FAQ
Estate Planning Questions, Answered
No legal jargon. Just clear answers to the questions everyone asks about living trusts and estate planning.
What is a living trust?
A living trust is a legal document that holds your assets (home, bank accounts, investments) during your lifetime and transfers them directly to your beneficiaries when you die — without going through probate court. You remain in control while you're alive.
Do I need a trust or just a will?
If you own a home or have significant assets, you probably need a trust. A will still goes through probate court, which takes 6-18 months and costs thousands in fees. A trust bypasses probate entirely, transferring assets directly to your family.
How much does a living trust cost?
Lawyers charge $2,000-5,000+ for a living trust. Online services range from $300-1,000. Mantle costs $995 and includes everything: documents, remote notarization, and step-by-step guidance to actually transfer your assets into the trust.
Can I create a living trust without a lawyer?
Yes. Online services like Mantle let you create a legally valid living trust without hiring a lawyer. The documents are designed by estate planning attorneys and customized to your state. For most people with straightforward situations, this works perfectly.
How long does it take to set up a living trust?
With Mantle, about 30 minutes. You answer questions about your assets and beneficiaries, then sign with an online notary. The whole process — from start to legally complete trust — happens in a single session.
What's the difference between a trust and a will?
A will goes through probate court after you die (6-18 months, public record, expensive). A trust bypasses probate — assets transfer directly to your beneficiaries, privately, within weeks. A trust also protects you if you become incapacitated.
What assets should go in a living trust?
Your home, bank accounts, investment accounts, and valuable personal property. Retirement accounts (401k, IRA) typically name beneficiaries directly and don't go in the trust. Life insurance usually names beneficiaries directly too.
Do I need a trust if I have a small estate?
It depends on what you own, not how much. If you own a home in California or Texas, a trust helps your family avoid probate regardless of the home's value. Probate is triggered by asset type, not net worth.
How does probate work?
When you die with just a will (or no plan), your estate goes to probate court. A judge oversees distribution of your assets. It takes 6-18 months, costs 3-8% of your estate in fees, and everything becomes public record. A trust avoids all of this.
Can I be my own trustee?
Yes, and you should be. As trustee of your own living trust, you maintain complete control over your assets. Nothing changes day-to-day. You also name a successor trustee who takes over if you become incapacitated or pass away.
What is a pour-over will?
A pour-over will is a backup that catches any assets you forgot to put in your trust. It says "anything not already in my trust should go into it." It still goes through probate, but ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
What is a certificate of trust?
A certificate of trust is a short document that proves your trust exists without revealing all the private details. Banks and title companies ask for it when you transfer accounts or property into your trust. Mantle includes this.
Do I need a notarized trust?
Yes. While requirements vary by state, a notarized trust is recognized everywhere and required for transferring real estate. Mantle includes remote online notarization — you sign with a live notary over video, no appointment needed.
What is a healthcare directive?
A healthcare directive (or living will) tells doctors your wishes if you can't speak for yourself — like whether you want life support. It also names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Mantle includes this document.
What is a power of attorney?
A financial power of attorney lets someone manage your money and property if you're incapacitated. Without one, your family would need court permission to pay your bills or manage your accounts. Mantle includes this document.
Is Mantle legally valid?
Yes. Mantle documents are designed by estate planning attorneys, customized to your state's requirements, and signed with a licensed notary. They're the same documents you'd get from a lawyer — just without the $3,000+ price tag.
What states does Mantle work in?
Mantle is currently available in California and Texas. We're expanding to more states soon. Documents are customized to your specific state's legal requirements.
How do I transfer my house into my trust?
You'll need to sign a new deed transferring ownership from yourself to your trust. Mantle provides step-by-step guidance for this process. In most cases, it's straightforward paperwork — no lawyer needed.
Can I change my trust after I create it?
Yes. A revocable living trust can be modified or revoked at any time while you're alive and competent. New baby? New home? Change of heart? You can update your trust whenever your situation changes.
What happens if I die without a trust?
Your assets go through probate court. A judge decides how to distribute your estate based on state law — which may not match your wishes. The process takes 6-18 months, costs thousands in fees, and becomes public record.
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