Who actually needs a trust versus just a will?

Most people are fine with a solid will plus beneficiary designations and POD/TOD registrations; a trust is for those who want more. Consider a revocable living trust if you want to avoid probate (especially in states where it's slow and costly), own real estate in more than one state, value privacy, want a smooth plan if you become incapacitated, or wish to control how and when heirs receive money — for example, staging distributions to young or financially inexperienced beneficiaries. A trust also helps with blended families and special-needs dependents (via a special-needs trust). It doesn't avoid estate tax by itself and requires the extra work of funding. If your estate is modest and your wishes are simple, a will is enough. If control, privacy, or probate-avoidance matters to you, a trust earns its added cost and complexity. Match the tool to your actual goals.