The main goal of estate planning is to maximize your wealth during your lifetime and to pass the largest amount of assets possible to your loved ones at death with as little hassle as possible. This goal can be met via a will or a trust. Establishing a trust may be the most efficient and effective way to avoid probate thereby limiting hassle of court proceedings and executor probate filing requirements. In some cases, establishing a trust may help to avoid or reduce inheritance taxes for families who would otherwise be subjected to an Estate tax bill.