Austin, TX estates planning & probate attorney Kyle Robbins explains what a trust is and how are they used in estate planning. He explains that a trust is a key tool estate planners use to accomplish a variety of goals. The most common purpose he sees is avoiding probate. He likens a trust to a “little box” where assets can be titled, so when someone passes away, the surviving spouse or family doesn’t have to go through the process of re-titling everything. For example, the deed to a house stays in the name of the trust, allowing the surviving spouse to sell it immediately if needed. It’s a simple, seamless process when a trust-based estate plan is in place.

Beyond avoiding probate, he notes that trusts can serve other purposes, including asset protection, remarriage protection, divorce protection, and tax planning. While there are many potential goals, the primary advantage he emphasizes is ensuring assets can transfer to family quickly and efficiently without the delays and complications of probate.