Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Trusts are powerful tools, but they are often oversold as a universal solution. In Texas, a trust can be very effective in certain situations, but it is not automatically the right answer for everyone.
A trust does not eliminate the need for planning. Assets must be properly transferred into the trust for it to work as intended. When that step is missed, families are often surprised to learn that probate is still required.
Trusts also involve ongoing administration. Trustees have duties, records must be kept, and decisions must be made. For some families, that structure is helpful. For others, it becomes an unnecessary burden.
Cost is another consideration. Trust based plans are often more expensive to set up and maintain. That cost may be justified in complex estates, but it is not always necessary for simpler situations.
The key is matching the tool to the goal. A trust is valuable when it solves a specific problem. It is less helpful when it is used simply because it sounds sophisticated.