Wills vs. Trusts: Maria’s Estate Planning Dilemma in Bonita Springs

Maria lived in Bonita Springs, Florida, for over 30 years. She loved her quiet home near the beach, her weekend farmer’s market trips, and most of all, the peace of mind that came with knowing her affairs were in order. Or so she thought. One afternoon, while sipping her coffee at a local café, her best friend, Linda, casually mentioned that she had just set up a trust for her kids. “A trust?” Maria asked, raising an eyebrow. “I thought a will was enough.” Linda smiled. “That’s what I thought too—until I found out the hard way that a will isn’t always enough to protect your loved ones.”

“A trust?” Maria asked, raising an eyebrow. “I thought a will was enough.” Linda smiled. “That’s what I thought too—until I found out the hard way that a will isn’t always enough to protect your loved ones.”

The Big Question: What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

Maria had always assumed that writing a will was all she needed. After all, a will lays out who gets what after you pass away, right? Well, yes—but it also comes with some surprises. Here’s what Maria learned that afternoon over coffee:

A Will

A will outlines who inherits your assets after you die.
It must go through probate court, which can be a long and expensive process in Florida.
If Maria only had a will, her loved ones could wait months (or even years) to access her assets.

A Trust

A trust allows you to control your assets while you're alive and after you pass.
It bypasses probate, meaning no court delays for your family.
A trust protects your privacy—while a will becomes public record, a trust remains private.

In simple terms: A will is like leaving behind a list of instructions, but a trust is like putting someone in charge to carry out your wishes immediately.

Maria’s Lightbulb Moment

Maria had spent her whole life working hard to build her little slice of paradise in Bonita Springs. The last thing Maria wanted was for her kids to get tangled in legal red tape just to inherit the family home. She realized that setting up a trust and putting the family home into the trust now could save her family time, money, and stress. Plus, it would allow her to set specific rules—like ensuring her grandson’s college fund was protected or that her house wasn’t sold right away.

What Should You Do?

If you’re like Maria, wondering whether you need a will or a trust, you don’t have to figure it out alone. At The Dellutri Law Group, we’ve been helping Florida families with estate planning for over 30 years, and with 1,200 five-star reviews, we know how to protect what matters most to you.
Call us today at 239-939-0900 !