North Carolina 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.

Houses and other real estate (even if they're mortgaged) stock, bond, and other security accounts held by brokerages (but think about naming a TOD beneficiary instead) small business interests (stock in a closely held corporation, partnership interests, or limited liability company shares)

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.

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.

Trusts Are Not Public Record. Most states require a last will and testament to be filed with the appropriate state court when the person dies. When this happens, the will becomes a public record for anyone to read. However, trusts aren't recorded.

Qualified retirement accounts 401ks, IRAs, 403(b)s, qualified annuities. Health saving accounts (HSAs) Medical saving accounts (MSAs) Uniform Transfers to Minors (UTMAs) Uniform Gifts to Minors (UGMAs) Life insurance. Motor vehicles.

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.

Assuming you decide you want a revocable living trust, how much should you expect to pay? If you are willing to do it yourself, it will cost you about $30 for a book, or $70 for living trust software. If you hire a lawyer to do the job for you, get ready to pay between $1,200 and $2,000.