The biggest benefit of a living trust is that distribution of your estate remains private. Who is to receive what and when remains confidential. You can direct that an asset transfers quickly, an income stream is setup, a college fund is assured, or assets remain held for investment.
In contrast, those who pass without any instructions or just a simple will, expose their affairs to public scrutiny. Court appointed probate attorneys will decide who is the next owner of your assets. It is not on your schedule, it is the overloaded court. Plus the estate will pay probate fees.
Your living trust is an essential planning tool to avoid probate. It can preempt challenges by heirs, save money and time as well as provide your estate with tremendous latitude on private distributions.