less stress for loved ones. In California, probate commonly takes 9 to 18 months or longer, especially when real estate is involved. For homeowners in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Palm Springs, or other high-value areas, a trust is often the most effective way to avoid lengthy delays. ones.

   2. Privacy of Your Estate: Privacy is another major difference between a will and a trust in California. A will becomes a public record once it is filed with the probate court. This means details about your assets, beneficiaries, and executor can be viewed by anyone.
      By contrast, a trust is typically private. Disclosure is limited to beneficiaries and trustees under Probate Code Sections 16060–16061.7. For families who value confidentiality, a living trust is often the preferred option.
      A living trust is one of the most effective tools for maintaining privacy while avoiding California probate.
   3. Timing of Control and Management: A will only becomes effective after death. It does not provide a way to manage your assets during your lifetime. If you become incapacitated, the court may need to appoint a conservator, which can be costly, time-consuming, and public.
      However a living trust offers a key advantage. Once created and funded, it is effective immediately. Under Probate Code Section 15200, a trust can manage assets during your lifetime, during incapacity, and after death. Your successor trustee can step in without court involvement.
      For many Californians, especially those concerned about aging or unexpected illness, this feature alone answers the question: Do I need a trust in California? 
   4. Flexibility of Distribution: A will generally distributes assets outright once probate is complete. Although testamentary trusts can be created through a will, they still require probate first.
      A trust allows far more flexibility. Under Probate Code Section 16000, trustees must follow the trust’s terms, which may include staggered distributions, age-based releases, education incentives, or long-term support for beneficiaries with special needs. This flexibility makes trusts a cornerstone of effective California estate planning.
   5. Cost and Complexity: California Probate vs. Trust H2: A will is usually less expensive to prepare upfront. However, probate costs can quickly outweigh those initial savings. California’s statutory probate fees under Probate Code Section 10810 are based on the gross value of the estate, not the net value. This can make probate particularly expensive for real estate owners. A trust requires more upfront planning, including transferring property into the trust and coordinating beneficiary designations. However, for many families, the long-term savings, efficiency, and control make a trust the more cost-effective solution. For those asking, “Is a trust better than a will in California?”, avoiding high probate costs is often a deciding factor.

The Bottom Line: Do I Need a Will or a Trust in California?

In California, wills and trusts serve different but complementary roles. A will ensures your wishes are clearly documented, while a trust provides probate avoidance, privacy, and ongoing asset management.

For many people, the best approach is to have both: a living trust to manage assets and a pour-over will to ensure any remaining property is transferred into the trust.

At Kushner Legal Corporation, our California estate planning attorneys create customized plans that comply with the California Probate Code and protect your family’s future.

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Estate planning does not have to be overwhelming. Let our experienced team guide you through your options and create a plan that reflects your wishes.

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