What is the difference between a living trust and a living will?

Estate planning law in Kansas deals with the legal process of preparing and determining the distribution of a person’s assets upon their death. Two common legal tools used to manage this process are a living trust and a living will. A living trust is a document that is created while a person is living, specifying how their assets should be managed and distributed upon death. The person creating the trust is called the Grantor and may appoint someone else to manage the trust and assets, known as the Trustee. This legal document helps to avoid court intervention and can also help minimize estate taxes and protect assets from creditors. A living will, on the other hand, is a document that specifies how a person wants their medical treatment to proceed if they are unable to make decisions themselves due to illness or injury. It allows a person to outline the type of medical treatments they would want or not want, based on their personal preferences, as well as assign someone to make decisions on their behalf if needed. Overall, the main difference between a living trust and a living will is that a living trust is focused on asset distribution and estate planning, while a living will is focused on medical treatment. Both documents are important tools to help ensure a person’s wishes are followed in the event of their death or incapacity.

Related FAQs

What is a trust account and how does it work?
How should I distribute my assets if I don't have a will?
What should I do if I find a mistake in my estate documents?
What is probate, and how can I avoid it?
What is a pet trust and how does it work?
What is a living trust and how does it work?
What tools are available to help me plan my estate?
Should I include a trust or will in my estate plan?
How can I transfer real estate without probate?
What is a revocable living trust?

Related Blog Posts

Understanding Estate Planning Law: What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023
Developing an Estate Plan: A Guide for Families - August 7, 2023
Tax Planning Strategies for Estate Planning Professionals - August 14, 2023
The Basics of Estate Distribution and Taxation - August 21, 2023
Exploring the Benefits of a Living Will - August 28, 2023