Living Trust Form

Many people find that they can successfully set up their own living trust without the help of a lawyer. Making a living trust takes a more work than writing a will because a living trust requires that you take the additional step of transferring 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.

Sure you can write your own revocable living trust.The discussion of your need for a revocable living trust is in another of my articles, but it is safe to say that if you own real property and have a significant estate (over about $50,000), then you could use a trust and it would help your loved ones.

When you create a DIY living trust, there are no attorneys involved in the process. You will need to choose a trustee who will be in charge of managing the trust assets and distributing them.You'll also need to choose your beneficiary or beneficiaries, the person or people who will receive the assets in your trust.

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)

A living trust is an important part of your estate plan. Most people can create a living trust without an attorney using software or an online service.

You should still have a durable power of attorney for finances.You may even want to empower your attorney-in-fact to transfer into your living trust any property that becomes yours after you become incapacitated. Only a durable power of attorney for finances can grant that authority.

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.