Will vs. Trust Decision Worksheet

What’s in the worksheet (and what it helps you decide)

This free downloadable PDF is a guided checklist/worksheet to help you think through the differences between a will and a trust, and when each one may fit better.

You’ll get prompts to organize your family goals (for example: naming guardians for children, choosing who should inherit, and what you want to happen if you or a parent dies). It also helps you spot common “next questions” to ask an attorney.

This is not legal advice and it doesn’t replace a licensed attorney’s review. Estate planning rules and probate processes vary by state and can change over time.

• A simple way to compare “will only” vs. “trust (often plus a will)” in plain language
• Questions to bring to your first meeting so you feel less rushed

Who this worksheet is for

This tool is designed for adults who want to protect their family and feel more confident before meeting an attorney—especially if you’re new to the US, prefer plain language, or are meeting estate planning for the first time.

It can be useful whether you’re planning for your own future or helping with a parent’s estate after a death. If you’re worried about paperwork, court steps, or “what happens if I do nothing,” this worksheet can help you prepare.

If you already have documents, the worksheet may help you identify whether something seems out of date—like named guardians or beneficiary choices.

• Families planning for children or guardianship
• People trying to understand probate and avoid surprises

How to use it before you talk to an attorney

Start by downloading and printing the PDF, or use it on a tablet if that’s easier for you. Don’t try to get everything perfect—your goal is to think clearly and write down what matters most to your family.

Then do a quick “fill-in” pass and bring your answers to your appointment. Your attorney can explain what applies in your state and what documents (if any) make sense for your situation.

Remember: WillArbor is a FREE matching service, not a law firm. We help connect you with a licensed estate planning attorney near you—but the attorney is the one who reviews your state’s rules and your family’s needs.

• Write your goals first (family, guardianship, who inherits), not details you may not need yet
• Bring your completed worksheet—so you can ask better questions sooner

What you should NOT do with this worksheet

This worksheet is for organizing your thinking. It is not meant to replace legal review or to tell you what you personally “should” do.

Do not use it to draft documents yourself or to rely on generic forms. DIY forms often fail to match your state’s requirements, and estate plans can be invalid if they don’t follow local rules.

Also, keep your comfort and privacy in mind: when you sign up with WillArbor, we collect only contact and planning intent (and your preferred language and state)—not asset values, account numbers, SSNs, or other sensitive estate details.

• Avoid DIY documents without state-specific guidance
• Don’t assume a trust is always better or always necessary—state facts matter

Cost expectations (so you’re not surprised)

Estate planning fees are commonly quoted as a flat fee (not hourly), but the real cost depends on the documents you need and the complexity of your situation—and it varies by state and by attorney.

As a rough expectation, many people pay flat-fee ranges for basic planning such as a will and related documents, while more involved planning (like adding one or more trusts and additional directions) can cost more. Final pricing is confirmed in writing by the attorney after they understand what’s needed.

If you want to compare options, you can explore services and then get matched so you can ask about their flat fee for the documents that fit your state and goals.

• Typical flat-fee ranges can vary widely; they’re not quotes
• Complexity, number of documents, and state rules are common cost drivers

Before you download: common pitfalls this tool helps you avoid

Many families run into problems when they never finalize a plan. Dying without a will can lead to “intestacy” rules in your state, which may not match what you would have chosen for your family.

Another common issue is out-of-date beneficiary designations (for example, on retirement or insurance). Even a well-made will can’t always fix those if designations don’t match your plan.

This worksheet also encourages you to think about basics like naming a guardian for children when relevant—and keeping documents current—so you’re not relying on hope or uncertainty.

• Avoid “no will” surprises by naming what you want to happen
• Think about guardian and beneficiary choices early

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