Living Trust Preparation
Protect your assets and avoid the time and expense of probate. Our document preparation service helps you create a comprehensive revocable living trust package.
Complete Package
5-7 business days
Benefits of a Living Trust
Avoid Probate
Assets in the trust pass directly to beneficiaries without court involvement
Maintain Privacy
Unlike wills, trusts are not public record
Incapacity Planning
Successor trustee can manage assets if you become incapacitated
Flexible Control
Revocable trusts can be modified or revoked at any time
Living Trust vs. Will — How Do They Compare?
| Feature | Living Trust | Will Only |
|---|---|---|
| Avoids Probate | Yes | No |
| Controls Asset Distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | Private | Public Probate |
| Cost | Moderate | Low |
Living Trust Preparation Packages
Choose the package that fits your estate planning needs. All packages include professional document preparation.
Basic Living Trust Preparation
$699
Ideal for individuals with a simple estate who want to avoid probate and organize their assets.
- Revocable Living Trust document
- Certificate of Trust
- Asset schedule worksheet
- Trust funding instructions
- Digital document copies
Complete Living Trust Package
$899
Our most popular option for families who want a complete trust structure and probate protection.
- Revocable Living Trust
- Certificate of Trust
- Pour-Over Will
- Personal property assignment document
- Trust funding guide
- Estate distribution worksheet
- Email support for trust funding questions
Estate Protection Trust Package
$1,495
A full estate planning document preparation package designed for families who want a comprehensive trust-based plan.
- Revocable Living Trust
- Certificate of Trust
- Pour-Over Will
- Personal property assignment
- Financial power of attorney template
- Medical power of attorney template
- Trust funding checklist
- Estate planning summary
Living Trust Preparation Process
Consultation
Discuss your estate planning goals and family situation
Information
Complete detailed questionnaire about assets and beneficiaries
Drafting
We prepare your complete trust package
Review
Review all documents and request any changes
Funding
Guidance on transferring assets into the trust
Information We'll Need
Personal & Family Info
- Full legal names of all grantors
- Names and info of beneficiaries
- Successor trustee designation
- Guardian nominations for minors
- Special needs beneficiary info
Asset Information
- Real estate property details
- Bank and investment accounts
- Business interests
- Valuable personal property
- Life insurance policies
Expected Timeline
2-3
Days for consultation & info gathering
3-4
Days for document preparation
5-7
Total business days
Start Your Living Trust Preparation
Fill out the form below and we'll reach out to get started on your trust documents.
Important Notice
ClearPath Document Services provides document preparation assistance only. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. Living trusts have significant legal and tax implications. We recommend consulting with an estate planning attorney for complex estates or specific legal questions.
Related Estate Planning Services
Ready to Protect Your Legacy?
Start your living trust preparation today. Avoid probate and ensure your assets are protected.
Quick Answer
How does a living trust help me avoid probate in Michigan?
A Michigan revocable living trust lets you transfer ownership of your assets into the trust while you remain in control as trustee. When you pass away, assets held in the trust go directly to your beneficiaries — no probate court required. The key step is 'funding' the trust: retitling your accounts and property into the trust's name.
Key Terms
- Revocable Living Trust
- A trust you create and control during your lifetime. You can change or cancel it at any time. Assets in the trust pass to beneficiaries at death without going through probate.
- Pour-Over Will
- A companion will that 'pours' any assets left outside the trust into it at death. It ensures nothing is accidentally left out of the trust's distribution plan.
- Certificate of Trust
- A shortened version of the trust document — typically 2–3 pages — that banks and title companies accept as proof the trust exists without revealing private distribution details.
- Successor Trustee
- The person (or institution) you name to manage and distribute the trust after you pass away or become incapacitated. They step in automatically without court involvement.
- Trust Funding
- Retitling your assets — bank accounts, investment accounts, real estate — into the name of your trust. An unfunded trust does NOT avoid probate for those assets.
- MCL 700.7101
- Michigan's Trust Code, which governs the creation, administration, and termination of trusts in Michigan. It provides the legal framework for revocable living trusts.