There are many differences between a will and a trust. One of the main differences, though, is that the will is only effective after you die. The trust is effective once you execute it. You can have provisions go … transferring title to your assets while you’re alive, which makes it easier to transfer at your death. But another significant difference is a will must be probated, whereas a trust does not. And all you do is take that trust to a lawyer or the trustee that’s named in it, and that’s who handles things rather than a judge.