Wills vs. Trusts in Cheverly, MD | Estate Planning Advice from Matthew J. Dyer, Esq.
If you live in Cheverly and you’re thinking about getting your affairs in order, you’ve probably wondered:
“Do I need a trust, or will a will be enough?”
It’s one of the most common questions I get from clients, and it’s a good one.
The truth is, both wills and trusts are useful estate planning tools, but they serve different purposes.
Choosing the right one depends on your goals, your assets, and how much control you want to have over what happens when you’re gone.
Let me walk you through the basics.
What a Will Does (And Doesn’t Do)
A will is a legal document that says who should get your property after you die.
You can also use it to name guardians for your children, appoint an executor, and express your final wishes.
But here’s what a lot of people don’t realize: a will has to go through probate.
Probate is the court process that settles your estate.
That means your assets become public record, your family may have to wait several months or more, and there will be legal fees and possible delays, especially if someone challenges the will.
If your estate is simple, and you’re comfortable with the probate process, a will might be enough.
But if you want to avoid court involvement or keep things private, you may want to consider a trust.
What a Living Trust Can Do for You
A revocable living trust is a legal tool that holds your assets while you’re alive and distributes them when you pass away without probate.
Here’s how it works: you create the trust, transfer your home, bank accounts, or investments into it, and name a trustee (often yourself) to manage everything.
After your death, a successor trustee steps in and carries out your wishes without needing court approval.
This can save your family time, money, and stress.
It’s also private, flexible, and great if you own out-of-state property or want to set conditions (like delaying inheritance until a child turns 25).
Which One Is Right for You?
Here’s what I usually tell my Cheverly clients:
- If you’re young, single, and don’t own much, a basic will may be all you need right now.
- If you have minor children, a will is essential for naming a guardian, but you may also want a trust to manage their inheritance.
- If you own a home or rental property, a trust helps avoid probate and ensures a smooth transition.
- If privacy and avoiding delays are essential, a trust is usually the better route.
In many cases, I recommend using both a will for backup and guardianship, and a trust for managing your assets.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
No one wants to think about estate planning, but doing it now can save your family from confusion, court battles, and painful delays later.
If you’re in Cheverly and you’re not sure where to start, I’m here to help.
We’ll talk about your family, your property, and your wishes, and I’ll help you create a plan that fits.
Because your estate plan shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all.
It should be yours.
👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.
Matthew J. Dyer, Esq.
Estate Attorney | Haskell & Dyer, Upper Marlboro, MD
