Why A Revocable Living Trust Package May Be The Best Gift You Ever Give Your Family
- Taylor Mohr
- Apr 28
- 5 min read
When most people hear the words "estate plan," they think of a will. And while a will is important, it’s just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. If you want to protect your family, avoid court battles, and make things as easy as possible for the people you love, you need a comprehensive plan — not just a single document.
That’s why we frequently recommend a Complete Revocable Living Trust Package.It covers every major part of your estate planning needs, so nothing is left to chance.
Here’s what’s generally included — and why it matters (though you will need to meet with an attorney to confirm whether this is the right package for you and your family)
1. The Foundation: Your Revocable Living Trust
At the heart of the package is the revocable living trust. A trust is a legal document that holds your assets and passes them to your beneficiaries after your death — without the need for probate. Probate is the court process that can take months (or years) and cost your family a lot of money and stress.
The beauty of a revocable trust is that it’s flexible: you can change it anytime while you're alive and mentally capable. It puts you in full control, both now and later.
Key reasons you may need a trust:
✅ Avoids expensive and slow probate process
✅ Reduces estate taxes
✅ Streamlines estate administration so your beneficiaries don't have to hire an attorney and there are no delays in handling your estate
✅ Protects young children by avoiding guardianship of their inheritance
2. Funding and Administrative Documents
Creating the trust is just the first step — you also need to fund it by connecting your assets (like bank accounts, real estate, and investments) to the trust. We prepare all necessary supporting documents to make sure your plan actually works when it’s needed, including:
Funding Instructions: Step-by-step guidance to properly title your assets in the trust’s name so that everything is protected and probate can be avoided.
Certificate of Trust: A shortened version of the full trust you can share with banks and other institutions to prove the trust’s existence while keeping your private details confidential.
Assignment of Personal Property: A formal document that transfers general personal belongings (like furniture, jewelry, and household items) into your trust, protecting them without needing probate.
Trust Summary: A plain-language overview that explains your trust’s main terms and structure at a glance — making it easy for you (and your trustee) to understand the essentials.
Quick Reference Card: A handy tool for your trustee, listing where important documents are kept and providing key contacts to help them act quickly when needed.
Key reasons funding and administration documents matter:
✅ Ensure all your assets are properly linked to your trust
✅ Protect your privacy when dealing with banks and financial institutions
✅ Help your loved ones quickly and confidently carry out your wishes
3. The Safety Net: Pour-Over Will
Mistakes happen. Assets can sometimes be left out of a trust by accident.
That’s where a pour-over will comes in. It acts as a backup plan, "catching" anything that wasn’t properly funded into the trust and making sure it still ends up where you intended. This document also designates the guardian for minor children in the event both parents pass away.
Key reasons to have a pour-over will:
✅ Catches assets not already placed into the trust
✅ Prevents unintended distributions under state law
✅ Consolidates everything under your trust for simpler administration
✅ Ensures your children are raised by the people you choose
4. Medical Power of Attorney
If you’re ever unable to speak for yourself due to an illness or injury, a medical power of attorney allows someone you trust to step in and make healthcare decisions for you.
Key reasons to have a medical power of attorney:
✅ Names the right decision-maker for healthcare choices
✅ Avoids costly court proceedings to appoint a guardian
✅ Prevents family disputes during a medical crisis
✅ Gives prompt access to medical information
5. HIPAA Release
Even if you name someone to make medical decisions, healthcare providers can’t share your medical information unless you’ve signed a HIPAA release.
Key reasons to have a HIPAA release:
✅ Gives access to critical medical information
✅ Ensures timely medical decisions can be made
✅ Complies with privacy laws while protecting your rights
6. Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney allows someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated.
Key reasons to have a durable power of attorney:
✅ Enables someone to pay bills and manage property if you can’t
✅ Avoids costly and time-consuming guardianship proceedings
✅ Protects your financial interests without court involvement
7. Physician’s Directive (Living Wills)
A physician’s directive, also called a living will or advanced directive, allows you to make your wishes known about life-sustaining treatments if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.
Key reasons to have a physician’s directive:
✅ States your end-of-life medical wishes clearly
✅ Relieves loved ones from making heartbreaking guesses
✅ Ensures your personal values are respected
✅ Provides flexibility to your medical agent
8. Transfer on Death Deed
Real estate often causes headaches during probate — but a transfer on death deed allows your home (or other real estate) to pass directly to your beneficiaries without court involvement.
Key reasons to have a transfer on death deed:
✅ Avoids probate for real property
✅ Transfers real estate quickly and easily
✅ Lets you retain full control over your property during your lifetime
✅ Retains homestead protections
9. Personal Property Memorandum
Some of the most treasured assets aren’t the biggest — they’re personal items with sentimental value. A personal property memorandum allows you to list specific items and who should receive them.
Key reasons to have a personal property memorandum:
✅ Makes it easy to leave sentimental items to loved ones
✅ Reduces family conflict after your death
✅ Provides flexibility to update personal gifts without redoing your entire trust or will
10. Designation of Burial Agent
Making decisions about burial, cremation, and final arrangements can be a heavy burden on grieving family members. A designation of burial agent allows you to appoint someone you trust to carry out your wishes.
Key reasons to have a designation of burial agent:
✅ Ensures your funeral and burial wishes are followed
✅ Reduces stress and conflict for your family
✅ Allows quick, clear action without court approval
Why a Complete Package Matters
Each of these documents is important on its own. But together, they create a powerful, seamless plan that protects you and your family from all sides:
✅ Avoids probate and court costs
✅ Protects your privacy
✅ Names trusted decision-makers for your healthcare, finances, and final wishes
✅ Protects minor children and sentimental belongings
✅ Makes sure your real estate and personal assets pass exactly the way you want
✅ Brings true peace of mind to you and your loved ones
✅ Reduces the practical and emotional burden on your loved ones
✅ Protects your estate from estate taxes and creditors
✅ Ensures ongoing flexibility for all the unknowns in life
This isn’t just paperwork — it's real protection for the people you love most.Having all of these pieces in place ensures that no matter what the future holds, you and your family are prepared.
Ready to Protect What Matters Most?
It's important to note that everything included in this blog is for educational purposes and is not legal advice. Depending on your circumstances, this might or might not be the right package for you. It is vital that you speak to an attorney about the best plan for you and your family.
If you’re ready to take the next step in securing your legacy, we’re here to help.
We’ll guide you through the process with clarity, compassion, and a plan tailored just for you.
Contact us today to schedule your estate planning consultation!
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