Create Your Living Trust in 7 Simple StepsCreateYour LivingTrust in7SimpleSteps
Protect your family from probate court, keep your estate private, and make sure your wishes are followed. 14 trust types: 6 need no attorney, 7 need one, 1 recommends one.
No attorney requiredCreate and manage your trust yourself for a flat package price instead of paying hourly attorney fees for each document
Not sure which one fits? The wizard asks about your goals and suggests a starting point. Browse the options below, and open any card for the details.
Revocable Living Trust
The most common starting point for estate planning
No attorney required
You maintain full control during your lifetime and can modify or revoke it anytime. Assets transfer to beneficiaries without probate, maintaining privacy and speeding up distribution.
Homeowners who want to avoid probate
Parents with minor children
Anyone who values privacy
Read more about this trust type
Key features
You stay in full control as trustee
Change or cancel anytime
Avoids probate in every state
Keeps your estate private
Provides for incapacity without court involvement
No separate tax return needed during your lifetime
Things to consider
Does not provide asset protection from creditors
Does not reduce estate taxes on its own
You must transfer assets into the trust (funding) for it to work
Should be paired with a pour-over will as a safety net
A revocable living trust is the foundation of a solid estate plan for most Americans. You create the trust document while you are alive and well. You name yourself as the trustee, which means you manage everything just like you do now. You transfer your home, bank accounts, investments, and other property into the trust.
The magic happens later. If you become mentally incapacitated, your successor trustee steps in immediately to manage your finances without any court involvement. When you pass away, your successor trustee distributes everything according to your instructions. No probate judge. No court fees. No public records. No waiting 12 to 18 months.
For people who own real estate in more than one state, the benefits multiply. Without a trust, your family would face probate in every state where you own property. With a trust, they avoid all of it.
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)
Keep life insurance proceeds out of your taxable estate
No attorney required
Holds life insurance policies outside your taxable estate. The death benefit passes to beneficiaries free of estate taxes, which is particularly valuable for high-net-worth families.
High-net-worth families with large life insurance policies
Individuals with estates exceeding the federal exemption
Business owners using key-person insurance
Read more about this trust type
Key features
Death benefit passes to beneficiaries tax-free
Removes policy from your taxable estate
Can hold existing or new life insurance policies
Protects proceeds from beneficiary creditors
Can include Crummey withdrawal powers for gift tax exclusion
Things to consider
Irrevocable -- you give up control of the policy
Must follow strict gift tax rules for premium payments
Three-year lookback rule for transferred existing policies
Requires an independent trustee (not the insured)
Annual Crummey notices must be sent to beneficiaries
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) is one of the most effective estate planning tools for families with significant life insurance coverage. Here is the core problem it solves: life insurance proceeds are included in your taxable estate. A $3 million policy could cost your family hundreds of thousands in estate taxes.
An ILIT owns the policy instead of you. Because you do not own it, the death benefit is not part of your estate when you die. The full amount passes to your beneficiaries without federal estate tax.
You fund the trust by making gifts to it, and the trustee uses those gifts to pay premiums. By using Crummey withdrawal powers, these gifts qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion. If you transfer an existing policy into an ILIT, there is a three-year lookback period -- if you die within three years of the transfer, the proceeds are pulled back into your estate.
Dynasty Trust (Generational Trust)
Multi-generational wealth that lasts forever
Attorney attestation required
Built for multi-generational wealth transfer, these trusts can last for multiple generations (or perpetually in certain states like Nevada, South Dakota, and Delaware). Assets grow tax-free and are protected from beneficiaries' creditors, divorces, and lawsuits across generations.
Families building multi-generational wealth
High-net-worth individuals in dynasty-friendly states
Business families passing ownership across generations
Read more about this trust type
Key features
Can last perpetually in certain states (NV, SD, DE)
Assets grow free of estate and gift taxes across generations
Protection from beneficiaries' creditors and divorces
Flexible distribution standards for each generation
Trust protector provisions allow adaptation over time
Things to consider
Irrevocable -- requires careful planning upfront
State selection matters (perpetual vs. limited duration)
Generation-skipping transfer tax rules are complex
Trustee succession planning across generations
Must balance control with flexibility for future generations
A dynasty trust is the gold standard for families who think in terms of generations, not years. In states like Nevada, South Dakota, and Delaware, these trusts can last forever -- passing wealth from parents to children to grandchildren and beyond without estate taxes at each generation.
Without a dynasty trust, your family's wealth gets taxed every time it transfers from one generation to the next. At a 40% federal estate tax rate, $10 million becomes $6 million after one generation, $3.6 million after two, and $2.16 million after three. A dynasty trust stops this erosion entirely.
The trust includes provisions that protect each generation's share from their personal creditors, divorces, and lawsuits. A trust protector can modify certain terms as laws change over the decades. Each generation benefits from the trust without owning the assets directly.
Domestic Asset Protection Trust (DAPT)
Shield your wealth from lawsuits and creditors
Attorney attestation required
Specifically structured to shield assets from future creditors, lawsuits, and judgments. States like Nevada, Wyoming, Delaware, and South Dakota offer strong domestic options.
Doctors, surgeons, and medical professionals
Business owners in high-liability industries
Real estate investors and developers
Read more about this trust type
Key features
Strong creditor protection in favorable states
Self-settled option available in 19+ states
Domestic trusts (no offshore complexity needed)
Can include spendthrift provisions
May still allow you to benefit from the trust
Things to consider
Must be set up before any claims or lawsuits arise
Fraudulent transfer laws still apply
Irrevocable -- you give up direct control
State laws vary significantly on protection levels
Some states do not recognize self-settled APTs
Asset protection trusts are designed for one purpose: keeping your wealth out of reach of lawsuits and creditors. As of 2026, over 19 states allow domestic asset protection trusts (DAPTs), including Nevada, South Dakota, Delaware, Alaska, and Wyoming.
The basic concept: assets held in a properly structured irrevocable trust are not yours anymore -- the trust owns them. If someone sues you, they cannot take assets that belong to the trust. The "self-settled" feature means you can create the trust, transfer your assets in, and still be a beneficiary.
The critical rule: you must set up the trust before any potential claims arise. Every state has a statute of limitations (typically 2 to 4 years) during which a creditor can challenge the transfer. After that window closes, the protection is very strong.
Charitable Trust (CRT / CLT)
Give back while receiving tax benefits and income
Attorney attestation required
Allows you to donate assets, receive income during your lifetime, and ultimately benefit a charity. You get an immediate tax deduction, avoid capital gains on appreciated assets, and create a family legacy of giving while still receiving income.
People with highly appreciated assets (stocks, real estate)
Retirees seeking additional income with tax advantages
Philanthropists who want to support charities and family
Read more about this trust type
Key features
Receive income during your lifetime from trust assets
Immediate income tax deduction in the year of creation
Avoid capital gains on appreciated assets
Reduce or eliminate estate taxes on transferred assets
Choose your own charity as the remainder beneficiary
Things to consider
Irrevocable once created
Complex tax rules require professional guidance
Must distribute at least 5% annually
Charity must be a qualified 501(c)(3) organization
Remainder must be at least 10% of initial fair market value
A Charitable Remainder Trust sits at the intersection of generosity and smart financial planning. Say you own stock you bought for $50,000 that is now worth $500,000. If you sell it outright, you owe capital gains tax on the $450,000 gain -- roughly $100,000 or more in taxes.
Instead, you transfer the stock into a CRT. The trust sells the stock tax-free (because charities do not pay capital gains). The full $500,000 stays invested. The trust pays you an annual income (at least 5% of the trust value). When you die, whatever remains goes to the charity you chose. You also get an immediate income tax deduction.
Charitable trusts work best for people with significant appreciated assets -- stocks that have grown substantially, real estate, or business interests.
Family Limited Partnership with Trust
Transfer business interests while maintaining control
Attorney attestation required
Combines a family limited partnership or LLC with trust structures to transfer business interests or real estate at discounted values. Provides asset protection, facilitates gradual wealth transfer to children, and allows senior family members to maintain management control while reducing estate taxes.
Business owners wanting to transfer ownership gradually
Families with significant real estate holdings
Parents who want children to inherit at discounted values
Read more about this trust type
Key features
Transfer interests at discounted values (lack of marketability/control)
Senior family members retain management control as general partners
Gradual wealth transfer to children as limited partners
Asset protection through entity layering
Combine valuation discounts with annual gift tax exclusions
Things to consider
Must have legitimate business purpose beyond tax savings
IRS scrutinizes aggressive valuation discounts
Requires proper entity formalities and record-keeping
Cannot be a personal piggy bank (commingling risk)
Professional appraisal needed for gift/estate tax reporting
A Family Limited Partnership (FLP) with trust is one of the most effective strategies for transferring business interests and real estate to the next generation at reduced tax cost. The key mechanism is valuation discounts.
When you transfer a limited partnership interest to your children, it is worth less than the proportional value of the underlying assets. Why? Because the recipient gets a minority interest with no management control and no ready market to sell it. These "lack of marketability" and "lack of control" discounts can reduce the gift's taxable value by 20-40%.
For example, if the partnership owns $10 million in real estate, a 30% limited partnership interest is worth $3 million at face value. But after applying discounts, the taxable gift might only be $1.8 to $2.1 million. The senior generation stays in charge as general partners, controlling investment decisions, distributions, and day-to-day management.
508(c)(1)(A) Trust
Automatic tax exemption for religious organizations
No attorney required
A specialized trust structure under IRC Section 508(c)(1)(A) for churches, religious organizations, and their integrated auxiliaries. Automatically recognized as tax-exempt without filing Form 1023 or Form 990.
Churches and houses of worship
Religious ministries and mission organizations
Faith-based charitable outreach programs
Read more about this trust type
Key features
Automatic tax-exempt recognition -- no IRS application required
No annual Form 990 filing obligation
First Amendment protections for religious activities
Donors can claim tax deductions for contributions
IRS audit protections under church audit procedures
Things to consider
Must qualify as a church or integrated auxiliary
Activities must be genuinely religious in nature
IRS can still investigate for tax-exempt status abuse
State registration may still be required for solicitation
Should maintain proper financial records despite no filing requirement
A 508(c)(1)(A) trust operates under a unique provision of the Internal Revenue Code that automatically grants tax-exempt status to churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches -- without requiring an application to the IRS.
Unlike 501(c)(3) organizations that must file Form 1023 and wait months for IRS approval, a 508(c)(1)(A) entity is presumed tax-exempt from the day it is organized. It is also exempt from filing annual Form 990 returns. Donors can still claim tax deductions for their contributions.
The IRS has special audit protections for churches under IRC Section 7611. An IRS examination can only be initiated by a high-level Treasury official, requires a written inquiry before a formal examination, and limits the scope of what can be investigated. These protections exist because of the First Amendment separation of church and state.
A trust structured to qualify for tax-exempt status under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, scientific, or literary purposes.
Charitable foundations and nonprofit organizations
Educational institutions and scholarship programs
Scientific research organizations
Read more about this trust type
Key features
Tax-deductible donations attract more donor support
Exempt from federal income tax on related activities
Eligible for government grants and foundation funding
Institutional credibility with donors and partners
State and local tax exemptions often follow federal status
Things to consider
Must file Form 1023 or 1023-EZ with the IRS
Annual Form 990 filing is required
Cannot engage in political campaign activity
Limited lobbying activities allowed
Must operate exclusively for exempt purposes
A 501(c)(3) organization trust is the standard framework for charitable, educational, religious, scientific, and literary organizations in the United States. This IRS designation provides the most widely recognized form of tax-exempt status, and it is what most donors and grant-making foundations expect to see.
To obtain 501(c)(3) status, you file Form 1023 (or the streamlined Form 1023-EZ for smaller organizations) with the IRS. Once approved, your organization is exempt from federal income tax on activities related to its exempt purpose. More importantly, donors can deduct their contributions on their personal tax returns, which is a major incentive for fundraising.
Organizations with 501(c)(3) status are eligible for government grants, foundation grants, and corporate giving programs that require this designation. Many state and local governments also grant property tax exemptions, sales tax exemptions, and reduced postal rates to 501(c)(3) organizations.
Irrevocable Living Trust
Permanent protection and estate tax reduction
No attorney required
Created during your lifetime and generally cannot be changed or revoked once established. Because you give up ownership and control, assets inside the trust are removed from your taxable estate and can gain strong protection from creditors and lawsuits.
People with estates above the federal exemption
Professionals with significant liability exposure
Families planning for long-term care costs
Read more about this trust type
Key features
Assets removed from your taxable estate
Strong protection from future creditors
Can be combined with life insurance or gifting strategies
Independent trustee manages the assets
Terms locked in for long-range planning
Things to consider
Irrevocable -- you cannot simply take the assets back
Requires giving up direct control to a trustee
Gift tax rules apply when funding the trust
Separate trust tax return may be required
An irrevocable living trust trades control for protection. Once you transfer assets into the trust, they are no longer legally yours -- the trust owns them for the benefit of your beneficiaries. That single fact drives every benefit: the assets leave your taxable estate, and future creditors generally cannot reach property you no longer own.
This makes the irrevocable trust the workhorse of advanced estate planning. Families use it to freeze the value of a growing estate, protect a family business from lawsuits, and make sure wealth passes according to a fixed set of rules that nobody -- including the grantor -- can casually change later.
The trade-off is real: you must be comfortable giving up direct control. An independent trustee manages the assets under the terms you set at the start. Done well, it is one of the strongest planning tools available. Done casually, it can lock in mistakes, so careful drafting matters.
Testamentary Trust
A trust built into your will that starts after you pass
No attorney required
A trust created inside your last will and testament that only takes effect after you pass away. Commonly used to manage inheritances for minor children or beneficiaries who are not ready to receive assets outright, with court supervision for extra oversight.
Parents with minor children
Blended families needing structured inheritances
Anyone leaving assets to young or inexperienced beneficiaries
Read more about this trust type
Key features
No trust maintenance while you are alive
Controls when and how heirs receive assets
Court supervision provides extra protection
Can name age milestones for distributions
Works alongside a simple will-based plan
Things to consider
Assets pass through probate before the trust begins
Court involvement means less privacy than a living trust
Provides no incapacity planning during your lifetime
Ongoing court reporting for the trustee in many states
A testamentary trust is written into your will and springs to life only after your death. Nothing changes while you are alive -- there is no trust to fund, no trustee to manage, and no separate tax returns. Your will simply says: when I pass, these assets go into a trust, under these rules, for these people.
This makes it a natural fit for parents. Instead of an 18-year-old receiving a full inheritance outright, the trust can hold the funds until age 25 or 30, paying for education and living expenses along the way under a trustee's supervision.
The trade-offs: because the trust is created by your will, your estate still goes through probate first, and the court keeps a supervisory role -- which means less privacy but more built-in oversight than a living trust.
Special Needs Trust
Provide for a loved one without losing their benefits
Attorney attestation required
Provides for a beneficiary with a disability without disqualifying them from means-tested government benefits such as SSI and Medicaid. Trust funds supplement -- rather than replace -- public benefits, paying for the quality-of-life items benefits do not cover.
Parents of a child with a disability
Families of adults receiving SSI or Medicaid
Anyone leaving an inheritance to a person with special needs
Read more about this trust type
Key features
Preserves eligibility for SSI and Medicaid
Trust pays for supplemental needs and quality of life
Trustee manages funds for the beneficiary's lifetime
Can be first-party or third-party funded
Protects the beneficiary from financial exploitation
Things to consider
Strict rules on what distributions can pay for
First-party trusts may require Medicaid payback provisions
Must be drafted to match current benefit program rules
Choosing the right trustee is critical
Leaving money directly to a person with a disability can accidentally destroy their livelihood. SSI and Medicaid are means-tested programs: a direct inheritance of even a modest amount can disqualify a beneficiary from the benefits that pay for their care, housing, and medical treatment.
A special needs trust solves this by holding the assets for the beneficiary's benefit without the beneficiary legally owning them. The trustee uses the funds for supplemental needs -- therapies, education, travel, recreation, equipment -- the things government benefits do not cover, while SSI and Medicaid continue uninterrupted.
Because benefit-program rules are strict and change over time, the trust language has to be precise. Distribution standards, payback provisions, and trustee powers all need to match current federal and state rules, which is why this trust type requires attorney attestation before it is finalized.
Spendthrift Trust
Protect heirs from creditors, divorce, and impulse
No attorney required
Includes provisions that prevent beneficiaries from selling, pledging, or giving away their interest in the trust, and keep trust assets out of reach of most beneficiary creditors. Distributions happen on the trustee's schedule, not the beneficiary's demands.
Parents concerned about a child's spending habits
Families worried about a beneficiary's creditors
Anyone protecting an inheritance from divorce
Read more about this trust type
Key features
Beneficiary cannot sell or pledge their interest
Most beneficiary creditors cannot reach trust assets
Trustee controls the timing of distributions
Divorce insulation for married beneficiaries
Can combine with incentive provisions
Things to consider
Beneficiary has no direct control over the assets
Protection ends once money is distributed
Some debts (child support, taxes) can still reach distributions
Requires a trustee who will hold the line under pressure
A spendthrift trust answers a hard question: what happens when the person you love cannot safely handle money? The trust's core provision blocks the beneficiary from assigning, selling, or borrowing against their interest -- and because the beneficiary has no control, most of their creditors have nothing to grab.
The trustee becomes the gatekeeper. Distributions follow the standards you set: monthly support, education costs, emergency needs, or incentive payments tied to milestones like employment or completing a program. The inheritance arrives as a steady stream instead of a flood.
Spendthrift provisions are also built into many other trust types -- dynasty and asset protection trusts nearly always include them. As a standalone choice, it is the direct solution for protecting a vulnerable heir.
Foreign Asset Protection Trust
The strongest creditor protection available anywhere
Attorney attestation required
An asset protection trust formed under the laws of an offshore jurisdiction -- such as the Cook Islands or Nevis -- whose statutes are written specifically to defeat creditor claims. Reserved for situations that call for protection beyond what domestic trusts provide.
Surgeons and high-liability medical professionals
Business owners facing substantial litigation risk
High-net-worth individuals with aggressive creditor exposure
Read more about this trust type
Key features
Jurisdictions with the world's strongest protection statutes
Short statutes of limitation on creditor challenges
High burden of proof for creditors overseas
Significant deterrent effect on litigation
Privacy of holdings and structure
Things to consider
Highest setup and maintenance cost of any trust type
IRS reporting requirements are extensive (Forms 3520, 3520-A, FBAR)
Must be established well before any claim arises
Fraudulent transfer laws still apply
Requires experienced offshore trustees and counsel
When domestic asset protection is not enough, the foreign asset protection trust is the endgame. Jurisdictions like the Cook Islands and Nevis wrote their trust laws specifically to protect settlors: creditor claims face short limitation windows, must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and must be re-litigated from scratch in a foreign court.
The practical effect is powerful: most creditors, facing the prospect of an expensive overseas case they will likely lose, settle on favorable terms or walk away. The trust does not make you judgment-proof by magic -- it makes pursuing you so costly that rational creditors negotiate.
This strength comes with obligations. U.S. reporting is extensive and penalties for missed filings are severe. Setup and trustee fees run far higher than domestic trusts. Because of the stakes and complexity, attorney attestation is required before this trust can be finalized.
Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT)
Pass your home to heirs at a discounted tax cost
Attorney attestation required
Transfers your primary or vacation home to beneficiaries at a reduced gift-tax value while you keep the right to live in it for a set number of years. When the term ends, the home -- and all its appreciation -- is out of your taxable estate.
Homeowners with significant equity in high-value markets
Families expecting the home to appreciate substantially
People with estates near or above the federal exemption
Read more about this trust type
Key features
Gift value discounted by your retained right to live there
All future appreciation leaves your estate
You keep living in the home during the trust term
Simple single-asset structure
Can cover a primary home or one vacation property
Things to consider
You must outlive the trust term for full benefit
After the term, staying in the home means paying fair rent
Irrevocable once created
Mortgaged properties add complexity
A QPRT exploits a simple idea: a gift of your home someday is worth less than a gift of your home today. When you transfer your house into the trust, the IRS values the gift at the home's current value minus the value of your right to keep living there for the trust term -- typically 10 to 20 years. That retained right can cut the taxable gift by 40% or more.
When the term ends, the home passes to your beneficiaries. Every dollar of appreciation during those years escapes estate tax entirely. If you want to keep living there afterward, you can -- you simply pay fair-market rent to the new owners, which itself moves more wealth out of your estate tax-free.
The main risk is mortality: if you pass away before the term ends, the home is pulled back into your estate as if the QPRT never happened. Choosing the right term length is an actuarial decision, which is why this trust type requires attorney attestation before it is finalized.
Have a specific situation?
Need something that is not listed? Talk to a trust specialist about your goals. Specialists are not attorneys and do not give legal advice.
From first question to a finished trust in five steps
Software does the paperwork. You decide the plan, and you can bring in an attorney whenever you want one.
1
Choose your trust type
Answer a few questions about your goals, or pick from the 14 trust types. The wizard suggests a place to start.
2
Work through the 7-step wizard
Plain-English prompts for the grantor, trustee, beneficiaries, assets and terms. Most people finish in about 45 minutes.
3
Review and generate your documents
Get the trust agreement, certificate of trust, Schedule A, assignment of assets and a pour-over will template as PDFs.
4
Add an attorney review if you want one
Concierge Attorney Matching connects you with a licensed attorney in your state. Attorney fees are separate.
5
Sign, fund, and keep it current
Move your assets into the trust, then track deadlines, amendments and documents from your dashboard.
See all 7 wizard screens in detail Open
Step 1Choose Your Trust Type
Answer a few questions about your goals, and our wizard recommends the right trust type for your situation. Or pick one yourself from 14 trust types.
Revocable Living Trust: the most popular choice for probate avoidance
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT): keep life insurance out of your taxable estate
Dynasty Trust: pass wealth across generations
Asset Protection Trust: domestic or offshore protection from creditors
Charitable Remainder Trust: give to charity and take income now
Family Limited Partnership with Trust, 508(c)(1)(A) Trust and 501(c)(3) Trust for family and faith-based goals
Step 2Enter Grantor Information
Tell us about yourself (the trust creator). Your legal name, address, and state of residence. We use this to apply the right state laws to your trust.
Full legal name as it appears on your ID
Current home address
State of residence (determines governing law)
Marital status (affects trust structure for couples)
Every field has an info icon explaining what it means and why we need it
Step 3Select Your Trustee
Name the person (or company) who will manage the trust. During your lifetime, that is usually you. Then pick a successor trustee for when you can no longer serve.
Primary trustee (typically yourself for revocable trusts)
Successor trustee: the person who takes over
Optional: second successor trustee as a backup
Option to name a corporate trustee (bank or trust company)
Plain-English explanation of trustee duties and responsibilities
Step 4Add Your Beneficiaries
Name the people or organizations who will receive assets from your trust. Set their shares, add conditions, and decide how distributions work.
Add unlimited beneficiaries by name and relationship
Assign percentage shares or specific assets to each person
Set age-based distribution schedules (e.g., 1/3 at 25, 1/3 at 30, rest at 35)
Name contingent beneficiaries in case a primary beneficiary cannot receive their share
Step 5List Your Assets
Add the property and accounts you want the trust to hold. Real estate, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, and and personal property, all cataloged.
Real estate (addresses, property type, estimated value)
Bank and savings accounts
Investment and brokerage accounts
Vehicles (make, model, year)
Valuable personal property (jewelry, art, collectibles)
Business interests and ownership stakes
Life insurance policies (where applicable)
Step 6Set Trust Terms
Define the rules your trustee must follow. Distribution triggers, trustee powers, spendthrift clauses, and any special instructions you want to include.
Special instructions (pet care, funeral wishes, etc.)
Governing state law selection
Step 7Review and Generate
Review every detail of your trust in a clear summary. Make any final changes, then generate your professional trust document as a downloadable PDF.
Full summary of all trust details on one page
Edit any section before generating
Generate trust agreement PDF
Generate certificate of trust
Generate Schedule A (asset list)
Download all documents instantly
Print-ready formatting with professional legal language
My Trust Software is document preparation software with educational content. It is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Results depend on your state and your facts.
Everything you need to build and manage your trust
Real screens from the product, shown with sample data. Pick a tab to look around.
mytrustsoftware.com/dashboard
Sample account
Guided 7-step wizardTooltips on every field explain what it means and why it is asked.
Trust relationship graphA visual map of who holds what, kept in step with your trust record.
Document vaultCore trust instruments, versions and downloads in one folder.
Compliance calendarReminders for reviews, filings and updates you set up.
Training libraryLessons and a reference library with citations, in plain English.
Attorney matchingRequest a licensed attorney in your state for review when you want one.
Licensed attorney in your state
Concierge Attorney Matching
Professional review, when you want it
Many people finish their documents on their own. If you want a lawyer to look them over, we find a licensed attorney in your state who is willing to take the engagement.
1
Tell us what you needYour trust type, your state and any special circumstances.
2
We research and reach outWe contact attorneys who handle estate planning where you live.
3
You decideYou see the matching fee and an estimated range of attorney fees before you commit. The attorney sets and confirms their own fee.
My Trust Software is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. We do not take part in attorney fees. Attorney availability varies by state. See the Terms of Service for full details.
WATCH IT IN ACTION
See the Trust Creation Wizard in Action
Watch a short walkthrough of our 7-step wizard. See how easy it is to create a trust from start to finish, no legal experience needed.
Understanding Trust Types
Creating Your First Trust
Platform Overview
Side-by-Side Comparison
Trust vs. Will: What Changes With a Trust
A will and a trust are both estate planning tools, but they work very differently. Here is a side-by-side comparison of what each one offers your family.
Feature
Living Trust
Will Only
Probate required
Funded assets usually skip probate
Goes through probate
Privacy
Generally stays private
Becomes public record in probate
Time to distribute assets
Often weeks, varies by trust
Often months to years
Cost after death
Typically lower court costs
Court and attorney costs vary by state
Incapacity protection
Successor trustee can step in
May require a court conservatorship
Multi-state property
One trust can hold assets in several states
May mean probate in each state
Effective immediately
Can work during your lifetime
Only after death, with court approval
Difficulty to contest
Can be harder to challenge
Can be easier to contest
Control over distributions
Detailed control (age, conditions)
Limited (outright or basic conditions)
Ongoing management
Trustee manages over time
Executor only during probate
Probate required
Living Trust
Funded assets usually skip probate
Will Only
Goes through probate
Privacy
Living Trust
Generally stays private
Will Only
Becomes public record in probate
Time to distribute assets
Living Trust
Often weeks, varies by trust
Will Only
Often months to years
Cost after death
Living Trust
Typically lower court costs
Will Only
Court and attorney costs vary by state
Incapacity protection
Living Trust
Successor trustee can step in
Will Only
May require a court conservatorship
Multi-state property
Living Trust
One trust can hold assets in several states
Will Only
May mean probate in each state
Effective immediately
Living Trust
Can work during your lifetime
Will Only
Only after death, with court approval
Difficulty to contest
Living Trust
Can be harder to challenge
Will Only
Can be easier to contest
Control over distributions
Living Trust
Detailed control (age, conditions)
Will Only
Limited (outright or basic conditions)
Ongoing management
Living Trust
Trustee manages over time
Will Only
Executor only during probate
Bottom line: Many people use both a trust and a will. The trust holds the assets you transfer into it, and a pour-over will acts as a backup for anything the trust does not cover. Ask an attorney how this applies in your state.
Trust Education
What Exactly Is a Trust, and Why Does Your Family Need One?
A trust is not just for the wealthy. It is a basic tool that protects every family.
A trust is just a document that names three roles: who owns the assets, who manages them, and who receives them. Here is how those parties relate.
Grantor
Creates the trust and places assets in it
Grantor
Trustee
Manages assets per the instructions
Trustee
Successor Trustee
Steps in at incapacity or death
Beneficiary
Beneficiaries
Receive assets on your terms
Party 4
For a revocable living trust you are usually grantor and trustee at the same time, so daily life does not change.
Key Takeaways
Trusts skip probate, saving your family 3-7% of your estate value
Your estate stays completely private (probate is public record)
A trust protects you during your lifetime if you become incapacitated
Parents can control when and how children receive their inheritance
You do not need to be wealthy to benefit from a trust
Most people hear the word "trust" and think of wealthy families with teams of lawyers. That picture is outdated and wrong. A trust is simply a legal document that says: here are my assets, here is who manages them, and here is who gets them when I am gone.
Listen to this section
Trust Education
The Real Cost of Not Having a Trust: What Probate Does to Your Family
Probate is the default. A trust is the opt-out.
On a $550,000 estate, probate quietly drains roughly $22,000 and 14 months from your family. A funded trust delivers the same assets in weeks for nothing.
Probate vs. Trust on a $550,000 estate
months to distribute
Probate (court process)14 months
Trust (successor trustee)4-8 weeks
PreferredAvoid
Key Takeaways
Probate takes 6 months to 2 years on average
Costs run 3-7% of the total estate value
Every asset and distribution becomes public record
Multiple states mean multiple probate proceedings
A trust eliminates 100% of the probate process
Let's talk about what actually happens when someone dies without a trust.
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Trust Education
Revocable Living Trusts: The Foundation of a Modern Estate Plan
How the most popular trust type works, who needs one, and what to watch out for.
A revocable living trust is the foundation of about 80% of estate plans. Here is what it actually does for you, separated from the myths.
What a revocable living trust does (and does not) do
Avoids probate, saving time, money, and privacy
Provides immediate incapacity protection
Lets you control distributions to beneficiaries
Works across state lines with one document
Keeps your estate completely private
You keep full control as grantor and trustee
Myth: you lose control of your assets
Myth: it lowers your income taxes
Myth: it protects assets from creditors
Myth: you need a lawyer to create one
6 of 10 included
Key Takeaways
You maintain full control as both grantor and trustee
Must be funded (transfer assets in) to actually work
Does not change your income tax situation
Does not provide creditor protection
Becomes irrevocable automatically when you die
A revocable living trust is the starting point for about 80% of estate plans. It is called "revocable" because you can change or cancel it anytime. It is called "living" because you create it while you are alive (as opposed to a testamentary trust, which is created through a will and only activates after death).
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Trust Education
Irrevocable Trusts: When You Need Real Asset Protection
Giving up control to gain protection, how irrevocable trusts work and who benefits most.
An irrevocable trust trades control for protection. You give up ownership, and in return you get estate tax savings, creditor shielding, and Medicaid planning.
Weighing Your Options
Every trust structure involves tradeoffs. Understanding them is the first step to the right choice.
What you give up
What you gain
A
What you give up
Control and ownership of the assets
The ability to change your mind or undo it
Income taxed at compressed rates (37% at ~$14,450)
Must file its own return (Form 1041)
B
What you gain
Assets removed from your taxable estate
Strong creditor and lawsuit protection
Medicaid eligibility after the 5-year look-back
ILIT keeps a life insurance payout out of the estate
The right trust depends on your goals. Neither side is wrong , only what fits your situation.
Key Takeaways
Assets are permanently removed from your estate
Strong creditor and lawsuit protection
Can help with Medicaid eligibility planning
Trust income is taxed at compressed rates
Cannot be easily changed or undone
An irrevocable trust is the opposite of a revocable trust in one fundamental way: once you create it and transfer assets in, you cannot easily take them back or change the terms. You give up ownership. The trust becomes a separate legal entity with its own tax ID number and its own tax return.
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Trust Education
What Every Trustee Needs to Know: Duties, Powers, and Liabilities
Being a trustee is a serious job. Here is what it involves.
Being a trustee is a legally binding job. These six fiduciary duties define the role, and violating any of them can trigger personal liability.
The six core fiduciary duties of a trustee
Duty of Loyalty: act in beneficiaries' interest, never your own
Duty of Prudent Administration: manage assets carefully and diversify
Duty to Keep Records: track every transaction accurately
Duty to Inform Beneficiaries: keep them reasonably updated
Duty Not to Delegate Improperly: hire help but keep core decisions
Duty of Impartiality: treat multiple beneficiaries fairly
Violation of duties can result in personal liability
You can hire professionals but cannot fully delegate core responsibilities
Accurate record-keeping is legally required
You can decline or resign from the trustee role
When someone names you as their trustee, they are placing their financial life in your hands. A trustee's responsibilities are legally binding, and courts take violations seriously. Whether you are serving as your own trustee for a revocable trust or have been named as someone else's trustee, you need to understand what the role requires.
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Trust Education
Estate Planning Basics: Building a Complete Plan Around Your Trust
A trust is the centerpiece, but you need supporting documents too.
A trust is the centerpiece, but a complete plan layers supporting documents so every scenario is covered without a courtroom.
Living Trust
Core document: holds assets, names beneficiaries, handles incapacity and death
Pour-Over Will
Catches anything not transferred into the trust
Durable Power of Attorney
Financial decisions for assets outside the trust
Healthcare Directive
States your wishes for medical treatment
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Names someone to make medical decisions
HIPAA Authorization
Lets your people access medical records
Nomination of Guardian
Names who raises your minor children
Living Trust
Core document: holds assets, names beneficiaries, handles incapacity and death
Pour-Over Will
Catches anything not transferred into the trust
Durable Power of Attorney
Financial decisions for assets outside the trust
Healthcare Directive
States your wishes for medical treatment
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Names someone to make medical decisions
HIPAA Authorization
Lets your people access medical records
Nomination of Guardian
Names who raises your minor children
Key Takeaways
A complete plan includes trust, will, power of attorney, and healthcare documents
The pour-over will catches assets missed by the trust
Power of attorney covers assets outside the trust
Healthcare directive and healthcare power of attorney handle medical decisions
Review your plan every 3-5 years or after major life events
Creating a trust is the single most impactful step in estate planning, but it is not the only step. A complete estate plan includes several documents that work together to cover every scenario.
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Trust Education
How to Fund Your Trust: The Step Most People Skip (And Why It Matters)
An unfunded trust is just a stack of paper. Here is how to put assets inside it.
An unfunded trust provides zero protection. Funding means retitling each asset into the trust's name, one category at a time.
1
Real estate
Record a new deed at the county recorder ($10-$150); Garn-St. Germain protects your mortgage
2
Bank & savings accounts
Retitle with your certificate of trust
3
Brokerage accounts
Use the firm's retitle forms (Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard)
4
Life insurance
Name the trust as beneficiary, do not transfer the policy
5
Retirement accounts
Name people primary, trust as contingent; never transfer directly
6
Personal property & business
List in Schedule A; assign LLC or partnership interests
1
Real estate
Record a new deed at the county recorder ($10-$150); Garn-St. Germain protects your mortgage
2
Bank & savings accounts
Retitle with your certificate of trust
3
Brokerage accounts
Use the firm's retitle forms (Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard)
4
Life insurance
Name the trust as beneficiary, do not transfer the policy
5
Retirement accounts
Name people primary, trust as contingent; never transfer directly
6
Personal property & business
List in Schedule A; assign LLC or partnership interests
Key Takeaways
An unfunded trust provides zero protection
Real estate transfers require a new deed filed with the county
The Garn-St. Germain Act protects your mortgage during trust transfers
Never transfer retirement accounts directly into a revocable trust
Our platform provides a customized funding checklist for your assets
Creating a trust document is step one. Transferring your assets into the trust, called "funding", is step two. Many people complete step one and never do step two. An unfunded trust provides zero protection, zero probate avoidance, and zero incapacity planning.
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Trust Education
Trust Laws by State: What You Need to Know Where You Live
Every state has its own trust rules. Here is an overview of the key differences.
Trust law is set state by state. Where you live decides your estate tax threshold, whether you can build a dynasty trust, and how creditor protection works.
Community property states affect how married couples structure trusts
12+ states have their own estate taxes with lower thresholds
20+ states allow domestic asset protection trusts
Several states allow trusts to last indefinitely (dynasty trusts)
Trust law is governed primarily by state law, not federal law. While the basics are similar across states, the details can differ significantly. Knowing your state's rules helps you make better decisions about your trust.
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Trust Education
10 Trust Mistakes That Could Cost Your Family Thousands
Avoid these common errors that undo the protection a trust is supposed to provide.
Creating a trust is the easy part. These ten mistakes quietly undo the protection a trust is supposed to provide, starting with the one that wrecks about 40% of trusts.
01
Not funding the trust
~40% never fully funded
02
Forgetting to update after major life events
03
Choosing the wrong trustee
04
Naming minor children as direct beneficiaries
Court controls funds until age 18
05
Ignoring tax implications
06
Using a generic template without customization
07
Not including a no-contest clause
08
Failing to plan for digital assets
09
Not having a pour-over will
10
Setting it and forgetting it
Review every 3-5 years
Key Takeaways
Unfunded trusts are the #1 mistake in trust planning
Always update your trust after major life events
Choose trustees based on reliability and financial ability, not just relationship
Never name minor children as direct beneficiaries of financial accounts
Review your trust every 3-5 years
Creating a trust is a great step. But trust planning has pitfalls that trip up even well-intentioned people. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
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Trust Education
Trusts and Digital Assets: Protecting Your Online Life
Your digital life is valuable. Your estate plan should include it.
Most estate plans written before 2015 say nothing about your online life. Crypto, accounts, and cloud media all need explicit trust provisions and an access plan.
Your digital estate checklist
Include digital asset provisions in your trust
Keep an encrypted inventory of accounts and passwords
Set up Google Inactive Account Manager
Set up Apple Digital Legacy
Name a Facebook Legacy Contact
Document crypto private keys and seed phrases
Without keys, cryptocurrency is gone forever
Terms of service can override default fiduciary access
6 of 8 included
Key Takeaways
Digital assets include crypto, online accounts, social media, and digital media
Most estate plans written before 2015 do not address digital assets
RUFADAA gives trustees legal authority to access digital accounts
Cryptocurrency requires private keys, without them, it is gone forever
Set up legacy features on Google, Apple, and Facebook now
Most estate plans written before 2015 say nothing about digital assets. That is a problem, because for many people, digital assets represent significant financial and sentimental value.
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Trust Education
Trust vs. Will: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Both are important, but they do very different things.
You probably need both, but they do very different jobs. A trust handles the heavy lifting; a will is the backup that also names a guardian.
Feature
Will
TrustRecommended
When it takes effect
Only after death
Immediately, during life and after
Avoids probate
Stays private
Incapacity protection
Covers multi-state property
Separate probate per state
One trust, all states
Speed of distribution
6 months to 2 years
2 to 8 weeks
Cost to execute
3-7% of estate
Virtually free
Names a guardian for kids
When it takes effect
WillOnly after death
TrustImmediately, during life and after
Avoids probate
Will
Trust
Stays private
Will
Trust
Incapacity protection
Will
Trust
Covers multi-state property
WillSeparate probate per state
TrustOne trust, all states
Speed of distribution
Will6 months to 2 years
Trust2 to 8 weeks
Cost to execute
Will3-7% of estate
TrustVirtually free
Names a guardian for kids
Will
Trust
Key Takeaways
A trust works during your life and after death; a will only works after death
Trusts avoid probate; wills always go through probate
Trusts are private; wills become public record
You need both: a trust for most assets and a will for guardianship and as a backup
Trust distribution takes weeks; probate takes months to years
The trust vs. will debate is one of the most common questions in estate planning. The short answer: you probably need both, but the trust does most of the heavy lifting.
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Trust Education
Special Needs Trusts: Protecting a Loved One Without Losing Their Benefits
How to provide for someone with a disability while keeping their government benefits intact.
A direct inheritance can wipe out SSI and Medicaid, which cut off at $2,000 in countable assets. A special needs trust supplements benefits instead of replacing them.
What a special needs trust can and cannot pay for
Supplemental medical care beyond Medicaid
Personal care attendants and companions
Education and training programs
Recreation, travel, and entertainment
Electronics, furniture, and a vehicle
Hobbies, pet care, and quality-of-life expenses
Food and shelter (counts as in-kind support)
Cash paid directly to the beneficiary
6 of 8 included
Key Takeaways
Inheriting even a small amount can disqualify someone from SSI and Medicaid
A special needs trust supplements government benefits without replacing them
Third-party trusts have no Medicaid payback requirement; first-party trusts do
Trust distributions should go to vendors, not directly to the beneficiary
A letter of intent helps future trustees understand the beneficiary's needs
If you have a family member with a disability, estate planning gets more complicated. A well-meaning inheritance can actually hurt the person you are trying to help. Here is why, and what to do about it.
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Trust Education
Charitable Trusts: Give to Causes You Care About While Reducing Your Tax Bill
Two types of charitable trusts offer different tax benefits depending on your goals.
Charitable trusts let you support a cause and cut your tax bill. The two types run in opposite directions: one pays you first, the other pays charity first.
Feature
Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)Recommended
Charitable Lead Trust (CLT)
Who gets income first
You (or your chosen person)
The charity
Who gets the remainder
Charity
Your heirs
Avoids capital gains on appreciated assets
Payout rules
5%-50%, leave 10%+ for charity
Fixed % or amount to charity for a term
Best for
Income for life plus a future gift
Passing wealth to heirs at reduced tax
Annual tax filing
Form 5227
Required (grantor or non-grantor)
Who gets income first
Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)You (or your chosen person)
Charitable Lead Trust (CLT)The charity
Who gets the remainder
Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)Charity
Charitable Lead Trust (CLT)Your heirs
Avoids capital gains on appreciated assets
Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)
Charitable Lead Trust (CLT)
Payout rules
Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)5%-50%, leave 10%+ for charity
Charitable Lead Trust (CLT)Fixed % or amount to charity for a term
Best for
Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)Income for life plus a future gift
Charitable Lead Trust (CLT)Passing wealth to heirs at reduced tax
Annual tax filing
Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)Form 5227
Charitable Lead Trust (CLT)Required (grantor or non-grantor)
Key Takeaways
Charitable Remainder Trusts pay you income, then give the rest to charity
CRTs avoid capital gains tax on appreciated asset sales
Charitable Lead Trusts pay charity first, then transfer remaining assets to heirs
Both types offer significant tax benefits but require annual filings
CRTs must pay at least 5% and leave at least 10% for charity
Charitable trusts are a way to support the causes you believe in while getting real tax benefits during your lifetime or after death. There are two main types, and they work in opposite directions.
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Trust Education
Trust Administration After Death: A Step-by-Step Guide for Successor Trustees
What to do when you become the acting trustee after the grantor dies.
When the grantor dies, the successor trustee takes over with no court filing required. This is the nine-step roadmap from locating the document to closing the trust.
1
Locate the original trust
Find amendments, Schedule A, and the pour-over will
2
Order death certificates
Get 10-15 certified copies
3
Notify relevant parties
Beneficiaries within 60 days, banks, insurers, IRS for an EIN
4
Inventory all trust assets
Record date-of-death values for stepped-up basis
5
Pay debts and expenses
Wait 60-90 days before final distributions
6
File tax returns
Final 1040, trust 1041, and 706 if above the exemption
7
Distribute to beneficiaries
Follow the document exactly; get signed receipts
8
Prepare a final accounting
Show all income, expenses, and distributions
9
Terminate the trust
Keep all records for at least 7 years
1
Locate the original trust
Find amendments, Schedule A, and the pour-over will
2
Order death certificates
Get 10-15 certified copies
3
Notify relevant parties
Beneficiaries within 60 days, banks, insurers, IRS for an EIN
4
Inventory all trust assets
Record date-of-death values for stepped-up basis
5
Pay debts and expenses
Wait 60-90 days before final distributions
6
File tax returns
Final 1040, trust 1041, and 706 if above the exemption
7
Distribute to beneficiaries
Follow the document exactly; get signed receipts
8
Prepare a final accounting
Show all income, expenses, and distributions
9
Terminate the trust
Keep all records for at least 7 years
Key Takeaways
No court filing is required, that is the benefit of a trust over probate
Order 10-15 certified death certificates immediately
Notify beneficiaries within 60 days in most states
Assets receive a stepped-up tax basis as of the date of death
Keep all records for at least 7 years after trust termination
When the person who created the trust (the grantor) dies, the successor trustee takes over. If you have been named as a successor trustee, this is your roadmap for what comes next. The process is more straightforward than probate, but it still requires attention to detail.
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Trust Education
Trust Planning for Married Couples: Joint Trusts, Separate Trusts, and AB Trusts
Which trust structure makes sense for your marriage and financial situation.
Couples have more options than singles. The choice between a joint trust and separate trusts comes down to your state, your wealth split, and whether either spouse has prior children.
Feature
Joint TrustRecommended
Separate Trusts
Number of documents
One
Two
Best for first marriages, shared beneficiaries
Protects prior-marriage children
Isolates one spouse from the other's creditors
Keeps separate property distinct
Natural fit in community property states
Administrative simplicity
Simple, one set of records
More tracking and cost
Number of documents
Joint TrustOne
Separate TrustsTwo
Best for first marriages, shared beneficiaries
Joint Trust
Separate Trusts
Protects prior-marriage children
Joint Trust
Separate Trusts
Isolates one spouse from the other's creditors
Joint Trust
Separate Trusts
Keeps separate property distinct
Joint Trust
Separate Trusts
Natural fit in community property states
Joint Trust
Separate Trusts
Administrative simplicity
Joint TrustSimple, one set of records
Separate TrustsMore tracking and cost
Key Takeaways
Joint trusts work best for first marriages with shared beneficiaries
Separate trusts protect assets in blended families and creditor situations
AB trusts may still save state estate taxes despite federal portability
QTIP trusts protect both the surviving spouse and children from prior marriages
Community property states and common law states require different approaches
Married couples have more options, and more complexity, in trust planning than single individuals. The right structure depends on your state's property laws, your combined estate value, whether either spouse has children from a previous relationship, and your goals for asset protection and tax planning.
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Trust Education
How to Update Your Trust: Amendments, Restatements, and When Each Makes Sense
Your trust should grow and change as your life does. Here is how to make updates properly.
A revocable trust should change as your life does, but the wrong update method causes problems. Use an amendment for small tweaks and a restatement once changes pile up.
Feature
AmendmentRecommended
Restatement
What it changes
Specific provisions only
The entire document
Original trust date kept
Best when
Adding a beneficiary or new trustee
After 3-4 amendments or major changes
Readability
Must read original plus every amendment
One clean document
Old terms hidden from beneficiaries
Re-titling assets required
Works on irrevocable trusts
What it changes
AmendmentSpecific provisions only
RestatementThe entire document
Original trust date kept
Amendment
Restatement
Best when
AmendmentAdding a beneficiary or new trustee
RestatementAfter 3-4 amendments or major changes
Readability
AmendmentMust read original plus every amendment
RestatementOne clean document
Old terms hidden from beneficiaries
Amendment
Restatement
Re-titling assets required
Amendment
Restatement
Works on irrevocable trusts
Amendment
Restatement
Key Takeaways
Amendments change specific provisions; restatements replace the entire document
Consider a restatement after 3-4 amendments for clarity
A restatement keeps the original trust date (important for Medicaid timelines)
Irrevocable trusts generally cannot be amended
Review your trust every 3-5 years and after any major life event
A revocable living trust is a living document, it should change as your life changes. But making changes the wrong way can create legal problems. Here is how to update your trust correctly.
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Trust Education
Asset Protection Trusts: Shielding Your Wealth from Lawsuits and Creditors
How domestic and offshore asset protection trusts work, and whether you need one.
Asset protection trusts put wealth beyond future creditors, but you choose between two routes. Domestic trusts are cheaper; offshore trusts are stronger and far more demanding.
Weighing Your Options
Every trust structure involves tradeoffs. Understanding them is the first step to the right choice.
Domestic (DAPT)
Offshore
A
Domestic (DAPT)
Available in 20+ states (Nevada and South Dakota strongest)
You can be grantor and beneficiary
Lower cost to set up and maintain
Protects against future, not existing, claims
No protection from IRS liens or child support
B
Offshore
Cook Islands, Nevis, Belize do not honor US judgments
Strongest protection available
Costs $25,000-$75,000 to set up, $5,000+/yr to maintain
Requires IRS Forms 3520 and 3520-A
Negative perception if you end up in court
The right trust depends on your goals. Neither side is wrong , only what fits your situation.
Key Takeaways
DAPTs let you benefit from a trust while protecting assets from future creditors
Over 20 states now allow domestic asset protection trusts
You must create the trust before any creditor claim arises
Offshore trusts offer stronger protection but cost much more and have IRS reporting requirements
Asset protection works best as part of a broader strategy including insurance and entity planning
If you work in a profession with high liability exposure, medicine, real estate development, contracting, or business ownership, you already know the feeling. One bad outcome, one dissatisfied customer, one slip-and-fall on your property, and everything you have built over a career could be at risk.
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Trust Education
Trust Taxation: What Every Trust Creator and Trustee Needs to Understand
Trusts and taxes are connected at every level. Here is a plain-English guide to how it works.
Trust tax brackets are brutally compressed: a trust hits the top 37% rate at $15,650, while an individual does not reach it until about $609,000. Distributing income is the fix.
Income before the top 37% tax rate kicks in
dollars of income
Irrevocable trust$15,650
Individual taxpayer~$609,000
PreferredAvoid
Key Takeaways
Revocable trusts are invisible to the IRS, you file your normal personal return
Irrevocable trusts hit the top 37% tax rate at just $15,650 of income
Distributing income to beneficiaries usually saves significant taxes
The 65-day rule lets trustees make tax-efficient distributions after year-end
State income tax on trusts varies widely, some states have no trust income tax
Trust taxation confuses almost everyone, including many financial advisors. But the core rules are straightforward once you separate revocable trusts from irrevocable trusts.
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When You Are Ready: Your Printed Edition
Once you have reviewed everything and you are ready, just say the word and we will have your entire trust professionally printed for you. When you walk into a bank, you will have exactly what the banker needs in hand, and all of your trust documents kept safe in a rich walnut leather binder for safekeeping, along with individual banker folders for each of your companies so you can hand over precisely the right papers for each account.
The walnut leather trust binder
A folder for each company
Ready to start your trust?The guided wizard takes about 45 minutes.
Professional trust formation with licensed attorney matching in your jurisdiction if needed, depending on the trust. Many trusts do not need an attorney at all -- that is why you use our software to save on annual and quarterly attorney fees.
A Start My Business companyHoliday offer: 50% off all trust packages through December 31
Start with just 1/2 down on any package -- upgrade anytime
Basic Foundation
Regular price: $2,92550% OFF
For clients with straightforward assets (1-2 LLCs, 1-2 properties, no litigation risk).
$1,462.50
Start with 1/2 down $731.25
All 14 trust types available
Transfer of 1 LLC and 1 property into the trust
Basic compliance checks (UCC lien search, title review)
1-hour consultation to finalize terms
7-step guided wizard with tooltips
Certificate of trust
Schedule A (asset inventory)
One trust amendment
Pour-over will template
PDF document downloads
Concierge Attorney Matching available as add-on
30-day money-back guarantee
Competitors often charge $5,000 - $15,000 for basic trusts. Every tier includes access to our Concierge Attorney Matching service, connecting you with a licensed attorney in your state when you need professional legal review.
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Advanced Growth
Regular price: $4,875 - $7,80050% OFF
For clients with 3-5 entities, multi-state properties, or moderate privacy needs.
Concierge Attorney Matching -- licensed attorney in your jurisdiction
Priority email support
30-day money-back guarantee
Includes Concierge Attorney Matching -- we locate and connect you with a licensed attorney in your state for professional document review and execution. No more guessing if your documents are right.
Elite Enterprise
Regular price: $12,75050% OFF
For high-net-worth clients (6+ entities, international assets, dynasty trusts).
$6,375
Or 2 payments of $3,187.50
All Advanced Growth services included
Multi-jurisdictional compliance (e.g., NY trust reporting, CA LLC rules)
International asset coordination (foreign bank accounts, offshore entities)
Concierge Attorney Matching -- priority placement with top-tier attorneys
Advanced client and case management
Custom trust provisions builder
Document versioning and audit trail
Full legal document library
Multi-user firm access
Business-to-trust conversion tool
Bulk document generation
Co-branding with your firm name
Includes priority Concierge Attorney Matching with elder law, estate planning, and special needs trust attorneys in your jurisdiction. Attorney matching is available for complex situations.
Elite Enterprise
Your Own White-Label Firm Dashboard
Elite Enterprise comes with a fully branded firm workspace. Add unlimited clients, create unlimited trusts, build custom provisions, and manage every case from one place -- all under your own firm name.
Add clients and create unlimited trusts
Build custom provisions and manage every case
No Attorney Required -- But Available If You Want One
You do not need a lawyer to do any of the paperwork. Our software walks you through every document yourself, and that is exactly why you save thousands over the traditional route. The same is true for ongoing upkeep: the platform helps you maintain and manage your trust over time without paying an attorney for every change. If you would feel more comfortable with a professional involved -- or you have a large estate or multiple entities -- we connect you with the best attorneys in your jurisdiction so you can move forward competently. You pay that attorney separately at their quoted rate.
Optional, not required
Feature Comparison
Feature
Basic Foundation
Advanced Growth
Elite Enterprise
Trust documents created
1-2
Unlimited
Unlimited
Trust types available
All 14 types
All 14 types
All 14 types
Entities covered
1-2 LLCs
3-5 entities
6+ entities
Properties transferred
1-2
Multi-state
International
CPA tax coordination
No
Yes
Yes
Layered LLC privacy
No
Yes (Wyoming holding)
Yes (multi-jurisdiction)
Custom clauses
No
Spendthrift/anti-Bartlett
Full custom
Consultation hours
1 hour
2-3 hours
Unlimited
Trust amendments
1 included
Unlimited
Unlimited + Annual
Compliance checks
Basic (UCC, title)
Multi-state filings
Multi-jurisdictional
IRS filings
No
No
Annual maintenance
International assets
No
No
Full coordination
Encrypted communication
No
No
Yes
Client management
No
Basic
Advanced
Support level
Email
Priority email
Priority + encrypted
Licensed attorney matching
Add-on available
Included
Priority placement
ANSWERS & RESOURCES
101 Questions About Trusts, Answered
Everything you need to know about trusts, trust types, costs, taxes, and more. Written in plain English at a reading level anyone can understand.
99 total questions across 6 categories
All answers written at a 7th-grade reading level for clarity
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