How to Change the Name on an Amended Living Trust

A living trust is a legal device that is an estate planning tool and an alternative to a will. The living trust, sometimes called an inter vivos trust, permits the trustor -- the person who created the trust -- to place property into the trust for safekeeping until his death. The trustee, another individual or entity, will then distribute the proceeds from the trust to various beneficiaries according to the terms of the trust. During your life as the trustor, you can quite easily change the names within the trust by amendment.

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Review the newest version of your amended living trust. Read the document thoroughly and carefully to determine the names that you wish to change. For example, you may wish to change the trustee or beneficiaries.
- 2
  
  Type the contents of your amended living trust onto a new document. If you have an electronic copy of your amended living trust, this step will be simple. Otherwise, you will have to type out the entirety of your living trust as a new document. Find the names in the living trust that you wish to change. Change the names according to your preference.
- 3
  
  Type a paragraph at the top of your newly amended living trust. State that the trust document is your only living trust and that you revoke any and all prior trusts, specifically mentioning the previous trust. Sign and date the living trust. Consult with an attorney to determine whether it is also necessary for witnesses to sign your living trust, as this varies by your state of residence.