Why Every Trust Still Needs a Will — Especially in August
⏱️ 6-minute read to protect everything you’ve worked for.
August is “National Make-A-Will Month,” and you’d be surprised how many people miss the message entirely. Even among those who’ve taken the wise step of creating a Revocable Living Trust, many believe a Will is unnecessary.
That assumption couldn’t be more wrong.
According to a 2024 Trust & Will report, only 31% of Americans have a Will—and just 11% have a Trust. That means over 55% of American families are flying blind, with no legal plan in place to protect their assets or their loved ones.
The result? Confusion, court costs, and avoidable stress. But there’s a way to get it right—and it starts on Tuesday, September 9th at our free, live seminar in Inglewood. Reserve your seat here.
If you die without a Will or Trust, you’re considered “intestate.” That means California—not you—decides who inherits what. A judge will name someone to manage your estate, distribute your assets, and oversee every decision.
➡️ Your estate becomes public record.
➡️ Your loved ones must endure a lengthy probate process.
➡️ Assets may go to estranged relatives or skip over the people you care most about.
Even if you have a Trust, your plan isn’t airtight without a Will.
Join us on September 9th and we’ll walk you through how to lock down your estate with both tools. Register now—before seats fill up.
A Revocable Living Trust helps you avoid probate, protect privacy, and manage your assets during incapacity. But it’s not a complete plan without these essential Will functions:
1. Pour-Over Protection
Even with the best planning, assets can accidentally be left outside the Trust. A Pour-Over Will ensures those assets are redirected into your Trust without court drama.
2. Appoint Guardians for Minor Children
This is the big one. You cannot name guardians for your children in a Trust. A Will is the only legal tool in California that lets you do this. If you’re a parent, this step is non-negotiable.
3. Control Personal Property
In California, you can create a “Personal Property Memorandum” to leave specific heirlooms or items to loved ones—but only if your Will references it. Trusts don’t cover this.
That’s great. You’re ahead of the curve. But without a Will to act as the Trust’s safety net, you’re still exposed.
If even one bank account, vehicle, or investment is left out of your Trust, that asset must go through probate. A Pour-Over Will catches those stray items and routes them where they belong.
Join us on September 9th for a clear breakdown of how your Will and Trust should work together—and what red flags to watch for. Sign up today.
Here’s what your family can expect:
- Delays of 9–18 months in court.
- Thousands in legal fees and probate costs.
- Public exposure of your assets and heirs.
- A judge deciding who raises your children.
That’s the reality for over half of Americans. But it doesn’t have to be yours.
Make September 9th the day you take control. Attend our live seminar in September
The Revocable Trust is the gold standard for modern estate planning. It avoids probate, allows for custom provisions, and protects your loved ones long after you’re gone. But the Will? It’s your final safety net.
A Will:
- Names guardians for minor children
- Covers forgotten assets
- Supports personal property designations
- Protects against Trust invalidity
No serious estate plan is complete without one.
This September—National Make-A-Will Month—make it count. Learn how to close the gaps, protect your family, and leave nothing to chance.
Live and In Person
Tuesday, September 9th
Collins Law Group | Inglewood, CA
️ Reserve your free seat now.
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