Trusts Aren’t Just for the Wealthy: Why Families in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio Should Consider One

Trusts Aren’t Just for the Wealthy: Why Families in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio Should Consider One

For years, trusts have been viewed as tools reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Many families assume trusts are complicated, expensive, or unnecessary unless you have millions of dollars.

That assumption is outdated.

Today, trusts are one of the most practical estate-planning tools for everyday families, especially for those who want to avoid probate, protect loved ones, and maintain control over how their assets are handled. In Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio, more families are choosing trusts not because they are wealthy — but because they want clarity and peace of mind.

What Is a Trust (In Plain English)?

A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to place assets under the control of a trustee for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries.

In many family estate plans:

• You create the trust
• You act as the trustee during your lifetime
• Your loved ones are the beneficiaries

This setup lets you continue using and controlling your property while you’re alive — and helps ensure a smoother transition if you become incapacitated or pass away.

The Biggest Myth About Trusts

“Trusts are only for rich people.”

This myth persists because trusts were historically marketed as tax tools for large estates. While trusts can help with certain advanced planning goals, that’s not why most everyday families use them today.

Families often consider trusts to:

• Avoid probate court involvement
• Protect children and support blended families
• Maintain privacy
• Plan for incapacity
• Control how and when assets are distributed

How Trusts Help Everyday Families

A properly drafted trust can provide several practical benefits:

• Avoid probate: Assets properly held in a trust can often be administered outside probate.
• Maintain privacy: Probate filings are typically public; trust administration is generally private.
• Plan for incapacity: A successor trustee can manage trust-held assets if you cannot.
• Protect minor children: You can set instructions for how funds are managed until children reach an appropriate age.
• Support blended families: Trusts can help ensure your plan reflects your specific family structure.
• Provide flexibility: You can control timing and conditions for distributions.

Trust vs. Will: What’s the Difference?

Both wills and trusts can be important, but they work differently.

Feature	Will	Trust
Probate required	Typically yes	Often no (for trust-held assets)
Privacy	Often public record	Generally private
Incapacity planning	Limited	Strong (for trust-held assets)
Speed for beneficiaries	Often slower	Often faster
Ongoing control	Limited	More flexible

State note: Probate procedures and timelines vary across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio, but in all three states probate can add time, paperwork, and stress for families. A trust may help reduce or avoid that burden for trust-held assets.

Trusts and Probate by State

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania probate is handled at the county level and can involve multiple filings and delays. Many families use trusts to reduce probate involvement and keep matters more private.

West Virginia

West Virginia families often want estate plans that account for family land and multi-generational property. Trusts can provide structure and help reduce court involvement when assets are properly held in the trust.

Ohio

Ohio families often consider trusts to streamline transfers, plan for incapacity, and reduce probate complexity—especially when they own real estate or have family-specific distribution goals.

Who Should Seriously Consider a Trust?

A trust may be especially useful if you are:

• A parent of minor children
• A homeowner
• Part of a blended family
• A business owner
• Concerned about incapacity planning
• Interested in reducing probate involvement
• Focused on privacy and control

Common Questions About Trusts

Do I still need a will if I have a trust?

Many families still keep a will as part of a complete plan. A will can address assets not placed in the trust and coordinate with the trust’s instructions.

Are trusts expensive to set up?

Trust costs vary based on complexity. Many families find that a well-designed plan can be more efficient than leaving loved ones to navigate probate and cleanup later.

Can I change or revoke my trust?

Many family trusts are designed to be revocable during your lifetime, meaning you can usually update them as your circumstances change.

What happens if I don’t fund my trust?

A trust must be properly funded to work as intended. Funding generally means transferring certain assets into the trust (for example, retitling certain assets when appropriate).

Does a trust protect assets from creditors?

Asset protection depends on the trust type and your situation. A conversation with an attorney can help clarify what protections may or may not apply.

When a Trust Might Not Be Necessary

Trusts are powerful tools, but they aren’t required for every situation. In some cases, a simpler plan may work well—especially when assets are minimal and beneficiary designations are properly maintained.

How a Trust Fits Into a Complete Estate Plan

A trust often works best alongside other documents, such as:

• A will
• Financial power of attorney
• Healthcare power of attorney
• Advance healthcare directives

Is a Trust Right for Your Family?

Trusts aren’t about wealth — they’re about control, protection, and peace of mind. A properly drafted trust can save your family time, money, and unnecessary stress.

If you live in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Ohio, The Skeen Firm can help you evaluate whether a trust makes sense for your goals and build an estate plan tailored to your needs.

Call to action: Schedule a confidential estate planning consultation.

*Disclaimer: The advice provided is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice.  It should not be relied on, nor construed as creating an attorney-client relationship.