Does a living trust avoid all probate?

No. A trust may avoid probate for properly funded trust property. But property left outside it may still enter the estate. Court action can also be needed for disputes, unclear ownership, or other legal problems.

General information

• A pour-over will is a backup, not a substitute for funding.
• Probate rules differ by state.
• Small-estate procedures may apply to some property.

Service steps to consider

1. Checking every asset's title.
2. Keeping beneficiary forms current.
3. Reviewing the plan after major purchases or moves.

Quick check

• Is the asset in the trust's name?
• Did the bank or county record the change?
• Did I save proof?

How Complete Wills can help

Complete Wills' trust-based package includes a revocable living trust, schedule of assets, certification of trust, pour-over will, power of attorney, health-care directive, and HIPAA authorization. The service can prepare documents from customer answers. But the customer remains responsible for signing and for properly funding the trust. Customer support can explain website features and questionnaire fields, but it cannot choose documents, people, distributions, or legal terms, interpret a completed document, or explain how the law applies to a person's facts. Only a separately engaged licensed attorney may provide legal advice within the attorney's engagement.

Important limits

• A trust controls only property legally connected to it. A schedule alone may not change title.
• Get legal, tax, or financial advice before transferring retirement accounts, business interests, mortgaged property, foreign property, or assets with transfer restrictions. This article gives general information only. A licensed attorney can explain how state law applies to a specific estate plan or document.