I know laws in each are different,in each state, but a "trust fund", at least in our state is a great thing. My wife's parents had one and when my wife's mother passed away (her father had already passed away) it was so much easier dealing with the estate. My wife, as the one in charge, had immediate access to every thing. No probate or anything. She could immediately discharge the will. When my folks passed away it took over a year to go through the process to have access to everything. Our state wants their greedy hands in everything. They say a trust fund is not necessary unless you have a large estate, but even with a small estate, it is much easier with a trust fund. I hope I am using the correct terms here. No, we do not have on because I kept fighting my wide over it, but now I have experienced the difference and we are going to have one for our kids sake.