revocable living trust

A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement you create while alive. You move assets into it, and you can change or cancel it at any time. You usually serve as your own trustee. When you die, your named successor trustee follows your instructions and passes the assets on. Assets held in the trust generally do not go through court probate.

A round example. For example, a couple in California puts their home and brokerage account into their trust. When the second spouse dies, the successor trustee pays final bills and gives the assets to the named heirs. No court case is needed for those assets. This is a general illustration, not advice.

What it does not do. A revocable trust does not shield assets from creditors in your lifetime, and it does not by itself reduce income tax. Assets must be retitled into it to work.

Why it matters to your plan. A trust can also hold your wishes for how heirs receive money and how you give. Ask an estate planning attorney what fits your family. See our trust and estate planning page.