Revocable Living Trust
Learn what goes into a living trust by reviewing a sample, then use our fillable template to draft your own.
"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." — Proverbs 27:12
Important: A living trust is a legally binding document. We strongly recommend having it reviewed by a qualified attorney. Find a Legal Professional
Will vs. Living Trust — Which Do You Need?
Many estate planners recommend having both. A living trust handles your primary assets, while a "pour-over will" catches anything not yet transferred into the trust.
Last Will & Testament
View Template →- •Takes effect only after death
- •Goes through probate (court-supervised, can take months)
- •Becomes public record during probate
- •Can be contested in probate court
- •Can name guardians for minor children (a trust cannot)
- •Simpler and less expensive to create
- •Does not cover incapacity
Best for: Simpler estates, naming guardians, or as a safety net alongside a trust.
Revocable Living Trust
You Are Here- •Takes effect immediately when created
- •Avoids probate entirely — faster, private transfer
- •Remains completely private — never public record
- •Much harder to contest — no public probate process
- •Revocable — change or cancel it anytime during your lifetime
- •Covers incapacity — successor trustee manages your assets
- •Must transfer assets into the trust ("funding")
Best for: Real estate, larger estates, privacy, avoiding probate, and incapacity planning.
Not sure which you need? Ask a professional advisor — they can help you determine the best strategy for your situation.
Important Legal Disclaimer
This template is provided by Heritage Rescue for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Laws governing trusts vary by state and jurisdiction. A trust that does not comply with your state's specific requirements may be invalid or unenforceable. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified attorney licensed in your state before creating, signing, or relying on any legal document. Heritage Rescue assumes no liability for the use of this template.
Do You Have a Family Member with Disabilities?
If any of your beneficiaries receive government benefits (Medicaid, SSI), do NOT include them as a direct beneficiary in this trust. Doing so could disqualify them from those benefits. A Pooled Special Needs Trust may be required. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance.
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IMPORTANT LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This template is provided by Heritage Rescue for educational and informational purposes only. It is NOT a substitute for professional legal advice. Laws governing trusts vary by state and jurisdiction. A trust that does not comply with your state's specific requirements may be invalid or unenforceable. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified attorney licensed in your state before creating, signing, or relying on any legal document. Heritage Rescue assumes no liability for the use of this template.
Reviewing a sample living trust with example data highlighted in yellow.
Revocable Living Trust Agreement
The Margaret Anne Thompson Living Trust
Dated: January 15, 2026
Article I — Establishment of Trust
I, Margaret Anne Thompson, a resident of Maricopa County, State of Arizona, hereby establish this Revocable Living Trust, to be known as the Margaret Anne Thompson Living Trust. I am the Grantor of this Trust. I reserve the right to amend, modify, or revoke this Trust during my lifetime.
Article II — Appointment of Trustee
I appoint myself, Margaret Anne Thompson, as the initial Trustee of this Trust.
If I become incapacitated or unable to serve as Trustee, I appoint David Michael Thompson as Successor Trustee. If David Michael Thompson is unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint Susan Marie Thompson-Clark as alternate Successor Trustee.
The Successor Trustee shall serve without bond and shall have all powers granted to the initial Trustee under this agreement and applicable law.
Article III — Trust Property
I hereby transfer to this Trust the property listed in Schedule A attached hereto, together with any additional property that may be added to this Trust from time to time.
Schedule A — Trust Assets
- Residential property at 4521 Desert Rose Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85018
- Savings account at Wells Fargo Bank, Account ending in 4872
- Investment account at Vanguard, Account ending in 9301
- 2022 Toyota Camry, VIN ending in 7834
Article IV — Administration During Grantor's Lifetime
During my lifetime, the Trustee shall hold, manage, and distribute the Trust property for my benefit. I retain the following rights:
- The right to all income generated by the Trust property.
- The right to use and enjoy all Trust property.
- The right to add or remove property from the Trust at any time.
- The right to amend or revoke this Trust in whole or in part.
Article V — Incapacity Provisions
If I become incapacitated as determined by two licensed physicians, the Successor Trustee shall manage the Trust property for my benefit, paying for my care, support, and maintenance from Trust assets. The Successor Trustee may also provide for the support of my dependents as needed.
Article VI — Distribution Upon Death
Upon my death, after payment of all debts, taxes, and expenses of administration, the Trustee shall distribute the remaining Trust property as follows:
- I give my residential property at 4521 Desert Rose Lane to David Michael Thompson.
- I give $15,000 (fifteen thousand dollars) to First Baptist Church of Phoenix, AZ.
- I give my grandmother's diamond ring and jewelry collection to Susan Marie Thompson-Clark.
All remaining Trust property shall be distributed equally among my three children: David Michael Thompson, Susan Marie Thompson-Clark, and James Robert Thompson, in equal shares of one-third (1/3) each.
If any beneficiary predeceases me, that beneficiary's share shall pass to their surviving children (my grandchildren), in equal shares per stirpes.
Article VII — Powers of Trustee
The Trustee shall have the following powers, in addition to those granted by law:
- To sell, exchange, lease, or mortgage any Trust property.
- To invest and reinvest Trust assets in any form of property.
- To borrow money and encumber Trust property as security.
- To employ attorneys, accountants, and other professionals.
- To make distributions in cash or in kind.
- To do all acts necessary for the proper management of the Trust.
Article VIII — Revocation and Amendment
I reserve the right to revoke or amend this Trust at any time during my lifetime by delivering a written instrument to the Trustee. Upon revocation, all Trust property shall be returned to me. This Trust shall become irrevocable upon my death.
Article IX — General Provisions
- Severability: If any provision of this Trust is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
- Governing Law: This Trust shall be governed by the laws of the State of Arizona.
- No Contest Clause: If any beneficiary contests the validity of this Trust, that beneficiary's share shall be reduced to one dollar ($1.00).
Signatures
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this Revocable Living Trust Agreement on this 15th day of January, 2026.
Grantor
Margaret Anne Thompson
Trustee (if different from Grantor)
Same as Grantor
Notarization (recommended)
State of _____________ , County of _____________
Before me, the undersigned authority, on this _____ day of _____________, 20_____, personally appeared the Grantor, known to me to be the person whose name is signed to the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they signed it voluntarily for its stated purpose.
Notary Public
My Commission Expires
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