A last will and testament states how probate property should be distributed after death and who should serve as executor. It can also nominate guardians for minor children and coordinate with a trust-centered estate plan.
Last reviewed: March 9, 2026
Reviewed against: trust and estate planning source references listed on the sources page.
Publisher: Larry Trustee AI Editorial Team | hello@larrytrustee.ai
When a living trust is part of the estate plan, a pour-over will can direct certain remaining property into the trust. That keeps the trust and will aligned even when assets are not fully funded into the trust before death.
A will is still important because some assets may remain outside the trust, guardianship nominations may be needed, and probate administration rules vary from state to state.
Not necessarily. Many estate plans use both because a will handles probate property and can nominate executors or guardians, while a trust can hold assets during life and after death.
A pour-over will is a will designed to direct certain remaining probate assets into a trust after death.
State law controls execution, witness, guardian, and probate requirements, so a licensed attorney should review the final will before signing.