How to Create a Revocable Living Trust Yourself
August 25, 2024

How to Create a Revocable Living Trust Yourself

A revocable living trust is a legal document that allows you to transfer your assets to a trustee who will manage them for your benefit during your lifetime. After your death, the trust will distribute your assets to your beneficiaries according to your wishes. Creating a revocable living trust can help you avoid probate, protect your assets, and ensure that your wishes are carried out after you die.

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DIY Guide: Creating Your Own Revocable Living Trust Seeking the Desires of the Heart Opens in a new window This is a DIY Guide explaining the needed steps to follow when Creating Your Own Revocable Living Trust

Here are the steps involved in creating a revocable living trust:

  1. Gather information. You will need to gather information about your assets, beneficiaries, and trustees. Your assets may include real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property. Your beneficiaries are the people who will inherit your assets after you die. Your trustees are the people who will manage your trust.
  2. Choose a template or software. There are many templates and software programs available that can help you create a revocable living trust. You can also hire an attorney to draft a trust for you.
  3. Fill out the template or software. Once you have chosen a template or software, you will need to fill out the required information. This information will include your name, the name of your trust, the names of your beneficiaries, the names of your trustees, and a description of your assets.
  4. Sign the trust. After you have filled out the template or software, you will need to sign the trust in front of a notary public. You may also need to have two witnesses sign the trust.
  5. Fund the trust. Funding the trust means transferring your assets to the trust. This can be done by changing the title of your assets to the name of the trust. For example, if you have a house, you will need to change the deed to the house to reflect the trust as the owner.

Here are some additional tips for creating a revocable living trust:

  • Review your trust regularly. Your trust should be reviewed regularly to ensure that it is still up to date. You may need to make changes to your trust if your circumstances change.
  • Consult with an attorney. If you have any questions about creating a revocable living trust, you should consult with an attorney. An attorney can help you ensure that your trust is properly drafted and executed.

Creating a revocable living trust can be a complex process. However, by following these steps and seeking professional help if needed, you can create a trust that will help you protect your assets and ensure that your wishes are carried out after you die.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney to discuss your specific situation.