How to Prepare Living Trusts Online
You have several choices when preparing end-of-life documents. A traditional will must usually go through probate, which can be a lengthy process. Setting up a living trust can help avoid probate and even reduce estate taxes. In a trust, the trustee holds the title of property for a beneficiary. You can even maintain control over your property by serving as the trustee of your own living trust. Then, when you die, the assets transfer to the named beneficiaries. This form of trust is called a "living trust" because it is set up while you are still alive.
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Instructions
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Online Preparation
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Choose a successor trustee who administers the trust after you die. This trustee will sign over the property to your named beneficiaries. When the transfer is complete, the living trust is finished.
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Create your own living trust online using a form such as Nolo's Online Living Trust. The process is similar to writing a will, and can be done without using a lawyer. Simply log in and answer a series of questions. Nolo's Online Living Trust provides information and will print out a copy of your living trust document. Another such service is provided by LegalZoom.com. You answer questions and the service mails you the completed forms.
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Prepare to create your trust online before signing up. Compile a list of property that you want to put into your trust. List your beneficiaries and alternate beneficiaries. List your first and second choice for successor trustees. The online services walk you through each step of the process. Nolo's service also offers customer service by email or phone. The LegalZoom site allows you to go through the questionnaire process at no charge and pay only when you are satisfied.
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Get your trust notarized and recorded. Nolo's online service will provide instructions for those steps.
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Make a will, even if you create a living trust. Your will should name someone to receive any property that you haven't designated to a specific beneficiary in your trust, such as property you acquired after you drew up your living trust.
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