Wills and Trusts: A Deep Dive
Saturday April 18, 2026 - Jessica Gervais
Planning for the future can feel a bit daunting, and it’s understandable for seniors and families to not know where to start. Attorney Amy Gjesdahl of Dutton Casey & Mesoloras dives into the intricacies of each type of document and the variations available that seniors may need, including living wills and revocable trusts.
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Wills vs Trusts
A will is a legal document that expresses a person’s wishes as to how their property is to be distributed after their death and as to which person is to manage the property until its final distribution. A will must include a testator who must be at least 18 years old and be of sound mind and memory. Wills must also be in writing and signed by the testator in the presence of at least two witnesses.
A trust is an entity created to hold assets for a beneficiary. It is like a container that holds money or property. You can put anything in a trust, including cash, stocks, real estate, or a business. Rules and instructions under which the trustee (the person or firm that holds and administers property or assets for the benefit of a third party) operates are set in the trust instrument.
Helpful Resources
Planning for the Future | U.S. Department of the Interior
Estates and trusts | IRS
How Elderwerks Can Help
Elderwerks is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization that provides seniors and families with information, referrals, and guidance for senior living, home care, and support services. Contact our office by calling 855-462-0100 to connect with one of our senior care advisors who can help you find the resources you need.
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