Will/living trust

It's always a good idea to plan ahead.  Unfortuantely, it's not easy to answer your question definiteively without more information.  As much as we'd like to answer your question, we wouldn't want to make any assumptions in making any recommendations and lead you astray. Generally speaking, it's a good idea to set up a living trust.  Trusts are the best way to avoid probate and provide for a seamless administration of an estate.  That said, not all situations call for a trust.  It depends on various factors.  We suggest contacting an estate planning attorney, preferably in the state where your brother holds his assets.