It’s back-to-school season.
You’ve got routines in place, backpacks (mostly) organized, and maybe—just maybe—a bit more margin in your day to think beyond the next math lesson or soccer practice.
That makes this the perfect time to ask:
Does your family’s legal plan actually protect your kids the way you think it does?
If you have a simple will, you’ve taken a great first step.
But for many families, a will alone may not be enough.
This fall, let’s go beyond the surface and talk about the families who need something stronger—a plan that can withstand real-world challenges and protect your loved ones with clarity, privacy, and compassion.
Here are three of the most common family situations where a revocable living trust (and a few other key documents) may be a better fit.
1. Families with Minor Children
If your children are under 18, you need more than just a document that says “who gets what.”
You need a plan that:
- Legally names both short- and long-term guardians
- Gives clear instructions about when and how your children would be cared for
- Protects their inheritance until they’re mature enough to manage it (not just handed a lump sum at 18)
A simple will can name a guardian—but that’s just the beginning. It doesn’t avoid court. It doesn’t protect their inheritance. And it doesn’t address what happens in the hours or days right after a crisis.
That’s why many families choose to create a trust-based plan that keeps everything private, gives your family immediate access to funds, and outlines your wishes in a way the courts can’t ignore.
2. Families with Children Who Have Special Needs or Unique Challenges
If one of your children:
- Has a disability
- Receives (or may one day receive) government benefits
- Struggles with addiction, mental health, or money management
…then leaving them an inheritance through a basic will could actually do more harm than good.
Here’s why:
- It could accidentally disqualify them from essential services (like SSI or Medicaid)
- It might give them access to funds they aren’t ready to handle
- It may spark conflict or confusion between siblings and caregivers
A custom trust—often called a special needs trust or a discretionary trust—can solve all of this. You can appoint a trustee to manage funds wisely, protect eligibility for support programs, and make sure your child is cared for with dignity.
3. Blended Families or Families with Complex Relationships
If your family doesn’t fit the traditional mold, you are not alone.
Whether you’re:
- In a second marriage
- Have stepchildren
- Are estranged from certain family members
- Want to exclude or prioritize specific heirs
…a will is often not detailed or private enough to carry out your wishes the way you intend.
Wills become public documents.
They can be contested.
And they rarely anticipate the emotional nuances of blended family dynamics.
A trust, on the other hand, can:
- Protect your surviving spouse and ensure children from a prior relationship inherit fairly
- Set clear boundaries and expectations to avoid conflict
- Keep your family’s business private—and out of court
Wait… What If You Already Have a Will?
That’s a great start—but here are a few questions to consider:
- Is your will more than 3–5 years old?
- Was it written before your last child was born… or your last move?
- Does it mention a guardian—but not how to protect your child’s inheritance?
- Does it go into probate court by default (hint: they all do)?
- Would it keep your affairs private—or would everything become public record?
If you’re unsure how to answer those… it might be time for an update.
Ready to Learn More?
We created two free resources to help you understand your options and take action—without overwhelm or attorney fees:
Watch our 9-minute primer:
“Almost Everything You Need to Know About Estate Planning”
Note: This short video doesn’t go deep into how a trust can protect minor children, children with special needs, or complex family dynamics. If that’s your situation, we strongly recommend the masterclass below.
Our deeper masterclass (replay of our May webinar):
“Protecting Your Family—Why a Will Isn’t Enough”
An 84-minute step-by-step guide (plus mini-course!) that walks you through what to do, why it matters, and how to get it done—without the legal overwhelm.
[Watch the Free Masterclass >>]
Because Your Family Deserves More Than Just a Will
We’ve worked with all three of these family types—and what we’ve seen is this:
When people finally put the right plan in place, they feel peace, clarity, and confidence.
And more importantly?
Their families are protected—no matter what happens.
Let’s make this school year the one where you finally check this off your list.
You’ve got this.
