[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"page-\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Frevocable-living-trust":3},{"type":4,"data":5},"product",{"product_name":6,"slug":7,"category_slug":8,"order_type":9,"product_version_slug":10,"preview":11,"is_previewable":12,"related_products":13,"related_articles":39,"breadcrumbs":72,"productName":6,"productDescription":-1,"productVersionSlug":10,"localeId":-1,"landerSlug":7,"categorySlug":8,"_cmsSource":78,"hero":79,"quickLinks":105,"page_body":106,"meta_information":241,"sidebar_ad":245,"disclaimer":82,"stateSlug":81},"Revocable Living Trust","revocable-living-trust","estate-planning","Document","rlt-83204","    <br>  <p>This revocable living trust is made between <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan> of <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan>, <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan> and <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan> of <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan>, <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan> (each a "<strong>Grantor<\u002Fstrong>") who create this instrument in mutual consideration of the following covenants and undertakings:<\u002Fli>  <ol>    <li><strong>Trust Name.<\u002Fstrong> This trust will be known as  (hereinafter, the "<strong>Living Trust<\u002Fstrong>").<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Living Trust<\u002Fstrong>. Upon the execution of this Living Trust, Grantors declare that they have or will assign, transfer, and deliver to Trustees all of their interest in the property described in the Schedule A - Jointly-Held Trust Property, Schedule B - <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan>'s Separately-Held Trust Property, and Schedule C - <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan>'s Separately-Held Trust Property, each attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference (the "<strong>Trust Property<\u002Fstrong>"). The terms "disbursements," "distributions," and "gifts" are used interchangeably to mean the shares to which beneficiaries are entitled or may become entitled to from the Trust Property. Trustees hereby acknowledge receipt of the Trust Property and agree to hold the Trust Property in trust, according to this Living Trust.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Purpose.<\u002Fstrong> The purpose of this Living Trust is to establish a trust to receive and manage assets for the benefit of Grantors during Grantors' lifetimes and to further manage and distribute the assets of the trust upon the death of Grantors in accordance with the terms stated herein. As such, the Grantors' interests and well-being are considered the primary purpose of this Living Trust. The Trustees will accordingly manage the trust in order to preserve the value of Trust Property and, secondarily, to grow and generate profits from Trust Property without assuming unreasonable risk that unduly compromises its value.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Funding of Trust.<\u002Fstrong> Grantors will fund the Living Trust with assets transferred by either or both Grantors at the time of creating this Trust or any time thereafter. The Living Trust may also receive property from any person or entity acting under the authority granted to that person or entity by Grantors. Furthermore, the Living Trust may receive assets pursuant to the terms of either Grantor's last will and testament. Any and all such property properly received by the Living Trust in accordance with this instrument will hereinafter be referred to as "<strong>Trust Property<\u002Fstrong>," as itemized on Schedule A, attached hereto and hereby incorporated by reference.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Character of Trust Property.<\u002Fstrong> All Trust Property held in this Living Trust will retain its original character as either jointly or separately held property while both Grantors are living. If at any time this Living Trust is revoked, Trustees will distribute the Trust Property listed in Schedule A to each Grantor according to his or her respective ownership prior to transferring the property to the Living Trust or otherwise as agreed by Grantors.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Amendment and Revocation.<\u002Fstrong> Grantors expressly reserve the power during their lifetime to (i) revoke this instrument, in whole or in part, at any time by a written instrument delivered to Trustees or by any manner allowed by law, and (ii) to alter, amend, or modify this instrument at any time and from time to time by a written instrument without the consent of any beneficiary. The powers reserved to Grantors under this paragraph are personal to the Grantors and will not be assigned or extended to any other person, including by a conservator, a guardian, the personal representative of the Grantors' estate, or any beneficiary named herein unless the Grantors specifically grant a power to revoke or amend this Living Trust in a power of attorney. Upon death of both Grantors, this instrument shall become irrevocable.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Trustees<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fli>    <ol>      <li><strong>Initial Trustee(s).<\u002Fstrong> The initial Trustee ("<strong>Trustee<\u002Fstrong>") of this Living Trust is designated as: <\u002Fli>              <li><strong>Successor Trustee.<\u002Fstrong> In the event that the initial Trustee is unavailable or no longer able to serve for any reason, the successor Trustee of this Living Trust is designated as: <\u002Fli>        <li><strong>Second Successor Trustee.<\u002Fstrong> In the event that the successor Trustee is unavailable or otherwise no longer able to serve for any reason, the second successor Trustee of this Living Trust is designated as: <\u002Fli>        <li><strong>Terminology.<\u002Fstrong> In this Living Trust, the term "Trustee" includes successor Trustees serving as Trustee of this trust. The singular "Trustee" also includes the plural.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Change of Trustee.<\u002Fstrong> In the event that a Trustee should become unavailable or otherwise no longer able to serve for any reason, and no co-Trustee remains to serve at that time, then the next designated successor Trustee(s) will serve.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Resignation of Trustee.<\u002Fstrong> Any Trustee in office may resign upon 30 days by signing a notice of resignation. The resignation must be delivered to the person or institution who is to serve as the next successor Trustee.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Removal of Trustees.<\u002Fstrong> As a matter of convenience to Grantors and the beneficiaries of any of the trusts created hereunder, Grantors reserve the right to remove any Trustee at any time during Grantors' lifetimes. Such right of removal must be exercised by giving written notice to such Trustee and to the remaining Trustee or Trustees, if any, and, upon the acceptance by the remaining or successor Trustee or Trustees and the transfer of the Trust Property or any portion thereof, as the case may be, the removed Trustee will cease to be a Trustee of any such trust hereunder.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Power to Appoint Successor Trustee.<\u002Fstrong> In the event that any Trustee resigns or is unable or unwilling to serve during Grantors' lifetimes, Grantors may name additional or replacement Trustees. After Grantors' deaths, if no one named in this Living Trust as a successor Trustee is willing or able to serve as Trustee, or if the last successor Trustee named by Grantors resigns, the last acting Trustee may appoint a successor Trustee and may require the posting of a reasonable bond, to be paid from the Trust Property. The appointment must be made in writing, signed by Trustee, and notarized. If for some reason no Trustee exists to name a successor Trustee, the Court having probate jurisdiction over Grantors' estate will name the successor Trustee.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Bond.<\u002Fstrong> All Trustees named herein or in accordance with this Living Trust will not be required to serve with bond.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Compensation.<\u002Fstrong> If Trustee is an individual, then Trustee must serve without compensation but with reimbursement for reasonable and ordinary expenses. Nevertheless, if Trustee is an attorney or an accountant, then Trustee will be entitled to compensation for such professional services rendered to the trust. If Trustee is a banking or other business entity, it will be entitled to customary and reasonable compensation in rendering services to the estate.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Liability of Trustee.<\u002Fstrong> With respect to the exercising or non-exercising of discretionary powers granted by this Living Trust, Trustee will not be liable for actions taken in good faith. Such actions will be binding on all persons interested in the Trust Property.<\u002Fli>  <\u002Fol>  <li><strong>Trustee's Management Powers and Duties<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fli>  <ol>    <li><strong>Representation.<\u002Fstrong> Any person or entity serving as a Trustee under this Living Trust is empowered to act for or represent this Living Trust in any transaction concerning the Living Trust. Any Trustee serving hereunder, or third party transacting with a Trustee, may transact on behalf of or with the Trust using the following identifier: John Doe, as Trustee of , dated month day, year.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Powers Under State Law.<\u002Fstrong> Trustee has all authority and powers allowed or conferred on a trustee under state law, subject to Trustee's fiduciary duty to Grantors and the beneficiaries. Furthermore, no entity dealing with Trustee will be required to investigate or confirm Trustee's authority to enter into any transaction or to administer the application of the proceeds of any transaction.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Specified Powers.<\u002Fstrong> Trustee's powers include, but are not limited to:<\u002Fli>    <ol>      <li>The power to sell Trust Property, to borrow money, and to encumber Trust Property, including trust real estate, by mortgage, deed of trust, or other method.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to manage trust real estate as if Trustee was the absolute owner of it, including the power to lease (even if the lease term may extend beyond the period of any trust) or grant options to lease the property, to make repairs or alterations, and to insure against loss.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to sell or grant options for the sale or exchange of any Trust Property, including stocks, bonds, debentures, and any other form of security or security account, at public or private sale for cash or on credit.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to invest Trust Property in every kind of property and every kind of investment, including, but not limited to, bonds, debentures, notes, mortgages, stock options, futures, and stocks, and including buying on margin.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to receive additional property from any source and to administer such additional property as a portion of the appropriate trust hereunder, provided that Trustee will not be required to receive such additional property without his or her consent unless such property is transferred to Trustee by Grantors or devised or bequeathed to Trustee in his or her capacity as Trustee.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to employ and pay reasonable fees to accountants, lawyers, or investment experts for information or advice relating to the Living Trust.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to deposit and hold trust funds in both interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing accounts.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to deposit funds in bank or other accounts uninsured by FDIC coverage.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to enter into electronic funds transfer or safe deposit arrangements with financial institutions.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to continue any business of Grantors.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to vote shares of stock owned by any trust created hereunder at shareholder's meetings in person or by special, limited, or general proxy, with or without power of substitution.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to institute or defend legal actions concerning this Living Trust or Grantors' affairs.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to compromise, adjust, arbitrate, sue on or defend, or otherwise deal with and settle claims in favor of or against any trust established hereunder as Trustee may deem advisable, and the decision of Trustee will be conclusive between Trustee and the beneficiaries of any such trust in the absence of fraud, bad faith or gross negligence by Trustee.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to commingle assets by (a) acquiring, receiving, holding, and retaining the principal of any or all trusts created hereunder undivided until division becomes necessary in order to make a distribution, or (b) holding, managing, investing, reinvesting, and accounting for the several shares or parts of shares by appropriate entries in the books of account maintained by Trustee and to allocate to each share or part of a share its proportionate part of all receipts and expenses, provided that this subparagraph will not defer the vesting in possession of any share or part of a share of the Trust Property.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to employ and compensate persons deemed by the Trustee as advisable or necessary in the administration of any trust created hereunder including, but not limited to, agents, accountants, brokers, attorneys-in-fact, attorneys-at-law, real estate managers, rental agents, appraisers, and investment counsel and other professional advisers as may be required or desired in managing, protecting, and investing the property of any such Trust Property.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to carry such insurance coverage including, but not limited to, public liability, fire, rent, title, or casualty insurance for such hazards and in such amounts, either in stock companies or in mutual companies, as Trustee may deem advisable.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to execute any documents necessary to administer any trust created by this Living Trust.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to diversify investments, including authority to decide that some or all of the Trust Property need not produce income.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to maintain reasonable reserves for depreciation and for amortization and obsolescence.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to deal in every way with Grantors' estate or any trust established by Grantors, including, but not limited to, the purchase from, the sale to, the exchange of property with Grantors' estate or any trust established by Grantors or the making of loans thereto, either secured or unsecured and either interest-free or at such rates of interest as Trustee may determine.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to perform all other acts necessary for the proper management, investment, and distribution of the property of any trust created hereunder.<\u002Fli>    <\u002Fol>    <li><strong>Accountings.<\u002Fstrong> Trustee will, after the death of both Grantors, provide a semi-annual accounting to all competent adult beneficiaries detailing the transactions, if any, of any trust created hereunder. Such accountings will not be required to be audited, although Trustee may, in his or her sole discretion, cause an audit to be performed from time to time.<\u002Fli>  <\u002Fol>  <li><strong>Distributions During the Joint Lives of the Grantors.<\u002Fstrong> During the lives of the Grantors, Trustee will distribute as much of the corpus of Trust Property (whether capital or interest) as the Trustee may determine is necessary for support and maintenance in reasonable comfort. Such payments will be paid to the Grantors at least annually. Income accruing in or paid into trust accounts will be deemed as paid to the Grantors. At any time, the Grantors may change the amount of the payments by providing written notice to Trustee.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Incapacity of Grantors<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fli>  <ol>    <li><strong>Change of Trustees.<\u002Fstrong> In the event that Grantors are co-Trustees and one Grantor becomes physically or mentally incapacitated, whether or not a court has declared such Grantor incompetent or in need of a conservator or guardian, then the other Grantor will remain as the sole Trustee, if competent. In the event that a Grantor-Trustee becomes physically or mentally incapacitated and there is no co-Trustee serving at that time, then the next named successor Trustee will become Trustee.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Determining Incapacity.<\u002Fstrong> The decision as to whether a Grantor is incapacitated, for purposes of this instrument, will be made by the person or persons to whom that Grantor has given a written power to make healthcare decisions for him or her, with the concurring opinion of at least one physician who has examined that Grantor during the two-month period immediately preceding the date on which the determination is being made. If such Grantor has not given any such written power to make healthcare decisions to anyone, this decision will be made by <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan>. If Trustee is unable, after making reasonable efforts, to obtain a written opinion from <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan>, Trustee may request an opinion from such Grantor's primary physician and may rely on that opinion. Trustee will, if necessary, ask the decision maker to state, in writing, an opinion as to whether or not such Grantor is able to continue serving as Trustee, if applicable. Trustee may rely on that written opinion when determining whether or not to begin serving as Trustee.<\u002Fli>    <ol>      <li>"<strong>Incapacitated<\u002Fstrong>" means the inability to make informed decisions in the ordinary course of business because of advanced age, illness, or other causes.<\u002Fli>    <\u002Fol>    <li><strong>Use of Trust Funds While Incapacitated.<\u002Fstrong> While a Grantor is incapacitated, Trustee will use any amount of trust income or Trust Property necessary for such Grantor's proper health care, support, maintenance, comfort, and welfare, in accordance with such Grantor's accustomed manner of living. Any income not spent for the benefit of such Grantor will be accumulated and added to the Trust Property. Income will be paid to an incapacitated Grantor at least annually. Income accruing in or paid to trust accounts will be deemed to have been paid to such Grantor.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Regaining Capacity.<\u002Fstrong> The Trustee will manage the trust until an incapacitated Grantor is again able to manage his or her affairs. The determination of a Grantor's capacity to again manage this trust will be made in the manner specified in this section.<\u002Fli>  <\u002Fol>      <li><strong>Terms of Property Distribution<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fli>  <ol>        <li><strong>Uniform Transfers to Minors Act.<\u002Fstrong> All distributions are subject to any provision in this Living Trust that creates a child's subtrust or a custodianship under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Surviving the Grantor.<\u002Fstrong> A beneficiary must survive its respective Grantor for at least 30 days to receive property under this Living Trust. As used in this Living Trust, to "survive" means to be alive or in existence as an organization.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Encumbrances and Liens.<\u002Fstrong> All personal and real property left through this Living Trust will pass subject to any encumbrances or liens placed on the property as security for the repayment of a loan or debt.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Allocation of Assets.<\u002Fstrong> On any distribution from the Trust Property, whether it be an ordinary distribution or one of principal, or a final distribution, Trustee may apportion and allocate the assets of the trust estate in cash and partly in kind in Trustee's discretion. The valuation, whether based on an appraisal or not, made by Trustee will be binding on the beneficiaries.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Miscellaneous Distribution Procedures.<\u002Fstrong> If there is no named beneficiary still living to receive a gift, Trustee will distribute the net income to the lineal descendants of the beneficiary. If any beneficiary dies and is not survived by lineal descendants, that beneficiary's share will go first to any other beneficiaries of the same gift, and if none, to increase all other gifts pro-rata, unless this Living Trust provides otherwise. If property is left to two or more beneficiaries to share, they will share it equally unless this Living Trust provides otherwise.<\u002Fli>  <\u002Fol>  <li><strong>Payment to Minors or Incompetents<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fli>  <ol>    <li>Unless otherwise stated, Trustee may distribute Trust Property distributable to a minor or incompetent beneficiary as follows:<\u002Fli>    <ol>      <li>To the guardian of the minor or incompetent or his or her estate;<\u002Fli>      <li>To any adult person with whom the minor or incompetent resides and who has the care, custody, or control of the minor or incompetent;<\u002Fli>      <li>To a custodian of the minor or incompetent under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act;<\u002Fli>      <li>May defer payment of such property until the minor reaches the age of majority, as defined by his or her state of residence;<\u002Fli>      <li>May distribute all or part of a bequest to a beneficiary younger than 18 years old, if it is in the best interest of that beneficiary. This may include an allowance in such amount as he or she may see fit from time to time to the minor. No bond will be required for such payments; or<\u002Fli>      <li>May put the assets into a trust in favor of such beneficiary and to be administered by Trustee, without bond or other undertaking, to hold and administer such property for the benefit of such person until such person attains the age of majority, to invest or reinvest such property, to collect the income therefrom, and, after deducting therefrom all charges properly allocatable thereto, to pay to or apply to the use and benefit of such person so much of the net income as, in Trustee's sole discretion, is deemed appropriate and to accumulate for the benefit of such person any income not so paid or applied. Trustee is authorized to pay to or apply to the use and benefit of such person so much of the principal amount of such person's property and accumulations as is deemed appropriate in the sole discretion of Trustee. Any remaining principal and income will be paid to such person when he or she attains the age of majority.<\u002Fli>    <\u002Fol>  <\u002Fol>    <li><strong>Priority of Distributions<\u002Fstrong>. If at any time that a disbursement is triggered under this Living Trust the value of the Trust Property is insufficient to satisfy the entirety of the distributions specified hereunder, the Trustee will determine the priority of specific distributions in the Trustee's absolute and sole discretion.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Liquidation of Trust<\u002Fstrong>. If at any time the total of the principal and income of the Living Trust or a subtrust within it becomes diminished to such extent that only insignificant sums of money may be disbursed, then Trustee, in his or her absolute discretion, may close out such trust or subtrust by paying the proportionate shares of each beneficiary to them. Trustee will at that time deliver a final accounting to each beneficiary. Upon payment, Trustee will be discharged from all further duties regarding such trust.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Merging of Similar Trusts.<\u002Fstrong> Notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, Trustee (including any successor Trustee or Trustees) will have the power to merge any trust created under this instrument with any other trust or trust created by Grantors if the terms of any such trust or trusts are substantially similar and held for the primary benefit of the same persons.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Severance of Trusts.<\u002Fstrong> With respect to any trust created hereunder, Trustee may sever from such trust and hold, administer, and distribute as a separate trust hereunder, upon all the terms and conditions set forth herein, such portion of the trust as Trustee, in his or her sole discretion, may deem advisable.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Powers Concerning Insurance Policies<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fli>  <ol>    <li><strong>Reservation of Powers by Grantors.<\u002Fstrong> Notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, Grantors reserve the right, without the consent or approval of Trustee (including any successor Trustee or Trustees), to sell, assign, or hypothecate any policy or policies of insurance that are owned by Grantors and held by Trustee hereunder; to exercise any option or privilege granted by such policy or policies including, but not limited to, the right to change the beneficiary of such policy or policies; to borrow against the cash value of such policy or policies; and to receive all payments, dividends, surrender values, benefits, and privileges of any kind that may accrue on account of such policy or policies during Grantors' lifetimes. Trustee will deliver to Grantors (or to the owner if owned by someone other than us) any policy or policies held hereunder upon Grantors' written request or the written request of such other owner, as the case may be. Trustee, if named as the beneficiary of any such policy or policies, will join in the execution of assignments thereof upon Grantors' written request or the written request of such other owner. It is expressly understood and agreed that Trustee will have no responsibility for the payment of premiums or other charges due on any policy or policies held hereunder during Grantors' lifetimes.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Settlement of Claims.<\u002Fstrong> Trustee (including any Successor Trustee or Trustees) will use his or her best efforts to collect any sums due and payable under any insurance policy or policies held hereunder, but will not be required to institute legal proceedings until indemnified. Upon Grantors' deaths, the successor Trustee may elect any mode of settlement permitted by the terms and provisions of any insurance policy or policies on Grantors' lives, wherein such policy or policies designate the successor Trustee as beneficiary, that the successor Trustee, in their sole discretion, may believe to be in the best interest of the beneficiaries of the trusts created under this instrument. The successor Trustee may, without the order of any court, compromise and adjust claims arising out of any policy or policies held hereunder with respect to any amounts payable to the successor Trustee upon such terms and conditions as the successor Trustee may deem reasonable, and the decision of Trustee will be binding and conclusive upon all interested persons.<\u002Fli>  <\u002Fol>  <li><strong>Spendthrift Provision.<\u002Fstrong> Except as otherwise provided herein or by law, no power of appointment created hereunder will be subject to involuntary exercise, and no interest of any beneficiary in the income or principal of any gift created hereunder will be subject to assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, or claims of creditors, including claims for alimony or support, until the same is distributed to such beneficiary or beneficiaries.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Perpetuities Period.<\u002Fstrong> Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, any trusts created by this agreement will cease and terminate 21 years after the death of the last surviving beneficiary and all issue of the beneficiaries living at the date of this agreement. At that time, Trustee will close out such trust by paying a proportionate share to each beneficiary and will deliver a final accounting to each beneficiary. Upon payment, Trustee will be discharged from all further duties.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Gifts Given to a Beneficiary During Grantors' Lifetimes.<\u002Fstrong> Gifts given to a beneficiary by Grantors during Grantors' lifetime which are provided by this Living Trust to be given to that same beneficiary upon Grantors' deaths will satisfy the corresponding distribution provided by this Living Trust.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Grantors' Right to Homestead Tax Exemption.<\u002Fstrong> If Grantors' principal residence is held in trust, Grantors have the right to possess and occupy it for life, rent-free and without charge except for taxes, insurance, maintenance, and related costs and expenses. This right is intended to give Grantors a beneficial interest in the property and to ensure that Grantors do not lose eligibility for a state homestead tax exemption for which they otherwise qualify.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Fiduciary Conflicts of Interest.<\u002Fstrong> No Trustee may be disqualified from serving as or taking any action as Trustee solely because that same person (or a related individual or entity) is conducting business with the trust or otherwise dealing with the trust estate or a beneficiary in another capacity (e.g. as an officer, director, partner, shareholder or co-owner of a trust business or asset). Trustee may take action in these circumstances free of any per se rule that prohibits conflicts of interest, so long as any action on behalf of the Living Trust taken by such Trustee with a conflict of interest is taken in good faith, with reasonable care, and on terms comparable to those obtainable from third parties.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Notice of Events.<\u002Fstrong> Until Trustee receives notice of any death, birth, marriage, or other event on which the right to receive distributions is based, Trustee may incur no liability for any disbursements or distributions made in good faith. This clause will not prevent Trustee from seeking restitution of any payments made in error in his discretion.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Change of Situs.<\u002Fstrong> Trustee may, at any time and from time to time, as he or she may deem advisable, in his or her sole discretion, for the benefit or security of any trust created hereunder, or any portion thereof, remove (or decline to remove) all or any portion of the property or the situs of administration thereof from one jurisdiction to another jurisdiction and elect that the laws of such other jurisdiction will thereafter govern the same to such extent as may be necessary or desirable, and, thereupon, the courts of such other jurisdiction will have the power to effectuate the purposes of the trusts created hereunder to such extent. This power of removal will be a continuing power that may be exercised any number of times including further removal or change of location of property or situs of administration. The determination of Trustee as to any such removal or change of situs will be binding and conclusive on all individuals interested or claiming to be interested in any trust created hereunder.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Liability for Acts of Predecessors.<\u002Fstrong> No successor Trustee or Trustees will be personally liable for any act or failure to act of a predecessor Trustee. With the approval of the individual or individuals who may approve the accounts of Trustee, a successor Trustee may accept the account furnished, if any, and the property delivered by or for a predecessor Trustee without liability for so doing, and such acceptance will be a full and complete discharge to the predecessor Trustee.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Certificate of Trust<\u002Fstrong>. A certificate or abstract of trust duly signed by a Trustee and acknowledged before a notary public will serve as conclusive evidence of the facts stated in such certificate for all persons and purposes regarding the terms of this Living Trust.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Severability of Clauses.<\u002Fstrong> If any provision of this Living Trust is ruled unenforceable, then such determination will not impair the validity of the remaining provisions of this instrument.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Definitions<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fli>  <ol>    <li>The terms "<strong>child<\u002Fstrong>," "<strong>children<\u002Fstrong>," "<strong>descendants<\u002Fstrong>," and "<strong>issue<\u002Fstrong>" include children legally adopted and the lawful descendants of such adoptees.<\u002Fli>    <li>The term "<strong>person<\u002Fstrong>" means and includes an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a trust, an estate, or any other legal entity or organization.<\u002Fli>    <li>The term "<strong>Living Trust<\u002Fstrong>" includes any provisions added by valid amendment.<\u002Fli>    <li>The term "<strong>trust<\u002Fstrong>" includes any subtrust created within this instrument.<\u002Fli>    <li>The term "<strong>subtrust<\u002Fstrong>" means a trust derived from another trust.<\u002Fli>    <li>The term "<strong>Trustee<\u002Fstrong>" includes the initial Trustees and any successor Trustees serving as Trustee of this Living Trust. The singular "Trustee" also includes the plural where applicable.<\u002Fli>    <li>The term "<strong>Trust Property<\u002Fstrong>" means all assets and property, whether real, personal, or mixed, that are received and held by Trustee under this instrument as part of a trust created according to this instrument at any given time.<\u002Fli>    <li>The terms "<strong>disbursements<\u002Fstrong>," "<strong>distributions<\u002Fstrong>," and "<strong>gifts<\u002Fstrong>" are used interchangeably to mean the shares to which beneficiaries are entitled to from the trust and\u002For subtrusts created according to this instrument at any given time.<\u002Fli>  <\u002Fol>  <li><strong>Governing Law<\u002Fstrong>. This Living Trust will be governed by <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan> law.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Interpretation and Captions.<\u002Fstrong> Wherever the context so requires, words used herein in one gender will be applicable to all genders, words used in the singular include the plural, and words used in the plural include the singular. The use of captions is for reference only and is not meant to govern or affect the interpretation of any part of this Living Trust.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Counterparts.<\u002Fstrong> This instrument may be executed in one or more copies, and any copy so executed will be considered an original. Moreover, anyone may rely upon a copy, certified by a notary public, to be a true copy of this instrument (and of the writings, if any, endorsed thereon or attached thereto) to the same effect as if it were an original copy, and anyone may rely upon any statement of fact certified by a Trustee hereunder.<\u002Fli>  <li><strong>Effective Date.<\u002Fstrong> This Living Trust is effective as of the date that this instrument is signed.<\u002Fli><\u002Fol><br><p><strong>Certification of Grantors<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp><p>By signing below, I certify that I have read this Living Trust and that it correctly states the terms and conditions under which the Trust Property is to be held, managed, and disposed of by Trustee, and I approve the Living Trust.<\u002Fp><p>Signed: _____________________________     Dated:  ______________<\u002Fp><p><span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan>, Grantor<\u002Fp><p>Signed: _____________________________     Dated:  ______________<\u002Fp><p><span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan>, Grantor<\u002Fp><div class='-page-break'><\u002Fdiv><div class='-page-break'><\u002Fdiv><center><p class='title center'><strong>SCHEDULE A <br><br> JOINTLY-HELD TRUST PROPERTY<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp><\u002Fcenter><br \u002F><br \u002F><p>This SCHEDULE A - JOINTLY-HELD TRUST PROPERTY is incorporated into . <strong>"Jointly-Held Trust Property"<\u002Fstrong> includes the following assets:<\u002Fp><div class='-page-break'><\u002Fdiv><center><p class='title center'><strong>SCHEDULE B <br><br> _____________________'S SEPARATELY-HELD TRUST PROPERTY<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp><\u002Fcenter><br \u002F><br \u002F><p>This SCHEDULE B - <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan>'S SEPARATELY-HELD TRUST PROPERTY is incorporated into . "<strong><span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan>'s Separately-Held Trust Property<\u002Fstrong>" includes the following assets:<\u002Fp><div class='-page-break'><\u002Fdiv><center><p class='title center'><strong>SCHEDULE C <br><br> _____________________'S SEPARATELY-HELD TRUST PROPERTY<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp><\u002Fcenter><br \u002F><br \u002F><p>This SCHEDULE C - <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan>'S SEPARATELY-HELD TRUST PROPERTY is incorporated into . "<strong><span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan>'s Separately-Held Trust Property<\u002Fstrong>" includes the following assets:<\u002Fp><div class='-page-break'><\u002Fdiv>  <center><p class='title center'><strong>Certificate of Trust<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp><\u002Fcenter><br \u002F><br \u002F>  <p class="center">Pursuant to Ala. Code § 19-3B-1013<\u002Fp><p class='top-spacing-1'>The undersigned hereby declare(s) the following to be true and correct:<\u002Fp><ol>  <li>The _________________________________________________________ (Trust Name) is currently in existence and was created on _______________________ (Date).<\u002Fli>  <li>The Grantor(s)\u002FTrustor(s)\u002FSettlor(s) of the trust are as follows:    <br>    <br>          Name:_________________________      <br>      <br>      Name:_________________________    <\u002Fli>  <li>The current acting Trustee(s) of the trust is(are):    <br>    <br>    Name:_________________________  Address:__________________________________________________________    <br>    <br>    Name:_________________________  Address:__________________________________________________________<\u002Fli>  <li>The successor Trustee(s) of the trust is(are):    <br>    <br>    Name:_________________________  Address:__________________________________________________________    <br>    <br>    Name:_________________________  Address:__________________________________________________________<\u002Fli>  <li>The Trustee(s) of the trust have the following powers, a verbatim reproduction of provisions of the Trust Agreement:<\u002Fli>  <ol>    <li><strong>Representation.<\u002Fstrong> Any person or entity serving as a Trustee under this Living Trust is empowered to act for or represent this Living Trust in any transaction concerning the Living Trust. Any Trustee serving hereunder, or third party transacting with a Trustee, may transact on behalf of or with the Trust using the following identifier: John Doe, as Trustee of The <span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan> Revocable Living Trust, dated month day, year.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Powers Under State Law<\u002Fstrong>. Trustee shall have all authority and powers allowed or conferred on a trustee under state law, subject to Trustee's fiduciary duty to Grantor(s) and the beneficiaries. Furthermore, no entity dealing with Trustee shall be required to investigate or to confirm Trustee's authority to enter into any transaction or to administer the application of the proceeds of any transaction.<\u002Fli>    <li><strong>Specified Powers<\u002Fstrong>. Trustee's powers include, but are not limited to: <\u002Fli>    <ol>      <li>The power to sell Trust Property, and to borrow money, and to encumber Trust Property, including trust real estate, by mortgage, deed of trust, or other method.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to manage trust real estate as if Trustee were the absolute owner of it, including the power to lease (even if the lease term may extend beyond the period of any trust) or grant options to lease the property, to make repairs or alterations, and to insure against loss.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to sell or grant options for the sale or exchange of any trust property, including stocks, bonds, debentures, and any other form of security or security account, at public or private sale for cash or on credit.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to invest Trust Property in every kind of property and every kind of investment, including, but not limited to, bonds, debentures, notes, mortgages, stock options, futures and stocks, and including buying on margin.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to receive additional property from any source and to administer such additional property as a portion of the appropriate trust hereunder, provided that Trustee shall not be required to receive such additional property without his or her consent unless such property is transferred to Trustee by Grantor(s) or devised or bequeathed to Trustee in his or her capacity as Trustee.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to employ and pay reasonable fees to accountants, lawyers, or investment experts for information or advice relating to the Living Trust.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to deposit and hold trust funds in both interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing accounts.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to deposit funds in bank or other accounts uninsured by FDIC coverage.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to enter into electronic funds transfer or safe deposit arrangements with financial institutions.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to continue any business of Grantor(s).<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to vote shares of stock owned by any trust created hereunder at shareholder's meetings in person or by special, limited, or general proxy, with or without power of substitution.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to institute or defend legal actions concerning this Living Trust or Grantor's affairs.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to compromise, adjust, arbitrate, sue on or defend, or otherwise deal with and settle claims in favor of or against any trust established hereunder as Trustee may deem advisable, and the decision of Trustee shall be conclusive between Trustee and the beneficiaries of any such trust in the absence of fraud, bad faith or gross negligence of Trustee.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to commingle assets by: acquiring, receiving, holding, and retaining the principal of any or all trusts created hereunder undivided until division becomes necessary in order to make a distribution; holding, managing, investing, reinvesting, and accounting for the several shares or parts of shares by appropriate entries in the books of account maintained by Trustee, and to allocate to each share or part of a share its proportionate part of all receipts and expenses, provided that this subparagraph shall not defer the vesting in possession of any share or part of a share of the Trust Property.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to employ and compensate persons deemed by the Trustee as advisable or necessary in the administration of any trust created hereunder including, but not limited to, agents, accountants, brokers, attorneys-in-fact, attorneys-at-law, real estate managers, rental agents, appraisers, and investment counsel and other professional advisers as may be required or desired in managing, protecting and investing the property of any such Trust Property.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to carry such insurance coverage including, but not limited to, public liability, fire, rent, title, or casualty insurance for such hazards and in such amounts, either in stock companies or in mutual companies, as Trustee may deem advisable.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to execute any documents necessary to administer any trust created by this Living Trust.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to diversify investments, including authority to decide that some or all of the Trust Property need not produce income.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to maintain reasonable reserves for depreciation and for amortization and obsolescence.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to deal in every way with Grantor's estate or any trust established by Grantor(s), including, but not limited to, the purchase from, the sale to, the exchange of property with Grantor's estate, or any trust established by Grantor(s), or the making of loans thereto, either secured or unsecured and either interest-free or at such rates of interest as Trustee shall determine.<\u002Fli>      <li>The power to perform all other acts necessary for the proper management, investment, and distribution of the property of any trust created hereunder.<\u002Fli>    <\u002Fol>  <\u002Fol>    <li>The trust is revocable, with the following party(ies) having the power to revoke:    <br>    <br>    ______________________________________________________________    <br>    <br>    ______________________________________________________________<\u002Fli>  <li>The trust (check one) ____ does ____ does not have multiple Trustees. If the trust has multiple Trustees, the signature of all Trustees or of any _____ of the Trustees is required to exercise the powers of the trust.<\u002Fli>  <li>The trust identification number is as follows: ______________________    <br>    <br>    (check one)     ______Social Security Number ______Employee Identification Number<\u002Fli>  <li>Title of the trust assets shall be in the following fashion:    <br>    <br>    ______________________________________________________________    <br>    <br>    ______________________________________________________________<\u002Fli>  <\u002Fol><p>The undersigned Trustee(s) hereby declare(s) that the trust has not been revoked, modified, or amended in any manner which would cause the representations contained herein to be incorrect.<\u002Fp><p>Signed: _____________________________     Dated:  ______________<\u002Fp><p>Trustee<\u002Fp><p>Signed: _____________________________     Dated:  ______________<\u002Fp><p>Trustee<\u002Fp><div class='-page-break'><\u002Fdiv><div class='-page-break'><\u002Fdiv>  <div class='-page-break'><\u002Fdiv>  <center><p class='title center'><strong>Instructions for Your Revocable Living Trust<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp><\u002Fcenter><br \u002F><br \u002F>  <p class='top-spacing-1'>Contrary to the popular belief that trusts are only for the wealthy, creating a trust can help people of all income levels secure their property and provide for loved ones. A joint revocable living trust has many advantages, including protecting property from creditors, avoiding probate of your property after death, and making sure your family has a steady stream of money after you are gone. If you only have a will, your property will be tied up in probate court for months or years and court fees can easily add up to 3-5% of your entire estate. Your trust also helps keep the details of your property and affairs private, while the probate process would make this public information. All of this basically makes it a lot easier to get property to your desired beneficiaries on your own terms. <\u002Fp>  <p>You can use a joint revocable living trust like you would use a will by naming beneficiaries to receive your property upon your death. You also will have the option of amending the trust at any time while you are still living. The difference is that you will transfer the property you want to put in the trust to "Trustees" who will have control over it. The good news is that YOU will be the Trustee while you are alive and have the freedom to do what you want with the Trust Property; for example, sell it, invest it, or add or subtract from it as you please. In the joint revocable living trust you will also be the "Grantors," or people giving the property to the trust. When both Grantors die, the terms of your joint revocable living trust become irrevocable. You will specify successor Trustees, such as friends, family, or professionals, to manage the property after your death.<\u002Fp>  <p>To create the joint revocable living trust you simply need to complete the document, sign it in front of a notary, and transfer the assets to the trust in the name of the Trustee. Naturally, you will need to transfer these assets while you are still living. Having a simple "pour-over" will is always recommended in case you left out or acquire new assets you forget to put in the trust. A pour-over will simply state that all of your assets not held in the trust will be given to your trust. Think of this as a safety net so that all of your assets will pass outside of probate.<\u002Fp>  <p><strong>Property Character<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>  <p>For the purposes of a joint revocable living trust, property can have one of two characteristics; it can either be separately held or jointly held. Separately-held property is such property that is owned by only one of the partners in law and equity. This means that one partner has title to the property, while the other party has absolutely no claim to it. For example, a car that was purchased before marriage where the title is in the purchasing partner's name. Jointly-held property is property in which both partners have some form of ownership. In the simplest form this would be property that both partners legally own. For example, a house purchased after marriage where both partners are on the title deeds. There are three basic forms of joint ownership; tenancy in common, joint tenancy with right of survivorship, and tenancy by the entirety.<\u002Fp>  <p><strong>Community Property<\u002FStrong><\u002Fp>  <p>The confusion between joint- and separately-held property is further confounded when dealing with what is known as community property. There are <a href="http:\u002F\u002Fdivorce.lovetoknow.com\u002FList_Community_Property_States" target="_blank">nine states<\u002Fa> that automatically apply community property rules. Community property is essentially marital property that is considered equally owned, despite which partner holds title. The community property rules apply to all property and income that either partner acquires during the marriage, with the exception of specific gifts given to one spouse or inheritances. Even though there are only nine states that automatically enforce community property rules, most non-community property states, also known as common law states, do have provisions for when community property is brought from a community property state to a non-community property state. Real estate always applies the rules of the state it is located in, regardless of where the owners live.<\u002Fp>  <p><strong>Distribution of Trust Property Upon the Death of a Grantor<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>  <p>When making a joint revocable living trust, one of the biggest decisions to make is what happens to trust property when the first of the Grantors passes away. LegalNature's joint revocable living trust gives two options to either vest all trust property to the Survivor Grantor, or to split the joint revocable living trust into two separate subtrusts. Both options have their pros and cons, and deciding between each option will be determined by the priorities of the Grantors. If all trust property is vested in the Survivor Grantor, the trust will remain revocable and changeable in its entirety. In other words, the trust will continue on in the same manner as when both Grantors were living, allowing the Survivor Grantor to amend the trust and add or remove trust property as s\u002Fhe chooses. <\u002Fp>  <p>Some of the downfalls of this option are as follow: it cannot be guaranteed that the deceased Grantor's wishes are carried out, the Grantors may not get the full advantage of tax relief, and will not maximize protection from creditors. If the second option is chosen, the trust will be split into separate subtrusts. The deceased Grantor's subtrust will become irrevocable, while the Surviving Grantor's subtrust will remain revocable till death. These subtrusts will consist of each Grantor's respective separately-held property and shares of jointly-held property. This option allows each Grantor to ensure that their wishes are fulfilled. This may be the best option if a Grantor has familial connections, such as children, that are not shared with the other Grantor.<\u002Fp>  <p><strong>Capital Gains and Step-Up Basis<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>  <p>When funding the joint revocable living trust, it is worth taking capital gains tax and the discount provided by step-up basis into consideration. Capital gains tax is calculated on the difference between the value of the property at the time of acquisition and the market value when the property is disposed of. The IRS provisions allow for an increase, or stepping-up, of the value of the property at acquisition, or basis, at the time of death of one of the Grantors. How the step-up rule applies varies depending on how the property was held prior to death. For separately-held property, a full step-up value is applied, meaning when the property is transferred the current market value of the property will be considered the basis for capital gains purposes. For jointly-held property there are two outcomes. For non-community jointly-held property the step-up basis is only applied to the deceased's shares of the jointly-held property. <\u002Fp>  <p>For example, imagine a house was jointly purchased for $100,000 and at the time of death it was worth $200,000. While both Grantors are living, capital gains tax would be applied to $100,000, the total rise in value. After transfer through the trust, $50,000, being the deceased's share, will be disregarded. This means the house will have a basis of $150,000; and capital gains tax would be payable on the difference between $150,000 and the amount the house is sold for. In community property states the step-up is more generous. The basis is stepped-up to the current value at the time of the deceased's passing. Using the above example, the capital gains tax basis would become the full $200,000.<\u002Fp>  <p><strong>Subtrusts for Your Children<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>  <p>Our joint revocable living trust also gives you the nifty option of creating a subtrust for your children. This subtrust will kick in upon the death of the Grantors and will provide for your children's health, support, and education during their lives. This helps ensure that the money you give them will last and continue to accrue interest and dividends while the Trustee has it invested. The Trustee will still have the option to give all of the money to them should there be an emergency or other important reason. <\u002Fp>  <p><strong>Avoiding Probate and Estate Taxes<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>  <p>Note that any testamentary trust (a trust created in your will that goes into effect at death) will be probated before the trust is created. Also, if your estate will be larger than the current federal estate exemption amount, $5,450,000 (as of 2016), then your estate will be subject to the federal estate tax. In which case it is also a good idea to try to use trusts to ensure your money goes where you want it to go after you are gone. A joint revocable living trust can aid Grantors to avoid estate tax by choosing to divide the trust at the time one of the Grantors passes away. By dividing the trust into two separate trusts, each trust receives the maximum exemption. The newly-created trusts can still be used to benefit the Survivor Grantor.<\u002Fp>  <p><strong>Posting Bond<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>  <p>A bond may be posted as insurance in case your Trustee acts dishonestly or imprudently with your trust property. The bond payment will come out of your trust property to cover any losses. However, this is usually a small price to pay to ensure the trust property is safe. Requiring a bond is not an insult to the Trustee. Think of it more as an insurance policy that will protect you from mishap. A bond is therefore recommended if the trust can afford it.<\u002Fp>  \n\n",true,[14,18,21,24,27,30,33,36],{"product_name":15,"category":16,"link":17},"Lady Bird Deed","Estate Planning","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Flady-bird-deed",{"product_name":19,"category":16,"link":20},"Affidavit of Heirship","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Faffidavit-of-heirship",{"product_name":22,"category":16,"link":23},"Pour Over Will","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Fpour-over-will",{"product_name":25,"category":16,"link":26},"Last Will and Testament","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Flast-will-and-testament",{"product_name":28,"category":16,"link":29},"Codicil","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Fcodicil",{"product_name":31,"category":16,"link":32},"Transfer on Death Deed","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Ftransfer-on-death-deed",{"product_name":34,"category":16,"link":35},"Last Will and Testament - with Trusts","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Flast-will-and-testament---with-trusts",{"product_name":37,"category":16,"link":38},"Joint Revocable Living Trust","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Fjoint-revocable-living-trust",[40,44,48,52,56,60,64,68],{"title":41,"description":42,"link":43},"Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning","Death is a fact of life. Some of us die young while others live to a ripe old age. That’s one fact we simply can’t get around. Yet even while we know that someday the inevitable will happen, most of us aren’t prepared for it. Do you really want to leave your loved ones in a quandary about your estate? Wills, trusts, and estate plans aren’t just for","\u002Fguides\u002Fultimate-guide-to-estate-planning",{"title":45,"description":46,"link":47},"7 Reasons to Think about Estate Planning When Starting a New Business","Starting a new business is actually a great opportunity to start getting your affairs in order. That is because the evaluation, planning, and implementation process that surrounds starting a business should be a natural call to action for planning your estate.","\u002Fguides\u002F7-reasons-to-think-about-estate-planning-when-starting-a-new-business",{"title":49,"description":50,"link":51},"Advantages of a Living Trust","A living trust is a legal arrangement in which an individual transfers the title of property and assets into a trust where it is held for an individual named as the beneficiary of the trust. The term ‘living trust’ is utilized because the...","\u002Fguides\u002Fadvantages-of-a-living-trust",{"title":53,"description":54,"link":55},"7 Key Estate Planning Steps to Follow When You Have Kids","As a new or soon-to-be parent, you begin to realize that there is very little you would not do to protect your beloved children. Babyproofing your home and finding the perfect car seat are important steps, of course, but have you created a contingency plan to ensure your child continues to receive amazing care once you are no longer around? Do you k","\u002Fguides\u002F7-key-estate-planning-steps-to-follow-when-you-have-kids",{"title":57,"description":58,"link":59},"How Can Business Owners Use Trusts to Their Advantage?","Protecting your business assets is imperative, especially if you are planning for future generations to take over the business. Incorporating your business or setting up a limited liability company (LLC) provides some personal protection, but...","\u002Fguides\u002Fhow-can-business-owners-use-trusts-to-their-advantage",{"title":61,"description":62,"link":63},"How Does a Living Trust Avoid Probate?","Probate is one of those dreaded words that we hear from time to time that immediately conjures up thoughts of the courts taking away property that has been in the family for years. The problem with probate is that many people do not understand...","\u002Fguides\u002Fhow-does-a-living-trust-avoid-probate",{"title":65,"description":66,"link":67},"Your Estate Planning List to Get Ready for the New Year","With the New Year approaching, it is often the time when people make plans for the future. No matter what age you are, you should still have an estate plan. Something unexpected could happen to you at any time. Losing your life is rarely...","\u002Fguides\u002Fyour-estate-planning-list-to-get-ready-for-the-new-year",{"title":69,"description":70,"link":71},"Establishing and Funding a Single or Joint Revocable Living Trust","A revocable living trust sets out how your property will be managed and distributed during your lifetime or after your death. You transfer legal ownership of various property interests (as opposed to beneficial interests) into the trust and a...","\u002Fguides\u002Festablishing-and-funding-a-single-or-joint-revocable-living-trust",[73,76],{"label":74,"link":75},"All Documents","\u002Flegal-documents",{"label":16,"link":77},"\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning","payload",{"landerVariant":80,"headline":6,"headlineAccent":81,"subtitle":82,"legacySubtitleHtml":83,"checkmarkText":81,"desktopImage":84,"mobileImage":95,"desktopImageUrl":82,"mobileImageUrl":81,"ctaType":104,"ctaText":81,"ctaLink":81},"design-test-v3",null,"","A revocable living trust is an essential estate planning tool used for securing one's assets during life and then efficiently transferring those assets upon death.",{"id":85,"alt":81,"updatedAt":86,"createdAt":87,"url":88,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":89,"mimeType":90,"filesize":91,"width":92,"height":93,"focalX":94,"focalY":94},286,"2026-08-06T16:00:55.776Z","2026-08-06T16:00:55.617Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FRevocable%20Living%20Trust%20Preview%20D-1.Revocable%20Living%20Trust%20Preview%20D","Revocable Living Trust Preview D-1.Revocable Living Trust Preview D","image\u002Fwebp",496394,1200,1448,50,{"id":96,"alt":81,"updatedAt":97,"createdAt":98,"url":99,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":100,"mimeType":90,"filesize":101,"width":102,"height":103,"focalX":94,"focalY":94},287,"2026-08-06T16:01:41.753Z","2026-08-06T16:01:41.680Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FRevocable%20Living%20Trust%20Preview%20M","Revocable Living Trust Preview M",87522,1134,690,"standard",[],[107,114,146,152,156,174,180,197,201,207,234],{"id":108,"content":81,"legacyHtml":109,"variant":110,"anchorId":81,"alignment":111,"ctaText":81,"ctaLink":81,"padding":81,"blockName":81,"blockType":112,"visibility":113},"6a15a20cf13133005943e697","\u003Ch3>What is a revocable living trust?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement that allows an individual (the “grantor,” “settlor,” or “trustor”) to transfer ownership of their assets into a trust during their lifetime, with the flexibility to change or revoke the trust at any time while they are alive. Trusts are evidenced by a legal document often called a \"trust instrument.\"\u003C\u002Fp>","default","left","rich-content",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":115,"heading":116,"layout":117,"columns":118,"itemStyle":119,"blockName":81,"items":120,"blockType":144,"visibility":145},"6a15a20cf13133005943e69a","Choose the best estate planning document for you","grid","3","card-with-image",[121,131],{"id":122,"title":25,"description":81,"legacyHtml":123,"image":124,"imageUrl":82,"url":26},"6a15a20cf13133005943e698","This legal document outlines how you want your assets and property to be distributed after death.",{"id":125,"alt":81,"updatedAt":126,"createdAt":127,"url":128,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":129,"mimeType":90,"filesize":130,"width":92,"height":93,"focalX":94,"focalY":94},235,"2026-07-30T20:33:37.259Z","2026-07-30T20:33:37.211Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FLWT%20Preview%20D","LWT Preview D",483858,{"id":132,"title":133,"description":81,"legacyHtml":134,"image":135,"imageUrl":82,"url":143},"6a15a20cf13133005943e699","Power of Attorney","Grant an attorney-in-fact, or agent, the legal authority to make legal and financial decisions on your behalf.",{"id":136,"alt":81,"updatedAt":137,"createdAt":138,"url":139,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":140,"mimeType":90,"filesize":141,"width":92,"height":142,"focalX":94,"focalY":94},279,"2026-08-06T15:50:20.445Z","2026-08-06T15:50:20.359Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FPOA%20Preview%20D","POA Preview D",457572,1447,"\u002Fcategories\u002Fpersonal-affairs\u002Fpower-of-attorney","list",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":147,"heading":148,"showStates":12,"hideOnStateOverride":149,"blockName":81,"blockType":150,"visibility":151},"6a15a20cf13133005943e69b","Create a revocable living trust in your state",false,"state-selector",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":153,"content":81,"legacyHtml":154,"variant":110,"anchorId":81,"alignment":111,"ctaText":81,"ctaLink":81,"padding":81,"blockName":81,"blockType":112,"visibility":155},"6a15a20cf13133005943e69c","\u003Ch3>When to use a revocable living trust\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>A revocable living trust is a useful estate planning tool that is most beneficial for use in the following situations:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3598db;\">\u003Cstrong>Avoiding Probate\u003Cspan style=\"color: #000000;\">:\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fspan> If you want your assets to bypass the probate process, which can be lengthy, costly, and public, then a revocable living trust is an effective tool. Assets held in the trust transfer directly to beneficiaries without court involvement, streamlining the distribution and maintaining privacy.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3598db;\">Owning Property in Multiple States\u003C\u002Fspan>:\u003C\u002Fstrong> If you own real estate in more than one state, a revocable living trust helps you avoid “ancillary probate” in each state, saving time and reducing legal complexity for your heirs.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3598db;\">Desiring Privacy\u003C\u002Fspan>:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Probate proceedings are public, but assets in a revocable living trust are distributed privately, keeping your estate details out of the public record.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3598db;\">Complex or Large Estates\u003C\u002Fspan>:\u003C\u002Fstrong> For individuals with complex estates, business interests, or specific instructions for asset distribution, a revocable living trust offers flexibility and control, allowing you to set conditions for distributions and manage assets efficiently.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3598db;\">Continuity of Asset Management\u003C\u002Fspan>:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Trusts can provide uninterrupted management of investments and other assets if you become unable to manage them yourself, unlike a will, which only takes effect after death.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":157,"heading":158,"blockName":81,"items":159,"blockType":172,"visibility":173},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6a0","Create your revocable living trust in 3 easy steps",[160,164,168],{"id":161,"title":162,"description":81,"legacyHtml":163},"6a15a20cf13133005943e69d","Gather Information","Begin by adding the relevant information for each Grantor, such as name and address. Grantors are the people creating, funding, and signing the revocable living trust's documentation.",{"id":165,"title":166,"description":81,"legacyHtml":167},"6a15a20cf13133005943e69e","Describe the Assets","Enter the name, description, and value of each asset that will be added to the trust. It is very important to provide a description that specifically identifies the asset in order to avoid unwanted confusion.",{"id":169,"title":170,"description":81,"legacyHtml":171},"6a15a20cf13133005943e69f","Review","After completing your revocable living trust, be sure to review it thoroughly to ensure that it meets your needs. You may make textual edits if you wish. If no changes are needed, you can sign the document and have it notarized. ","steps",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":175,"content":81,"legacyHtml":176,"variant":177,"anchorId":81,"alignment":111,"ctaText":178,"ctaLink":81,"padding":81,"blockName":81,"blockType":112,"visibility":179},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6a1","\u003Ch3>Why create a revocable living trust?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Revocable living trusts are created in order to avoid or reduce the costs of probate, maintain privacy of an estate, retain control and flexibility over the management of estate assets, and to streamline the transfer of assets to beneficiaries. Revocable living trusts may be tailored to your specific situation and estate needs, including conditions and instructions for asset distribution. Revocable living trusts may also be changed or revoked at any time while you are alive and competent.\u003C\u002Fp>","highlight","Create Your Revocable Living Trust Today",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":181,"heading":182,"description":81,"legacyHtml":183,"image":184,"imageUrl":193,"layout":194,"blockName":81,"blockType":195,"visibility":196},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6a2","Why choose LegalNature?","LegalNature offers the qualified experience and guidance to navigate the nuances of trust creation across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. LegalNature offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not happy, then we’re not happy. Give us a call and let us help.",{"id":185,"alt":81,"updatedAt":186,"createdAt":187,"url":188,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":189,"mimeType":90,"filesize":190,"width":191,"height":192,"focalX":94,"focalY":94},218,"2026-07-29T18:21:40.238Z","2026-07-29T18:21:40.153Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FWhy%20Choose","Why Choose",204042,786,958,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.buttercms.com\u002F0psHhkORYKU5bpz09RWA","image-right","media-content",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":198,"content":81,"legacyHtml":199,"variant":110,"anchorId":81,"alignment":111,"ctaText":81,"ctaLink":81,"padding":81,"blockName":81,"blockType":112,"visibility":200},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6a3","\u003Ch2>Revocable Living Trust Guide\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>This guide contains a description of the main sections of our revocable living trust. Note that some of the sections are optional depending on how you answer our questionnaire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Introductory Language\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>The first section identifies the grantor. If applicable, it will also state that the grantor will act as the initial trustee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Trust Name\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>This section identifies the official name of the trust. Use this name when referring to the trust in other documents and when transferring assets to the trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Purpose\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>The next section explains that the general trust's purpose is to receive and manage assets during the grantor’s lifetime and to distribute those assets according to the grantor’s wishes upon death. Carrying out the grantor’s wishes is the primary purpose of the trust, and any successor trustee must act accordingly when managing the trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Funding the Trust\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>The grantor will fund the trust by transferring specific assets to the trust, such as personal or real property, at the time of creating it or any time thereafter. The grantor may also remove trust assets at any time while living.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Amendment and Revocation\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>The grantor can change or terminate the trust at any time during his or her lifetime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Withdrawal by Grantor\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>The grantor may make additions or withdrawals from the trust at any time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Death of Grantor\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>When the grantor dies, the trust becomes irrevocable. This means that at that time, it may not be amended or altered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Trustees\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>This section identifies the initial trustees and any successor trustees appointed by the grantor to manage the trust. A trustee may resign by providing 30 days' notice to the next successor trustee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grantor may remove an appointed trustee at any time during the grantor’s lifetime by notifying that trustee, and the grantor may appoint additional or replacement trustees at any time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Bond\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>This section explains whether or not the trustees are required to post a bond. A bond is insurance to protect the trust in the event that the trustee acts dishonestly or imprudently with trust property. Payment for the bond is usually a small fee relative to the size of the trust and comes out of the trust property.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the grantor only wants specific appointed trustees to serve with a bond, then you can manually add this language by downloading and changing the Word document version of your completed trust from our site.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Compensation\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>If an appointed trustee is an individual, then he or she is not entitled to compensation for acting as the trustee under the terms of this section. However, if a trustee is a professional trustee service or business entity, then the trustee will be entitled to the customary and reasonable compensation in rendering such services.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Liability of Trustee\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>The trustee will not be liable for any improper actions taken so long as those actions are taken in good faith when carrying out his or her duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Trustee's Management Powers and Duties\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>When transacting business on behalf of the trust, the trustee may use the following format when identifying the trust: \"\u003Cem>John Doe, as Trustee of The [Grantor’s name] Revocable Living Trust, dated [month] [day], [year]. The trustee has all the rights and powers available under state law to carry out the grantor’s wishes.\"\u003C\u002Fem> Note, however, that the trustee may ONLY use such powers if they help carry out the grantor’s wishes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Accounting\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>After the grantor’s death, the trustee is required to provide semi-annual accounting to adult beneficiaries detailing relevant transactions and dealings of the trust funds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Spouse's Subtrust\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>If you choose the option to include trust funds specifically for the grantor’s spouse, then this section is included and details the terms of the spousal trust fund. The property set aside for the spouse is identified on the schedule titled “Spousal Subtrust Property” attached at the end of the document.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the grantor’s death, the trustee will maintain such funds and make periodic disbursements to the spouse as the trustee considers appropriate for the spouse's care, protection, health, education, maintenance, and support, taking into account the spouse’s accustomed manner of living.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the spouse does not survive the grantor, then the funds set aside for the spouse will be put into the general trust fund and go to the general trust beneficiaries that the grantor designated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Note that before the grantor’s death, the grantor may still use the trust funds for spousal support since the grantor still has control over the trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Children's Subtrust\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>If you choose the option to include trust funds specifically for the grantor’s children, then this section details the terms of such trust funds. First, this section identifies the children that are eligible to receive trust funds. If you choose the relevant option, any after-born or after-adopted children are also included. The property set aside for the children is identified on the schedule titled “Child Subtrust Property” attached at the end of the document.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the grantor’s death, the trustee will maintain the funds and make periodic disbursements to the children as the trustee considers appropriate for their care, protection, health, education, maintenance, and support, taking into account their accustomed manner of living.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you select the relevant option, then this section also specifies the age that each child will stop receiving payments. In this case, the child will receive the rest of his or her equal share upon reaching the specified age. If you do not select this option, then the children will continue to receive payments until the trust fund is completely diminished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a child dies before receiving his or her full share, then that child’s share will go to his or her living descendants; if no descendants exist, then the share will go to the grantor’s living descendants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Note that before the grantor’s death, the grantor may still use trust funds for supporting the children since the grantor still has control over the trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Payment to Minors\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>As to any minor beneficiaries under the trust—including the grantor’s children, if any—the trustee has discretion as to whether or not to make payments directly to the minor, to make payments to the minor’s legal guardian or caretaker, or to withhold payments and invest the funds until the child is no longer a minor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Pet Care\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>If you choose to include this option, this section identifies a caregiver to receive and care for the grantor’s pets upon the grantor’s death. It also names an alternative caregiver in case the first is unable to serve. You also have the option to provide trust funds for the caregiver to use in supporting the pets. Lastly, this section identifies the pets involved and provides any other instructions you choose to include.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Other Gifts and Beneficiaries\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>This section lists any specific gifts from the trust property that the grantor wants distributed upon his or her death. Each gift names a beneficiary to receive it. If you name co-beneficiaries, then they will divide the property equally. Also, this section names alternative beneficiaries to receive the gift in case the first-choice beneficiaries do not outlive the grantor. These assets are also listed under the general trust property.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Remaining Trust Property\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>This important section names the beneficiary that will receive any remaining trust property after any and all specific gifts, spousal trust funds, and child trust funds are accounted for. Think of this as a catch-all clause that tells the trustee what to do with any leftover property. Typically, this property is left to the grantor’s spouse and then any children as alternative co-beneficiaries. Other common beneficiaries are close family and friends or favorite charities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Intentional Omissions\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>If you choose to include this option, then this section identifies any specific persons who are intentionally not named as beneficiaries to receive anything under the trust. It is important to list any people that may try to make a claim against the grantor’s property to whom the grantor specifically does not want to give anything. Common candidates are estranged family members and ex-spouses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Government Benefits\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>The trustee is prohibited from making a disbursement that will disqualify a beneficiary from eligibility for government benefits and entitlement programs unless it is in the best interests of the beneficiary to do so. Still, the trustee cannot be held responsible if a beneficiary fails to maintain eligibility due to receiving a disbursement under the trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Incapacity of Grantor\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>If the grantor is also the initial trustee and the grantor becomes incapacitated, then the next successor trustee will become trustee. Here, the term \"incapacitated\" means the inability to make informed decisions because of advanced age, illness, or other causes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grantor’s healthcare agent under a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.legalnature.com\u002Fcategories\u002Fhealthcare\u002Fhealthcare-power-of-attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">healthcare power of attorney\u003C\u002Fa> will make the decision as to whether the grantor is incapacitated, along with a concurring opinion of at least one physician. If no healthcare agent is available, then the successor trustee you name in this section will have the authority to make this decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Terms of Property Distribution\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>A beneficiary is required to survive the grantor by at least 30 days in order to receive property under the trust. If there is no surviving beneficiary to receive a gift, then that gift will go to the beneficiary’s lineal descendants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Priority of Distributions\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>If the value of the remaining trust property is insufficient to fund a gift, then the trustee will have absolute authority to determine which of the remaining gifts listed under the trust will be distributed. However, remember that the trustee must always seek to carry out the grantor’s wishes; therefore, the trustee will take any known preferences of the grantor into account when making this determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Liquidation of Trust\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>If the value of the trust property becomes diminished to the point that only insignificant sums of money remain, then the trustee has the power to distribute all the remaining funds. This helps avoid any ongoing fees against the trust property.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Merging of Similar Trusts\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>This language helps to avoid duplicate fees against the trust that may occur in the event that two separate trust funds end up benefiting the same beneficiary. In such a scenario, the trustee is authorized to merge the separate funds together to make things simpler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Powers Concerning Insurance Policies\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>The grantor reserves the right to sell, assign, or gift any insurance policies held under the trust in any manner the grantor wishes. The trustee will use his or her best efforts to collect any sums due under an insurance policy, but will not be required to institute legal proceedings to collect such sums unless the trustee is indemnified against liability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Spendthrift Provision\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>This provision prevents creditors from making a claim against a gift before that gift is actually distributed to its beneficiary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Gifts Given to a Beneficiary during Grantor's Lifetime\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>A gift that is given to a beneficiary during the grantor’s lifetime that is the same as a gift going to the beneficiary under the trust will satisfy the terms of the trust, and, therefore, that beneficiary will not receive the same gift twice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Grantor's Right to Homestead Tax Exemption\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>If the grantor’s main residence is held in the trust, then the grantor has the right to still occupy and use the residence rent free during their lifetime. This right helps to ensure that the grantor will not lose eligibility for any state homestead tax exemptions that he or she may qualify for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Fiduciary Conflicts of Interest\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>A trustee with a conflict of interest may still transact business with the trust and continue serving as trustee so long as the trustee acts in good faith, with reasonable care, and on terms comparable to those that may be obtained from third parties when transacting business related to the trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Notice of Events\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>The trustee will not be responsible for good faith errors made when making distributions to beneficiaries who no longer have the right to receive such distributions due to a change in circumstances for which the trustee does not receive notice; for example, a death, birth, marriage, or similar event. However, the trustee will still have to try to recover any such improper distributions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Change of Situs\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>The trustee may choose to move the trust to a new jurisdiction at any time. For instance, the trustee may move the trust to a different state, and that state’s laws will then govern the trust. This power may be exercised multiple times and will be final and binding on all individuals and entities involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Liability for Acts of Predecessors\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>Trustees may not be held responsible for any improper actions taken by a prior trustee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Certificate of Trust\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>A trustee may sign a certificate or abstract of trust before a notary public containing information describing aspects of this trust, and the certificate or abstract will serve as conclusive evidence of the facts it contains. Third parties transacting with the trust may therefore rely on such certificates or abstracts as accurate representations of trust information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Governing Law\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>This section identifies the state law currently governing the trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Certification of Grantor\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>Here, the grantor signs and dates where indicated to confirm that he or she has read the trust and approved of its terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Notary Acknowledgment\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>Using a notary to witness the signing is optional but recommended, as it provides additional evidence of the authenticity of the trust should it ever be disputed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":202,"style":203,"size":204,"blockName":81,"blockType":205,"visibility":206},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6a4","line","md","separator",{"hideOnMobile":149,"hideOnDesktop":149},{"id":208,"heading":209,"background":210,"blockName":81,"items":211,"blockType":232,"visibility":233},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6aa","Frequently Asked Questions","light-blue",[212,216,220,224,228],{"id":213,"question":214,"answer":81,"legacyHtml":215},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6a5","What is required to make a revocable living trust legal?","\u003Cp>Trust law is state specific, so the formalities to create a valid revocable living trust may vary from state to state. \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>In every jurisdiction, the person creating the trust (the “grantor”) must be at least 18 years old and must have the mental capacity to understand his or her actions at the time the trust agreement is signed. \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>Some states require that the grantor’s signature be witnessed and\u002For notarized when the document is signed.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"id":217,"question":218,"answer":81,"legacyHtml":219},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6a6","If I have a trust, do I still need a will?","\u003Cp>Yes, you still need a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.legalnature.com\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Flast-will-and-testament\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">last will and testament\u003C\u002Fa>. If you create a joint revocable living trust, then each grantor still needs a separate will. Even though a revocable living trust is an important estate planning document, it does not replace a will. \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>Firstly, a living trust will never include all the property you own. In the event of your death, you will need a way to transfer any assets not placed into the living trust to your desired beneficiaries. This is accomplished by using a special type of will called a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.legalnature.com\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Fpour-over-will\" rel=\"follow\">pour-over will\u003C\u002Fa>. Secondly, if you have children or other dependents, a living trust does not enable you to name guardians. Lastly, in a will you also have the opportunity to express your burial wishes.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"id":221,"question":222,"answer":81,"legacyHtml":223},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6a7","Who can be a beneficiary of a revocable living trust?","\u003Cp>Any natural person and any organization can be named as a trust beneficiary. \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>In the case of a beneficiary who is a minor, the trust can include provisions designed to govern distributions and provide some structure and control over the assets until the minor beneficiary reaches a pre-determined age (or ages). \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>In most states, it is not legal to name a pet as a beneficiary in a revocable living trust.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"id":225,"question":226,"answer":81,"legacyHtml":227},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6a8","I am married. Should I establish a joint revocable living trust with my spouse, or should we each have our own individual revocable living trusts?","\u003Cp>Unlike a last will and testament, which is specific to individual people, you can create either separate revocable living trusts or a joint revocable living trust with someone else. \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>If most of the assets that you will be using to fund the trust are owned jointly with another person and if your distribution wishes are the same, then regardless of who dies first, using a joint revocable living trust may make the most sense. With a joint revocable living trust, both parties normally serve as grantors and as co-trustees.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"id":229,"question":230,"answer":81,"legacyHtml":231},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6a9","What does it mean to “fund” a revocable living trust?","\u003Cp>Establishing a revocable living trust is just the first step in creating your trust. In order to make your new trust legal, you will need to put assets into it. This process is referred to as \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.legalnature.com\u002Fguides\u002Festablishing-and-funding-a-single-or-joint-revocable-living-trust\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">“funding” the trust\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>You can put a wide variety of assets into a trust. The following assets are some of the most commonly used to fund a trust:\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul type=\"disc\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Real estate\u003C\u002Fstrong> – You can transfer real estate to a trust through a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.legalnature.com\u002Fcategories\u002Fproperty\u002Fquit-claim-deed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">quit claim deed\u003C\u002Fa>, warranty deed, or transfer on death deed (if available in your state).\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Bank accounts\u003C\u002Fstrong> – Your checking and savings accounts can be retitled into the name of your new trust.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Stocks and bonds\u003C\u002Fstrong> – By contacting the transfer agent or your investment professional, you may be able to retitle your non-retirement investments so that your trust is the nominal owner.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Tangible personal property\u003C\u002Fstrong> – You can retitle motor vehicles, boats, and other items of tangible personal property so that the trust owns them.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Beneficiary changes\u003C\u002Fstrong> – You can also make the trust the beneficiary of your retirement accounts and life insurance, so that assets pass according to the terms defined in the trust agreement.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Other assets that can be placed into or directed toward a revocable living trust include contracts for deeds or mortgages where someone else is paying you. An “assignment of interest” can also be used to transfer household goods and other assets into your new trust.\u003C\u002Fp>","faqs",{"hideOnMobile":149,"hideOnDesktop":149},{"id":235,"headline":236,"text":237,"image":238,"ctaText":81,"blockName":81,"blockType":239,"visibility":240},"6a74b0120829afd7627c46e3","Start Your Revocable Living Trust","Complete your revocable living trust in minutes with LegalNature's intuitive, step-by-step guidance.",{"id":85,"alt":81,"updatedAt":86,"createdAt":87,"url":88,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":89,"mimeType":90,"filesize":91,"width":92,"height":93,"focalX":94,"focalY":94},"get-started",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"title":242,"description":243,"keyword":6,"og_image":244},"Revocable Living Trust | Create & Print | LegalNature","Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate and protect your assets. LegalNature guides you through every step in any state.","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FwgwQlDPSuKpCVseFzf9I.jpg",{"headline":246,"image":247,"imageUrl":82,"steps":248},"Create your revocable living trust in minutes",{"id":96,"alt":81,"updatedAt":97,"createdAt":98,"url":99,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":100,"mimeType":90,"filesize":101,"width":102,"height":103,"focalX":94,"focalY":94},[249,252,255],{"id":250,"text":251},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6ab","Complete our form",{"id":253,"text":254},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6ac","Preview and download your document",{"id":256,"text":257},"6a15a20cf13133005943e6ad","Review and sign your document"]