What is the difference between a Will and a Trust?

A will is a written legal document intended to be submitted to the probate court upon your death with instructions on how you want your estate (probated assets and outstanding obligations) administered. A trust is a legal arrangement (generally private whereas a Will becomes public record) with three sometimes overlapping parties (see below) that all play distinct roles. Trusts are created by the “trustor” or “grantor” and instruct the trustee on how to administer assets. Unlike a living trust, which is created during a person’s life, a testamentary trust is established via the Will (in other words, the testamentary trust is created via public court process after a person dies and therefore is not preferred since a living trust can accomplish the same goal without the hassle and expense associated with a testamentary trust).