Having an Alter Ego Trust (‘AET’) or Joint Partner Trust (‘JST’) are types of life interest trusts that can provide significant benefits by moving your assets into a trust rather than having your assets pass through your estate. Assets held in the trust will not need to undergo the probate process, which can often take well over a year, and they also do not incur any probate fees. Additionally, an AET or JST provides privacy regarding your personal affairs, whereas probate filings are public. AETs and JSTs also permit more seamless continuity of asset management. For example, you can’t sell a house that is awaiting probate unless the buyer is willing to wait on its completion; yet a house in an AET/JST can be disposed of immediately. AET or JSTs can also be used to head off potential wills variation claims (challenges to the distribution of your desired assets under your will)