Question:   Why would I want a trust for a minor child in my will?

Answer:   As far as the will is concerned, of course you should write one immediately. You should also make plans for the minor child because naming him as a beneficiary can be problematic. In other words, you should name a trustee to manage the inheritance money for the child. If not, then a guardianship may be necessary, or maybe worse, the other parent would have the presumed right to manage the money. In addition, in the absence of trust language, the child would have full right of access to any money on his eighteenth birthday. Most teenagers gaining access to money spend it badly. You can make plans for that with a will including a simple trust.