Why is it better to use a Trust to avoid probate rather than a Survivorship feature?
A. A Trust is better than a survivorship feature for many reasons. First, in most cases, it is unwise to create a joint tenancy with your children. Furthermore, you are more likely to get a full step up in cost basis thru a trust whereas you may only get a half step up in basis with a survivorship feature. Furthermore, a survivorship feature gives the assets outright to the heirs, without any restrictions where as a trust allows you greater control of the asset beyond your grave by allowing you to place some restrictions on the heirs.
