In many, many cases—especially in states with statutory probate fees—trusts are far superior to wills. Clients who come to me for financial advice, whether they’re single, married, or living together, end up with a thorough education on trusts. As we just saw in Nancy’s case, if you die leaving a will, in all states the only way for property valued over $100,000 (or as little as $60,000 in some states) to transfer from the name of the deceased to the beneficiary is to have a judge do it through the probate courts. In most states this is expensive and time- consuming.