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Free Living Trust Template

Create a revocable living trust to manage your assets during your lifetime, avoid probate, and ensure your property passes smoothly to your beneficiaries. Our free US template covers everything you need.

Create Your Living Trust (Revocable)
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MARGARET L. CHEN LIVING TRUST
Individual Revocable Living Trust  ·  Governed By The Law Of The State Of California
GRANTOR (TRUST CREATOR)
Margaret L. Chen
4521 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Date of Birth: March 15, 1965
SSN (last 4): ***-**-7890
Marital Status: Single
Created: March 13, 2026
Individual - Probate Avoidance - State of California
This Revocable Living Trust Agreement (this "Trust") is entered into as of March 13, 2026 by Margaret L. Chen (the "Grantor"), in the State of California. The Grantor hereby declares that they are creating this Individual Revocable Living Trust to be known as the Margaret L. Chen Living Trust, and that this Trust is created in accordance with Cal. Prob. Code §§15200 et seq. (Trust Law). The parties agree as follows:
1.
DECLARATION OF TRUST
I, Margaret L. Chen (the "Grantor"), of 4521 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, hereby declare that I am creating this Individual Revocable Living Trust, to be known as the Margaret L. Chen Living Trust (the "Trust"), effective as of March 13, 2026, and I transfer to the Trustee the property described herein, to be held, administered, and distributed in accordance with the terms of this Trust Agreement. This Trust is created under the trust code of the State of California (Cal. Prob. Code §§15200 et seq. (Trust Law)), and shall constitute a valid inter vivos trust under applicable California law.

The primary purpose of this Trust is probate avoidance for the benefit of the Grantor during the Grantor's lifetime and for the named beneficiaries thereafter.
2.
TRUSTEE APPOINTMENT
The Grantor, Margaret L. Chen, shall serve as the initial Trustee of this Trust.

Successor Trustee: In the event the initial Trustee is unable or unwilling to serve, resigns, is removed, or otherwise ceases to act as Trustee, Emily Chen, residing at 892 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90017, shall serve as Successor Trustee, with all the rights, powers, and duties of the initial Trustee, as provided by the successor-trustee provisions of Cal. Prob. Code §§15200 et seq. (Trust Law). If the first Successor Trustee is unable or unwilling to serve, David Chen shall serve as the next Successor Trustee.

Trustee Powers and Fiduciary Duties: The Trustee shall have full power and authority, including the powers enumerated under the general fiduciary powers provided by Cal. Prob. Code §§15200 et seq. (Trust Law) and the Uniform Prudent Investor Act (UPIA), to manage, invest, sell, lease, mortgage, pledge, exchange, and otherwise deal with all Trust property as the Trustee deems advisable, without the necessity of obtaining court approval. The Trustee shall invest and manage Trust assets as a prudent investor would, considering the purposes, terms, distribution requirements, and other circumstances of the Trust, and shall exercise reasonable care, skill, and caution. The Trustee shall also comply with the duty to inform and report to qualified beneficiaries, including furnishing annual accountings upon request.

Compensation: The Trustee shall serve without compensation, except for reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in the administration of this Trust.
3.
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS
Upon the death of the Grantor, the Trustee shall distribute the Trust property to the following beneficiaries:

Primary Beneficiaries:
1. Emily Chen (Daughter) - 60% of the Trust estate
2. David Chen (Son) - 40% of the Trust estate

Contingent Beneficiary: If all primary beneficiaries predecease the Grantor or otherwise fail to survive the Grantor, the Trust property shall be distributed to Chen Family Foundation, in equal shares.
4.
GRANTOR'S RESERVED RIGHTS
During the Grantor's lifetime, and consistent with Cal. Prob. Code §§15200 et seq. (Trust Law) (grantor reserved-rights provisions), the Grantor reserves the following rights: (a) to use and enjoy all Trust property; (b) to receive all income generated by the Trust; (c) to add property to the Trust at any time; (d) to withdraw property from the Trust at any time; (e) to direct the Trustee regarding the management and investment of Trust assets; and (f) to amend, modify, or revoke this Trust in whole or in part at any time, subject to the amendment provisions of this Agreement. Because the Grantor retains these powers of revocation and direction, the Trust shall be treated as a "grantor trust" for federal income tax purposes under IRC §§671-679 (principally §676 – power to revoke), and all items of Trust income, deduction, and credit shall be reported on the Grantor’s individual income tax return during the Grantor’s lifetime.
5.
TRUST PROPERTY SCHEDULE
The following property is hereby transferred to and shall be held by the Trustee as part of the Trust estate (the "Trust Estate"):

Real Estate:
4521 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265 - Primary residence, estimated value $2,100,000
1200 Mountain View Road, Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 - Vacation property, estimated value $850,000

Bank Accounts:
First National Bank - Checking Account, approximate balance $85,000
First National Bank - Savings Account, approximate balance $250,000

Investment Accounts:
Vanguard Brokerage Account - diversified portfolio, approximate value $620,000
Fidelity IRA - approximate value $380,000

Personal Property:
Art collection - estimated value $45,000
Jewelry collection - estimated value $30,000

Vehicles:
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 - VIN WDC0G8EB1RF000123

Life Insurance Policies:
Pacific Life - Policy #PL-2847291 - Face value $500,000

The Grantor may transfer additional property to this Trust at any time by deed, assignment, or other appropriate instrument of transfer.
6.
MINOR BENEFICIARY PROVISIONS
If any beneficiary is a minor at the time of distribution, the Trustee shall hold such beneficiary's share in a separate sub-trust until the beneficiary reaches the age of twenty-five (25). During this period, the Trustee may distribute income and principal for the beneficiary's health, education, maintenance, and support. Upon reaching the specified age, the remaining balance shall be distributed outright to the beneficiary.
7.
SPENDTHRIFT CLAUSE
Pursuant to Cal. Prob. Code §15300 et seq., no beneficiary shall have the right to anticipate, assign, pledge, or encumber their interest in the Trust, nor shall any interest of a beneficiary be subject to the claims of creditors or to legal process prior to actual distribution. This Trust shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by applicable California law, subject to the exceptions for support obligations and governmental claims recognized in this jurisdiction.
8.
RETIREMENT ACCOUNT BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION (SECURE 2.0)
If this Trust is named as a designated beneficiary of any of the Grantor's tax-qualified retirement accounts (including individual retirement accounts (IRAs), 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, and similar accounts), the Trustee shall comply with the SECURE Act (Pub. L. 116-94, eff. 2019) and the SECURE 2.0 Act (Pub. L. 117-328, eff. 2022) post-death distribution rules. In particular, the Trustee shall distribute the inherited account in full within ten (10) years of the Grantor's death (the "10-Year Rule" of IRC §401(a)(9)(H)), unless an "eligible designated beneficiary" exception applies (surviving spouse, minor child, disabled or chronically ill person, individual not more than 10 years younger than Grantor). The Trustee shall act to qualify this Trust as a "see-through trust" under Treas. Reg. §1.401(a)(9)-4 and shall provide the required documentation to the plan administrator by October 31 of the year following the Grantor's death.
9.
INCAPACITY PLANNING
If the Grantor becomes incapacitated, the Successor Trustee shall assume management of the Trust and all Trust property.

Definition of Incapacity: Two licensed physicians certify in writing that the Grantor is unable to manage financial affairs or make informed decisions regarding property and personal welfare

Healthcare Decisions and HIPAA Authorization: During incapacity, the Successor Trustee shall have authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the Grantor, in consultation with the Grantor's physicians. The Grantor hereby authorizes the release of protected health information (PHI) to the Successor Trustee pursuant to HIPAA, 45 C.F.R. §§164.502(g)(1)-(3), 164.508, and 164.512, to the extent necessary to administer this Trust and make informed healthcare decisions.

Financial Management: Successor Trustee shall manage all trust assets, pay bills, maintain insurance policies, file tax returns, and maintain the Grantor's standard of living

Mental Health Directive: In the event of mental health treatment decisions, the Grantor directs that the designated agent shall consider the Grantor's previously expressed preferences, consult with the Grantor's mental health providers, and make decisions that prioritize the Grantor's dignity, autonomy, and well-being.
10.
REVOCABILITY AND AMENDMENT
This Trust is revocable. Consistent with Cal. Prob. Code §§15200 et seq. (Trust Law) (revocability provisions), the Grantor reserves the right to amend, modify, or revoke this Trust in whole or in part at any time during the Grantor's lifetime, provided the Grantor has legal capacity to do so. Any amendment or revocation must be in writing and signed by the Grantor. Upon the death of the Grantor, this Trust shall become irrevocable and may not be amended or revoked.
11.
POUR-OVER WILL PROVISION
The Grantor is strongly advised to execute a pour-over will directing that any assets owned by the Grantor at the time of death that are not already held in this Trust shall be transferred to the Trustee of this Trust and distributed in accordance with the terms of this Trust Agreement. Pour-over wills are expressly validated by the Uniform Testamentary Additions to Trusts Act (UTATA), as adopted in most U.S. jurisdictions, and codified at UPC §2-511. A pour-over will ensures that assets inadvertently omitted from the Trust are still distributed according to the Grantor's wishes, although such assets may be subject to probate proceedings under the probate code of California.
12.
GOVERNING LAW
This Trust Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, including Cal. Prob. Code §§15200 et seq. (Trust Law) and its probate code. The designation of governing law is made pursuant to the choice-of-law principles of California. If any provision of this Trust is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable under applicable law, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.
13.
ACCEPTANCE OF TRUST
By signing below, the Trustee accepts the Trust created by this Agreement and agrees to hold, manage, and distribute the Trust property in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. The Trustee acknowledges that they have read and understood the terms of this Trust Agreement and accept the fiduciary duties and responsibilities imposed upon them.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantor has executed this Living Trust Agreement as of the date first written above in the State of California.
GRANTOR
Margaret L. Chen
Grantor
Date: ____________________
TRUSTEE
Margaret L. Chen
Trustee
Date: ____________________
NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT
State of ________________________, County of ________________________

On this ______ day of ________________________, 20______, before me personally appeared Margaret L. Chen, known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same for the purposes therein contained.
Notary Public Signature
My commission expires: ___________________________

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What Is a Living Trust?

A living trust, also known as a revocable living trust or inter vivos trust, is a legal arrangement used throughout the United States in which you (the grantor) transfer ownership of your assets to a trust that you manage during your lifetime. Unlike a will, which only takes effect after death, a U.S. living trust is active from the moment it is signed. You retain full control as the trustee and can modify, amend, or revoke the trust at any time while you are mentally competent.

The primary advantage of an American living trust is probate avoidance. When you pass away, assets held in the trust bypass the court-supervised probate process entirely, allowing your successor trustee to distribute property directly to your beneficiaries. This means faster distribution, significantly lower legal costs, and complete privacy since trust documents are not filed with any public court. For families in U.S. states with lengthy or expensive probate proceedings, a living trust can save thousands of dollars and months of delay.

A living trust also provides critical protection if you become incapacitated. If you are unable to manage your affairs due to illness or injury, your named successor trustee can step in immediately to manage the trust assets without the need for a U.S. court-appointed conservatorship. This seamless transition of management is one of the most important benefits an American living trust offers over a simple will.

What's Covered in This Template

Doxuno's living trust template includes all essential provisions needed to create a legally sound revocable living trust in the United States. Each section can be customized to fit your specific estate planning needs.

Grantor Information

Trust Name and Date

Trustee Appointment

Beneficiary Designations

Trust Property Schedule

Spendthrift Clause

Special Distributions

Incapacity Planning

Amendment Provisions

Revocation Rights

Governing Law

Signature and Notarization

How to Create a Living Trust

Setting up a living trust is one of the most important estate planning steps you can take. Our template walks you through each section so you can build a complete trust document in minutes. Follow these five steps to get started.

  1. 1

    Identify the Grantor

    Enter the full legal name and current address of the person creating the trust. The grantor is the individual who owns the assets being placed into the trust. In most cases, the grantor also serves as the initial trustee, retaining full control over all trust property during their lifetime.

  2. 2

    Define Trust Details

    Give your trust a name, select the state where it will be governed, and set the creation date. A common naming convention is "The [Your Name] Revocable Living Trust." The state of formation determines which trust laws apply to your document.

  3. 3

    Appoint Trustees and Successors

    Designate a successor trustee who will manage the trust if you become incapacitated or pass away. You can also name a second successor trustee as a backup. Choose someone you trust completely, whether a family member, close friend, or professional fiduciary such as a bank trust department.

  4. 4

    Name Your Beneficiaries

    List the people or organizations who will receive your trust assets when you pass away. Specify each beneficiary's percentage share and designate contingent beneficiaries who will inherit if a primary beneficiary predeceases you. You can add up to five beneficiaries in the template.

  5. 5

    Review and Download

    Preview the complete trust document with all your information filled in, then download it as a PDF. After downloading, you will need to sign the trust in front of a notary public (required in most states) and then begin funding the trust by transferring asset titles into the trust's name.

Why Doxuno documents are different

Four things that make our templates more thorough than AI-generated drafts and more current than static template libraries.

Accurate

Country-specific legal content

Drafted with legal expertise for each jurisdiction, far more thorough than AI-generated drafts that copy generic clauses across borders.

Always current

Always current with the law

Templates carrying statute references are continuously updated as the law changes. Your document always reflects the current legal framework.

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Print-ready PDF

Free to download. Vector text, embedded fonts, statute citations baked in. Print, sign, file. Ready for any signing flow including electronic signature.

Word · .docx

Editable Word (.docx)

Continue editing in Word after download. Add custom clauses, reuse the template for similar agreements, or share with a colleague for collaborative review.

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Legal Considerations for US Living Trusts

Creating a living trust involves important legal considerations that vary by state. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your trust is valid, properly funded, and achieves your estate planning goals.

This template is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For complex estates or unique family situations, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Reviewed by legal professionals. The content on this page and the template clauses have been reviewed by licensed attorneys in the United States to ensure accuracy and legal soundness for standard revocable living trust scenarios.

Signing and Notarization Requirements

Most U.S. states require the grantor to sign the living trust document in front of a notary public for the trust to be legally valid. Some American states also recommend or require witnesses. While a trust does not need to be filed with any U.S. court or government agency to be effective, having it properly notarized provides an additional layer of legal protection and makes it easier to use when transferring assets.

Funding the Trust Is Essential

A living trust only controls assets that have been formally transferred into it. This process, known as "funding," involves changing the title or ownership of your assets to the name of the trust. Real estate requires a new deed, bank accounts need a title change, and investment accounts must be re-registered. Any assets left outside the trust will not benefit from probate avoidance and may need to pass through a will.

Consider a Pour-Over Will

Even with a living trust, estate planning attorneys recommend creating a pour-over will as a safety net. A pour-over will directs that any assets not already in the trust at the time of your death be transferred into the trust. While those assets may still go through probate, the pour-over will ensures they are ultimately distributed according to the trust's terms rather than state intestacy laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Protect Your Family and Assets Today

Create a professional U.S. living trust in minutes. Our American template covers grantor details, trustee appointments, beneficiary designations, and all the provisions you need to avoid probate and secure your estate.

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