# Create a Living Trust online. A plan that covers everything. Customized, state-specific trusts for individuals or couples. Trust Plan Documents ## Everything you need for a smooth transition. A Trust Plan includes all the documents of the Will Plan, plus additional legal documents that are specific to your state’s requirements. All our documents are designed by estate planning attorneys and customized by you. ### Last Will and Testament (Pour-Over Will) A legally binding document that outlines: - Who inherits your assets—including money, property, and personal belongings. - Who will take care of your minor children or pets by naming a legal guardian. - Who will manage your affairs after you pass (your executor). - Your final arrangements, such as burial or cremation preferences. In a Trust, this document is known as a "Pour-Over Will." It ensures any assets not directly placed in your Trust are transferred into it upon your passing. **Why it matters**: Without a Will, state laws decide what happens to your assets and dependents, which may not align with your wishes. ### HIPAA Authorization This document allows your chosen representatives to access your medical records and discuss your healthcare with doctors: - Ensures your family or appointed decision-makers can get critical medical information. - Complies with federal privacy laws so providers can legally share details about your care. **Why it matters**: Without this, even close family members may be denied access to your medical information in an emergency. ### Advanced Healthcare Directive A legal document that outlines your medical preferences if you're unable to communicate them yourself. It includes: - Life-sustaining treatment preferences (e.g., ventilators, feeding tubes). - Pain management and comfort care choices. - Religious or personal values regarding end-of-life care. - Designation of a healthcare agent (someone who makes medical decisions on your behalf). **Why it matters**: If you don’t document your preferences, doctors or courts may decide for you, potentially against your wishes. ### Power of Attorney A Power of Attorney (POA) allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial or legal affairs if you become incapacitated: - Make financial transactions (pay bills, file taxes, manage investments). - Handle property and legal matters on your behalf. - Avoid costly court intervention by pre-selecting a trusted agent. **Why it matters**: Without a POA, your family may need court approval to handle your affairs, causing delays and expenses. ### Revocable Living Trust A legal entity that holds your assets and ensures they transfer directly to your beneficiaries without probate: - Bypasses court involvement, avoiding delays and legal fees. - Keeps your financial affairs private (unlike a Will, which becomes public record). - Allows for conditions on inheritances—such as delaying payouts until beneficiaries reach a certain age. - Lets you stay in control—you can update or revoke the Trust anytime during your lifetime. **Why it matters**: A Revocable Living Trust ensures a smooth transfer of assets while giving you greater control over how and when your wealth is distributed. ### Schedule of Assets A detailed inventory of assets that are included in your Trust: - Lists real estate, bank accounts, investments, and other property to clarify what’s covered. - Serves as an essential reference for your Trustee when managing distributions. - Helps prevent disputes by clearly documenting what is part of your estate. **Why it matters**: Without a properly recorded Schedule of Assets, some property could be excluded from your Trust, requiring probate. ### Certification of Trust A summary document proving your Trust exists without revealing all its details: - Used to verify your Trust with banks, financial institutions, and real estate transactions. - Protects your privacy by limiting access to full Trust documents. - Provides legal proof of your Trustee’s authority. **Why it matters**: Many financial institutions require verification before allowing transactions. This document prevents delays while keeping your full estate plan confidential. # Estate Plans: The Trust Plan ### The smartest way to pass on what you've built. A Trust helps your loved ones inherit assets quickly and privately, avoiding the lengthy and expensive probate process. Control exactly how and when your wealth is passed down, set conditions for distributions, and ensure your financial and healthcare wishes are followed. ### How It Works Our Trust Plan offers the ultimate solution to protect everything you've worked for—and everyone you care about. Every Trust Plan includes all the documents of a Will Plan, providing you with the most comprehensive coverage. ### Ready to get started? Join over 1 million Americans who have created their estate plans with Trust & Will. ### FAQs ### What is the difference between a Trust and a Will? A Revocable Living Trust is the most comprehensive Estate Plan and offers people more control over when and how their assets are distributed. Trusts also allow you to avoid probate court. A [Will](https://trustandwill.com/will/ "Learn More About a Last Will and Testament") Plan lets you nominate guardians for your children and specify your health care preferences, final arrangement wishes, and how you want your assets distributed. ### How long will it take to complete my Trust? Through Trust & Will, it takes as little as 30 minutes to complete your Trust. ### Does my Trust have to be notarized? Notarization is required for most Living Trusts. It may be possible to create a Trust without notarization, but most states require that the Trust be notarized in order to hold real property. Additionally, many banks and financial institutions will require your Trust to be notarized. ### Can I speak to an attorney about my Trust? While it is not necessary to hire an attorney to create a legally valid Trust, we do offer our members Attorney Support for an additional fee when you create your Trust through Trust & Will. When you add attorney support to your Trust-Based Estate Plan, you have unlimited access to an estate planning attorney. They can provide you with legal advice, discuss any tax consequences associated with your decisions, and review your documents. ### When should I update my Trust? We suggest that individuals review and/or update their Trusts after any life milestone or every three to five years. Milestones can include: marriage or remarriage, the purchase of new property, and any births or deaths in the family. ### How do I fund my Trust? How to fund a Trust varies depending on the nature of the property that is being transferred into the Trust. We break down all of the necessary steps it takes to properly fund your Trust so that you reap its benefits in our Trust Funding Guide. ### What is the difference between a Revocable and Irrevocable Trust? A Revocable Trust is a Trust that can be revoked, meaning it can be changed or updated at any given time as long as you are still living and of sound mind. An Irrevocable Trust cannot be easily amended, changed or terminated once it’s signed.