Wills vs Trusts: What’s Right for Your Estate in the UK?

When it comes to protecting your assets and ensuring your loved ones are cared for, two of the most important tools are Wills and Trusts. But how do they differ? And which one do you actually need?

In this guide, we’ll break it all down — so you can make confident decisions about your estate.

What Is a Will?

A Will is a legal document that outlines how your money, property, and belongings (your estate) should be distributed after your death.

Key features:

• Takes effect only after you die
• Appoints executors to manage your estate
• Can name guardians for minor children
• Must be signed and witnessed correctly to be valid

Wills are essential for most people, especially if you have specific wishes about who should inherit what, or if your family situation is complex.

What Is a Trust?

A Trust is a legal arrangement that lets you place assets under the control of someone (a trustee) for the benefit of others (the beneficiaries). Trusts can be created during your lifetime (living trusts) or take effect after death (Will trusts).

Key features:

• Can take effect while you're alive or after you die
• Assets are held separately from your estate
• Often used to protect assets or minimise tax
• Can help avoid probate delays

When Is a Will Enough?

A Will is usually suitable if:

• Your estate is simple
• You want to name guardians for children
• You’re not concerned about probate
• You don’t need ongoing control over assets after death

A properly drafted Will is a must-have for nearly every adult in the UK, regardless of wealth.

When Should You Consider a Trust?

Trusts are worth exploring if:

• You want to minimise Inheritance Tax
• You have children from multiple relationships
• You want to protect a vulnerable beneficiary (e.g. someone with a disability)
• You want to control how and when money is used (e.g. for minors)
• You’re concerned about future care costs or losing assets

Trusts can also be useful for business owners or property investors wanting long-term control over assets.

Can You Have Both?

Yes — and in many cases, you should.

• A Will can outline your overall wishes.
• A Trust can be used to manage specific assets or protect certain beneficiaries.

Example:

You create a Will that passes your estate to your children, but also set up a Trust to hold the family home until your youngest turns 25.

Costs: Wills vs Trusts in the UK

Typical Cost Range:

• Standard Will: £100 – £300
• Mirror Wills (for couples): £150 – £500
• Will with Trust clause: £300 – £800
• Lifetime Trust setup: £1,000 – £3,000+

Always compare providers and ask about ongoing fees for managing trusts.

Speak to a Specialist — and Get It Right

Both Wills and Trusts are powerful — but they must be written properly. Mistakes can lead to invalid documents, unexpected taxes, or family disputes.

Dos makes it easy to find and compare Wills & Estate Planning specialists near you.

• Regulated professionals
• Transparent pricing
• Get quotes in seconds