Forms and Templates

Forms and Templates

Homepage Fill Out a Valid Trust Amendment Template

Guide to Writing Trust Amendment

After completing the Trust Amendment form, it is important to store the document securely with your other legal papers. Ensure that both the Grantors and Trustees have signed the amendment. This step is crucial for the amendment to be valid and enforceable.

  1. Begin by entering the date on which the amendment is being made.
  2. Fill in the names of the Grantor(s) in the designated space.
  3. Input the names of the Trustee(s) next to their respective label.
  4. State the date of the original Revocable Living Trust in the provided space.
  5. Identify the article number of the Trust Agreement that allows for amendments.
  6. Clearly express the desire to modify and amend the Trust Agreement.
  7. Sign the amendment as the Grantor(s) on the specified line.
  8. Include the date of signing next to your signature.
  9. Leave the notary section blank for the notary public to complete.

Document Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Governing Law The Revocable Living Trust Amendment is governed by contract law rather than probate law.
Written Requirement An amendment must be in writing to be valid.
Witness Requirement Witnesses are not required for the amendment to be effective.
Notarization Notarization is not necessary for the amendment.
Signatures Needed Both the Grantors and Trustees must sign the amendment.
Storage of Original The original document should be stored in a safe place, like a safety deposit box or fire-proof cabinet.
Document Portfolio A copy of the amendment should be kept in your Document Portfolio for easy access.
Modification Rights Grantors retain the right to amend or revoke the Trust Agreement as stated in the original document.
Sample Form A sample filled-out form is often provided to assist in completing the amendment.
Amendment Date The amendment must include the date it is executed.

FAQ

What is a Trust Amendment?

A Trust Amendment is a legal document used to modify the terms of an existing Revocable Living Trust. This amendment allows the Grantor(s) to make changes without needing to create a new trust. It’s a straightforward way to update your trust to reflect changes in your life circumstances or wishes.

Who can make amendments to a Revocable Living Trust?

Only the Grantor(s) of the trust can make amendments. In most cases, the Grantor(s) are also the Trustee(s), meaning they have full control over the trust and can modify its terms as needed. If there are multiple Grantors, all must agree to the changes.

Do I need witnesses or notarization for a Trust Amendment?

No, a Trust Amendment does not require witnesses or notarization. It simply needs to be in writing and signed by the Grantor(s) and Trustee(s). This makes the process easier and more flexible compared to other legal documents, such as a will.

How should I store my Trust Amendment?

After signing the Trust Amendment, store the original document in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box or a fire-proof cabinet. Keep a copy in your Document Portfolio for easy access. This ensures that your important legal documents are protected and organized.

Can I revoke a Trust Amendment once it’s made?

Yes, a Trust Amendment can be revoked just like it can be created. The Grantor(s) have the right to amend or revoke the trust in whole or in part at any time, as long as they are alive and mentally competent.

What happens if I don’t amend my trust when my circumstances change?

If you don’t amend your trust to reflect changes in your life, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, your trust may not function as you intended. This could lead to unintended consequences regarding the distribution of your assets or the management of your trust.

Is there a specific format for a Trust Amendment?

While there is no strict format required, a Trust Amendment should clearly state the changes being made. It should include the date, the names of the Grantor(s) and Trustee(s), and reference the original trust agreement. A sample filled-out amendment is often provided to guide you in completing the form correctly.

How often should I review my Trust and its amendments?

It’s advisable to review your Trust and any amendments at least every few years or whenever a significant life event occurs. This ensures that your trust remains aligned with your current wishes and circumstances.

What should I do if I need help with my Trust Amendment?

If you have questions or need assistance with your Trust Amendment, consider consulting a legal professional who specializes in estate planning. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help ensure that your trust is set up correctly.

Trust Amendment Example

Revocable Living Trust Amendment

Unlike a Will, a living trust is controlled by contract law rather than by the probate code under state law. An amendment to a Revocable Living Trust must be in writing, but it does not need to be witnessed. It does not need to be notarized. It does need to be signed by the Grantors of the Trust and the Trustees of the Trust since they are both parties to the Trust Agreement. In most cases, with a Revocable Living Trust, these are the same people.

After the Revocable Living Trust has been signed, the original should be placed with your other legal documents in a safety deposit box or a fire-proof cabinet and a copy put in your Document Portfolio.

The following pages contain a sample filled-out Revocable Living Trust Amendment form which will guide you on how to complete the form, and a blank Amendment for you to complete.

THE

REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST

AMENDMENT

THIS

 

 

 

 

AMENDMENT to the Trust Agreement made this

 

 

 

day of

,

 

 

 

 

executed between

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

, hereinafter

referred to as the Grantor(s) and

 

 

 

 

 

 

,

hereinafter referred to as the Trustee(s).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHEREAS, the Grantor(s) and the Trustee(s) entered into a Revocable Living Trust

dated, hereinafter called the Trust Agreement, and

WHEREAS, Articleof the Trust Agreement provided that the

Grantor(s) reserve(s) the right to amend in any manner or revoke in whole or in part the Trust Agreement, and

WHEREAS, the Grantor(s) is/are desirous of modifying and amending the Trust Agreement and the Trustee(s) is/are agreeable to the modification and amendments contained herein,

NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor(s) has hereunto subscribed his/her name

to the

Amendment to this TRUST this day of

, 20

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRANTOR

 

 

 

 

 

STATE OF

)

 

 

 

 

 

) SS

 

 

 

 

COUNTY OF

)

 

 

 

 

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this

 

day of

,

 

 

 

 

 

 

20, by the Grantor.

SEAL

Notary public:

My Commission Expires:

1

THE

REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST

AMENDMENT

THIS

AMENDMENT to the Trust Agreement made this

 

 

 

day of

,

executed between

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

, hereinafter

referred to as the Grantor(s) and

 

 

 

 

 

 

, hereinafter

referred to as the Trustee(s).

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHEREAS, the Grantor(s) and the Trustee(s) entered into a Revocable Living Trust

dated, hereinafter called the Trust Agreement, and

WHEREAS, Articleof the Trust Agreement provided that the

Grantor(s) reserves the right to amend in any manner or revoke in whole or in part the Trust Agreement, and

WHEREAS, the Grantor(s) is desirous of modifying and amending the Trust Agreement and the Trustee(s) is agreeable to the modification and amendments contained herein,

NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor(s) has hereunto subscribed his/her name to the

Amendment to this TRUST this

 

day of

, 20

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRANTOR

 

 

 

 

 

STATE OF

)

 

 

 

 

 

) SS

 

 

 

 

COUNTY OF

)

 

 

 

 

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this

 

day of

,

 

 

 

 

 

 

20, by the Grantor.

SEAL

Notary public:

My Commission Expires: