North Carolina Trust

Pick a type of living trust. If you're married, you'll first need to decide whether you want a single or joint trust. Take stock of your property. Choose a trustee. Draw up the trust document. Sign the trust. Transfer your property to the trust.

The process of funding your living trust by transferring your assets to the trustee is an important part of what helps your loved ones avoid probate court in the event of your death or incapacity. Qualified retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs, and annuities, should not be put in a living trust.

It is true that in some states (such as California) probate administration can be lengthy and expensive. North Carolina is not one of those states. The maximum court cost that can be saved in North Carolina by using a funded living trust is $3,000, and those costs are generally much less in most estates.

A "living trust" (also called an "inter vivos" trust by lawyers who can't give up Latin) is simply a trust you create while you're alive, rather than one that is created at your death under the terms of your will. The beneficiaries you name in your living trust receive the trust property when you die.

Figure out the type of trust you'll need. Are you single? Take inventory of everything you own. Pick your trustee. Draw up the trust document, either by yourself or with a lawyer. Sign the trust document in front of a notary. Fund the trust this means putting your property into the trust.

Determine the Current Title and Vesting to Your Property. Prepare a Deed. Be Aware of Your Lender and Title Insurance. Prepare a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report. Execute Your Deed. Record Your Deed. Wait for the Deed to be Returned. Keep the Property in the Trust.

No, you don't need a lawyer to set up a trust, but it might be a good idea to seek legal advice to ensure the trust is set up correctly and that you have considered all long-term financial and estate planning aspects of the trust.Some living trusts are revocable, which means the trust can be changed at any time.

Locate your current deed. Use the proper deed. Check with your title insurance company and lender. Prepare a new deed. Sign in the presence of a notary. Record the deed in the county clerk's office. Locate the deed that's in trust. Use the proper deed.