Answering the question “which revocable living trust kit should I choose?” this guide reviews five popular options to help you avoid probate, protect assets, and simplify family planning. Each kit targets different buyers—from first-time planners to couples seeking comprehensive documents. The top picks below are best for individuals, couples, and families seeking attorney-like forms with clear instructions, straightforward DIY steps, and 50-state compatibility where noted. A quick comparison table is included to help you compare core features at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Revocable Living Trust Kit – Attorney-Prepared, 50-State Compatible Trust Forms to Avoid Probate, Protect Assets & Support Family Planning | Single adults and families seeking attorney-style forms | 50-state compatibility and a complete estate planning kit |
| Revocable Living Trust Kit | DIY Forms with Easy Instructions | DIY planners and first-time users | Step-by-step guidance for easy setup |
| Revocable Living Trust Kit – Revocable Living Trust + Pour-Over Will + Trust Funding Checklist | Couples and those needing a pour-over will | Includes a pour-over will and funding checklist |
| 2 Pack Revocable Living Trust Kit – Attorney-Prepared, 50-State Compatible Forms to Avoid Probate | Households needing multiple kits | Two kits with the same 50-state forms and features |
Revocable Living Trust Kit – Attorney-Prepared, 50-State Compatible Forms
Best for individuals who want attorney-style forms without hiring a lawyer. This kit includes comprehensive revocable trust documents tailored for 50-state validity, with clear signing, witnessing, and notarization instructions. It also provides a sample trust and an instructional Schedule A section. Use this kit when privacy and probate avoidance are priorities for assets transferred into the trust during lifetime or upon death. Limitations: It relies on self-guided execution; consult professional help for complex asset structures or unusual family situations.
Revocable Living Trust Kit | DIY Forms with Easy Instructions
Best for DIY planners who want a guided, easily understood process. The kit offers a step-by-step guide to fill out revocable living trust forms, with a focus on organizing essential estate information. It’s suitable for individuals or couples starting with a straightforward estate plan and who prefer a clearly structured approach. Caution: The DIY format may not substitute for professional advice in complex asset situations.
Revocable Living Trust Kit – Revocable Living Trust + Pour-Over Will + Trust Funding Checklist
This kit fits couples or individuals who want a complete package, including a pour-over will and a trust funding checklist. The attorney-drafted templates provide a practical path to transferring assets into the trust and ensuring a smooth transition on death. Best for those who want a structured fallback plan for assets outside the trust. Limitation: May require additional review for complex real estate holdings or non-probate assets.
2 Pack Revocable Living Trust Kit – Attorney-Prepared
Best for households needing multiple kits with identical core forms. This 2-pack provides the same attorney-prepared revocable trust package and 50-state compatible forms as the single kits, allowing separate trusts for spouses or for different family members. It’s better for those seeking scalable estate planning while keeping documents consistent. Note: Check if both kits align with the same state requirements for signing or notarization.
Buying Guide
- What should be included in a revocable living trust kit?
- Core trust documents (trust agreement, pour-over will, beneficiary designations)
- Instructions for signing, witnessing, and notarization
- Schedule A and any state-specific forms
- Guidance for funding the trust (transferring assets)
- Which kit is best for my situation?
- Attorney-prepared, 50-state forms: Best for new buyers who want professional-style forms and broad state compatibility.
- DIY with easy instructions: Best for hands-on planners who prefer a guided, straightforward process.
- Pour-over will included: Best for those who want a fallback plan for assets outside the trust.
- Multi-pack options: Best for couples or families needing multiple, consistent sets of forms.
- What are common cautions to consider?
- DIY kits may lack personalized advice for complex assets or unusual family situations.
- State-specific requirements can vary; ensure your documents meet local notarization and witnessing rules.
- Funding the trust is critical; failure to transfer assets correctly can undermine probate avoidance goals.
- How to fund a revocable trust effectively?
- Transfer bank accounts, real estate, pensions, and investment accounts into the trust.
- Update beneficiary designations where needed and align it with the trust terms.
- Keep an updated asset list and regularly review documents as laws and life circumstances change.
FAQ
Can a revocable living trust prevent probate?
Yes. Properly funded, a revocable living trust can help assets bypass probate, maintaining privacy and streamlining transfers to beneficiaries.
Do I need an attorney to use these kits?
Not always. These kits are designed to be DIY-friendly, but complex estates or unique family situations may benefit from professional legal review.
Will a pour-over will always work with a revocable living trust?
A pour-over will catches assets not formally transferred to the trust and directs them into the trust after death, providing a backup mechanism.
What does “50-state compatible” mean?
It means the forms are designed to be valid across all states, with clear guidance on signing, witnessing, and notarization to help avoid probate in many jurisdictions.
How often should I revisit my estate plan?
Review at least every 2–3 years or after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, death, purchase of real estate) to ensure accuracy and compliance.