About Living Trust Document Preparation
A living trust package commonly identifies the trust maker, trustees, successor trustees and beneficiaries and states how trust property should be handled. Related documents may address incapacity and the transfer of selected assets.
The customer must decide who will serve, who will inherit and what terms should apply. The office cannot recommend estate-planning choices, tax strategies or asset-protection methods.
California availability: This page concerns self-help document preparation for California matters. Services, procedures and pricing vary by independently owned office.
Documents and information commonly requested
The exact package depends on the customer’s selected service, instructions and local requirements. Common items may include:
- Revocable living trust
- Certification or summary of trust
- Pour-over will
- Durable power of attorney
- Advance healthcare directive
- Trust-transfer documents when offered
How document preparation works
Provide family, beneficiary, trustee and asset information together with the decisions you have made. The office prepares the selected package and explains signing and delivery procedures without giving legal advice.
You remain responsible for reviewing the completed documents, confirming that your information and directions were entered correctly, signing where required and meeting applicable deadlines. Ask the local office which clerical filing, recording, publication, notary or service options it offers.
Common questions
What does living trust document preparation include?
A package may include the trust, certification, pour-over will, power of attorney, healthcare directive and selected transfer documents, depending on the office.
Is living trust document preparation available at every California By The People office?
No. Service availability, process, timing and pricing vary among independently owned California offices. Contact the office that would prepare your documents.
Can a By The People office tell me what choices to make?
No. The customer must select the service and provide the decisions and information used to prepare the documents. Offices do not provide legal advice or representation.
Are filing, recording, publication or service fees included?
Third-party charges are separate unless the local office specifically states otherwise in its written quote.