Estate planning often begins with a key decision: should you rely on a will, a trust, or a combination of both? For families in Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and across East and Middle Tennessee, the choice can make a major difference in how assets are handled, how smoothly property passes to loved ones, and how much control you keep during your lifetime. Both wills and trusts serve as essential estate planning tools, but they work in very different ways. The Role of a Will A will is the most widely recognized estate planning document. It gives you the ability to decide who inherits your property, who will serve as the executor of your estate, and who should be guardian of your minor children if something happens to you. A will can also include personal instructions, such as funeral or memorial wishes. However, wills must go through probate—the court-supervised process of validating the document, settling debts, and distributing property. Probate provides oversight but can also bring challenges. It often delays the transfer of assets, adds court costs, and makes the details of your estate public record. For some families, probate is a minor inconvenience. For others, particularly those with complex assets or privacy concerns, it can become a burden. How a Trust Works A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer ownership of property into the trust during your lifetime. A trustee manages those assets according to your instructions for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries. Because the trust—not you personally—owns the assets, those items generally bypass probate. That means they can be distributed faster, with greater privacy, and often with fewer expenses. Trusts also provide flexibility that wills cannot. For example, you can instruct the trustee to distribute funds to children only after they reach a certain age, to stagger payments over time, or to restrict use of funds for education or healthcare. Trusts can also help reduce estate taxes in certain cases, and they are particularly valuable when you own multiple properties or have business interests. Why Choose One Over the Other? The decision between a will and a trust depends on your circumstances. A will is often sufficient for smaller estates, families with straightforward goals, or those who are comfortable with the probate process. A trust may be better for families who want to avoid probate, maintain privacy, or exert more control over how and when assets are distributed. In many cases, the strongest estate plans include both—a will to cover property not placed in the trust, and a trust to handle major assets efficiently. How Champagne Law Firm Can Help At Champagne Law Firm, with offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville, we work with individuals and families throughout East and Middle Tennessee to design estate plans that fit their needs. We take the time to explain the advantages and disadvantages of wills and trusts, recommend strategies that protect your assets, and ensure that your estate plan reflects your values and goals. Our guidance goes beyond documents—we consider the financial, personal, and family dynamics that shape your future. Taking the First Step Toward Peace of Mind Deciding between a will and a trust is not about choosing one document over the other—it’s about building the right plan for your life and your loved ones. By working with an experienced estate planning attorney, you can create a plan that minimizes conflict, protects your family, and provides peace of mind for years to come. Call Champagne Law Firm at 865-228-8080 or reach out online to schedule a consultation about wills, trusts, and your estate planning options in Tennessee.
