Pour-Over Will
A short will that sweeps anything still in your own name at death into your trust.
What Pour-Over Will means in an estate
Someone with a living trust still signs a will as a backstop. The pour-over will directs any asset that was never retitled into the trust to be transferred into it after death, so the trust's terms end up controlling everything. Assets caught by a pour-over will usually still have to pass through probate first, which is exactly why funding the trust during life matters more than the will does.
How this works in your state
The concept is national, but the forms, procedure names, thresholds, and filing practice vary by state. Open your state glossary and guides to see how pour-over will is handled where the estate is being settled.
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Information current as of April 4, 2026
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.