Trust vs Will in Arizona
When a will is enough and when a living trust actually earns its cost.
When a will is enough and when a living trust actually earns its cost.
What a will does
A will names who gets what and who's in charge. It does NOT avoid probate — the court-supervised process that verifies the will and transfers assets. In Arizona, probate is typically 6–12 months and 3–5% of the estate in costs.
What a revocable living trust adds
A trust holds title to your assets while you're alive. When you pass, the successor trustee distributes property without probate — usually within weeks, privately, and with far less cost.
When a will is enough
Small estate, one state, simple family, everything already has beneficiary designations. Arizona's small-estate affidavit covers estates under $75K real / $200K personal.
When a trust earns its cost
Real estate in more than one state. Estate over the small-estate limits. Blended families. Beneficiaries with special needs, addiction, or creditor issues. Anyone who wants privacy — probate is public record.
A trust isn't for everyone, but for many Arizona retirees the $2–4K setup cost is the cheapest gift you can leave your family.
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