Wills vs. Trusts | The Fiduciary Guide to Estate Architecture



Will vs. Trust

One is a simple set of instructions. The other is a sophisticated financial vessel.
Discover which architecture secures your legacy.

The Will

STANDARD PROTECTION

Best suited for straightforward asset distributions where the public probate process is not a primary concern.

Active only after death

Mandatory Public Probate (FL)

Easily challenged in court

The Trust

ADVANCED FIDUCIARY

The preferred vessel for C-Suite executives and business owners requiring privacy, control, and probate avoidance.

Avoids Probate Entirely

Protects During Incapacity

Maximum Privacy (No Public Record)

Comparison Matrix

A data-driven look at your estate options.

Strategy Feature Last Will Living Trust
Privacy Protection Public (Court Record) Private
Probate Avoidance No Yes
Incapacity Coverage Limited (Needs DPOA) Comprehensive
Administrative Cost High (3-5% of Assets) Nominal

The Fiduciary
Audit

As fee-based fiduciaries, we act as the glue between your financial life and your legal documents. A Trust is only as effective as its funding.

We coordinate with your attorney to ensure your brokerage accounts, retirement plans, and private holdings are correctly titled within your Trust architecture.

⚖️

Legal Sync

Document Review

📈

Asset Funding

Portfolio Titling

🛡️

Tax Efficiency

Step-up Management

🤝

Continuity

Successor Coaching

Davies Wealth Management is a Fee-Based Fiduciary Advisory Firm.
This guide is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal or tax advice.
Consult with a qualified Estate Attorney in Stuart, FL to draft legal documents.

© 2026 Davies Wealth Management · Stuart, FL


We can help you make the most of what you have!

1
TD
Thomas Davies, CFS®
Davies Wealth Management · Stuart, FL
Fiduciary
Davies Wealth Management · Fee-Based Fiduciary · 772-210-4031 · Not investment advice