What key element do pour-over wills provide in relation to trusts?

Pour-over wills are designed to work in conjunction with living trusts, serving a specific purpose in estate planning. The primary function of a pour-over will is to ensure that any assets not already placed in a living trust during the individual's lifetime are transferred into the trust upon their death. This mechanism essentially "pours over" the decedent's estate assets into the existing trust, enabling those assets to be managed and distributed according to the terms outlined in the trust document.

This seamless transfer is crucial because it allows for the consolidation of a person's assets within the trust, thereby simplifying the probate process and ensuring that all wishes regarding asset distribution are respected as set forth in the trust agreement. It avoids the situation where assets remain outside of the trust and could be subject to distribution according to intestacy laws rather than the decedent's wishes.

The other options, while they may touch on aspects related to wills and trusts, do not accurately capture the fundamental role that pour-over wills play in estate management and planning, which is to ensure that all assets are placed into a trust previously established during the individual's life.