If you’ve thought about creating a will, you’ve probably come across trusts. They’re a vital part of many estate plans, but many people don’t fully understand how they work. Trusts are versatile tools that offer benefits beyond a basic will.

The main advantage of a trust is that it can avoid probate, the court process that distributes assets after death. In Ohio, probate can be slow and costly. Assets held in a properly funded trust pass to your beneficiaries without court involvement, which can mean fewer court costs and fewer delays for your heirs.

Trust types: a snapshot

Trusts fall into two broad categories, revocable and irrevocable, each suited to different goals.

Trust Type	Who It’s For	Key Points
Revocable	Families who want control and a simpler process for heirs.	You can change it, add or remove assets, or dissolve it. You usually serve as trustee. Avoids probate and keeps the transfer private, but doesn’t protect assets from creditors during your life.
Irrevocable	Families focused on asset protection, estate taxes or Medicaid planning.	Once assets are transferred, you can’t easily remove them, and terms can’t change without all beneficiaries’ consent. In exchange, it offers stronger creditor protection and potential estate tax savings.

Why you need an attorney to create a trust

Trusts can look straightforward, but they are complex legal instruments. Ohio’s specific estate laws make it important to have an attorney confirm that your trust is valid and matches your intentions. Online templates are tempting, but they often miss nuances in Ohio law, which can lead to complications or unintended consequences. Creating a trust is just the first step in making sure the trust will protect your future, having real legal advice and guidance is the most important part.

We’re here to help

At Northwest Law, we help you find the plan that fits your family. In your Peace of Mind Planning Session, we walk you through the process, answer your questions and make sure you understand your options, all at a transparent flat rate.

DISCLAIMER: The blog published by Northwest Law is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing blog posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. The blog should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.