When planning your estate, two common tools are often mentioned — the Will and the Trust. Both help manage how your assets are distributed, but they work in very different ways.

A Will:

• Straightforward and cost-effective to set up.
• Specifies how your assets should be distributed after your death.
• Usually requires probate, a court-supervised process that can take time and incur costs.

A Trust:

• Transfers your assets into a trust, managed by a trustee.
• Can help avoid probate entirely or partially.
• Offers greater privacy, control, and sometimes tax advantages.
• Typically more complex and expensive to establish, but beneficial for larger or more detailed estates.

Which should you choose?

• Simple estates and straightforward wishes: A Will may be sufficient.
• Complex or high-value estates, business ownership, or privacy concerns: A Trust might be more suitable.
• Balanced approach: Many people benefit from having both — a Will for personal instructions and a Trust for managing key assets.

Note: Legal and tax implications vary across the UK, so it’s always best to consult a qualified solicitor or estate planner.