Foundations of Wills and Trusts

Wills and trusts are the core legal tools for shaping what happens to your assets and the people you care about. Understanding what each does and where each falls short is the foundation of any thoughtful estate plan. This foundational course gives you that base. By the end of this course you will be able to describe what a will does and what it cannot do, distinguish revocable from irrevocable trusts, recognize which document or combination fits common family situations, and evaluate what a basic plan looks like for you. What you will learn: - What a last will and testament does, including naming guardians, executors, and beneficiaries - The role of intestacy law when there is no will and why that often produces unwanted results - The difference between revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and specialized trusts - How trusts can avoid probate, protect minors, support a special-needs family member, or extend control over assets - How beneficiary designations and joint ownership override what a will says - Common combinations for typical families: simple will, will plus trust, pour-over will - Common mistakes: outdated documents, missing guardians, no funded trust, DIY kits that miss state requirements The course uses readings, document anatomy walkthroughs, and case examples. Each module ends with reflection prompts that you apply to your own situation. This course is written for adults who want to understand wills and trusts well enough to make informed choices, with or without an attorney. By the end you will replace fear and unfamiliar terminology with a clear understanding of the tools, when to use which, and what a sound basic plan looks like for your circumstances.