Trusts vs. Wills: Which One Protects Your Legacy Better?

In Botswana, most families rely on wills—if they plan at all.
But when it comes to protecting your legacy, avoiding disputes, and ensuring your assets serve your vision, a will alone may not be enough.

Let’s unpack the difference—and why trusts are becoming essential for serious legacy builders.

What a Will Does

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after death.
It’s simple, affordable, and widely used.

But here’s the catch:

• It only takes effect after death

• It goes through probate (court process)

• It can be contested

• It doesn’t protect assets during your lifetime

In Botswana, probate delays and family disputes often turn a well-intended will into a battlefield.

What a Trust Does

A trust is a legal structure that holds and manages assets for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries.
It can be activated while you’re alive or after death—and it offers far more control.

Key advantages:
• Avoids probate

• Protects assets from creditors and mismanagement

• Enables phased distribution (e.g., education, retirement, property)

• Can include conditions (e.g., age, marriage, milestones)

• Offers privacy and continuity

Trusts are especially powerful for:

• Business owners

• Families with property or investments

• Parents with young children

• Anyone concerned about legacy clarity and control

Which One Should You Use?

Use a will if:

• Your estate is simple

• You want a basic plan for asset distribution

• You’re not ready to set up a trust yet

Use a trust if:

• You want to protect assets during your lifetime

• You want to avoid court delays and family conflict

• You want to structure your legacy with precision

In reality, the best strategy often combines both—a trust for control and protection, and a will to cover residual matters.

🇧🇼 Botswana Context

Many professionals in Botswana have life cover, property, and retirement savings—but no trust.

This leaves their families exposed to:

• Delays in accessing funds

• Disputes over property

• Misuse of payouts meant for education or housing

At Legacy Ladder, we help clients structure Life Cover + Trusts + Wills into a unified legacy plan.

Final Thought

A will tells people what you wanted.
A trust makes sure it happens.

If you’re serious about protecting your legacy, it’s time to move beyond funeral cover and into structured wealth planning.

Your legacy deserves clarity, not chaos.

Book your free consultation here: Services - Legacy Ladder