What is a pour-over will?

A pour-over will directs estate property into an existing trust after death. It is a backup for property left outside the trust. But that property may still need probate before it reaches the trust.

General information

• It does not on its own fund the trust during life.
• It can nominate guardians and name an executor.
• The trust must exist and be identified correctly.

Service steps to consider

1. Signing the pour-over will under state law.
2. Continue funding the trust during life.
3. Keeping the will and trust documents together but secure.

Quick check

• Are all names spelled the right way?
• Did I name backups?
• Do my account forms match my will?

How Complete Wills can help

Complete Wills' will-based questionnaire can record the names, beneficiaries, executor choices, guardian nominations, and other instructions used to prepare the included documents. The customer remains responsible for reviewing the result and completing the applicable state signing requirements. Support can explain fields but cannot tell the customer whom to choose or how to divide property. Customer support can explain website features and questionnaire fields, but it cannot choose documents, people, distributions, or legal terms, interpret a completed document, or explain how the law applies to a person's facts. Only a separately engaged licensed attorney may provide legal advice within the attorney's engagement.

Important limits

• A will does not control every asset. Title, contract terms, trust ownership, and beneficiary forms may control instead.
• Spousal rights, omitted-family rules, disinheritance, and will-signing rules vary by state and may require an attorney. This article gives general information only. A licensed attorney can explain how state law applies to a specific estate plan or document.