ABBA Rescue Ministry – Legacy Planning

Plan Your Legacy With Peace of Mind

Nearly two out of three Americans still don’t have a will. When someone dies without one, they die “intestate,” and a probate court decides how their assets will be distributed. For believers, this is not the best plan of stewardship. Scripture reminds us: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22). The best inheritance we can leave is both physical and spiritual.

At ABBA Rescue Ministry, we understand that planning for the future can feel overwhelming. That’s why we provide a clear, no-cost way to prepare your legal will, living will, and revocable living trust — with compassionate, hands-on guidance from our ministry every step of the way. Our goal is to take the confusion out of estate planning, make it approachable, and help you protect what matters most while stewarding your God-given resources wisely.

In as little as 20 minutes, legal documents can be prepared and completed to safeguard your loved ones, honor your faith, and even include a legacy gift to the ministries and causes closest to your heart.

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Difference between wills and trusts

Diferencias entre Testamentos y Fideicomisos

A Revocable Living Trust and Last Will & Testament accomplish similar things but have important differences

Last Will & Testament

Revocable Living Trust

Distributes assets after a person passes away

Avoids probate

Private record

Requires little maintenance

Appoint guardians for children and pets

Specify funeral instructions

FAQ

FAQ Section

Planning your legacy can feel confusing — we’re here to make it simple. Find clear answers to the most common questions below.

Probate is the court-supervised process that takes place after someone dies. It verifies that a will is valid, identifies and inventories the person’s property, pays debts and taxes, and then distributes what’s left to heirs or beneficiaries. Because probate is handled by the court, it can take months (sometimes more than a year) and the details of the estate become part of the public record. Many people plan ahead to reduce or avoid probate so their families experience fewer delays and more privacy.

No. A will is like a set of instructions to the court about how you want your property handled, but the court still oversees the process through probate. If you want to bypass probate for certain assets, they usually need to be owned jointly, have designated beneficiaries, or be placed into a properly funded living trust while you’re alive.

A will only takes effect after death. It lets you name who will inherit your property and who will care for minor children, but your estate still goes through probate. A revocable living trust takes effect while you’re alive. You transfer assets into it, continue to control them as trustee, and on your death your successor trustee can distribute them directly to your beneficiaries without court involvement. A trust can also help if you become incapacitated because someone you choose can manage the assets on your behalf.

Generally no. When you transfer assets into your revocable living trust during your lifetime, those assets can pass directly to your beneficiaries without probate. This can save time, reduce costs, and keep your affairs private. However, only the assets actually titled in the trust avoid probate; anything left out may still have to go through court unless you’ve made other arrangements.

A pour-over will is a companion to a living trust. It acts as a safety net by instructing that any assets not already placed in your trust before you die should “pour over” into it afterward. This helps ensure everything ends up under one plan, although those assets may still have to pass through probate first.

In most cases, yes. Even if you have a mortgage, you can usually transfer your ownership interest into your revocable living trust. You’ll still be responsible for the loan, and the lender’s rights don’t change, but the trust becomes the legal owner. Some lenders want to be notified or may have paperwork requirements, so it’s wise to check before making the change.

Serving the Community Nationwide

“We’re honored to equip communities nationwide with free legacy-planning resources—wills, living wills, and trusts—to help families steward their assets and create a lasting impact.”

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