Quick Guide to Setting Up an Online Trust
Understanding the Importance of a Trust
Creating a trust is one of the smartest ways to protect your assets, streamline inheritance, and avoid the delays and costs of probate court. Unlike a simple will, a trust becomes effective as soon as it’s signed and funded, giving your loved ones immediate clarity and access. With an online trust, you can set everything up from home—saving time, money, and hassle.
Key Benefits of an Online Trust
- Avoid Probate: Assets held in a trust bypass probate court entirely, so your heirs get their inheritance faster.
- Immediate Effect: Once funded, the trust takes effect right away, with no waiting period.
- Privacy: Trusts aren’t part of public record, unlike wills.
- Flexibility: Change beneficiaries, trustees, or terms at any time.
- Control: Retain or relinquish management powers as you see fit.
Why Choose FastWill for Your Trust
FastWill makes setting up a trust simple and affordable. Their system guides you through each step in about 15 minutes, producing attorney-drafted documents tailored to your state’s laws. You’ll also get access to remote notary services and optional attorney support if you have questions along the way.
With plans starting at just $199, FastWill saves you hundreds compared to traditional estate-planning attorneys—while delivering the same legal validity and peace of mind.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Online Trust
1. Sign Up and Provide Your Details
Head to FastWill’s online system and enter basic information about yourself, your beneficiaries, and your chosen trustee. The form is intuitive and breaks each question into manageable steps.
2. Customize Trust Terms
Decide who inherits which assets, under what conditions, and when distributions occur. You can set age milestones for minors, special instructions for real estate, or even trust contingencies for your pets.
3. Review and Notarize
FastWill gives you a line-by-line review option. If you add Attorney Support, a licensed estate-planning attorney in your state will walk through each detail. When you’re ready, schedule a remote notary session—no office visit required. Your signature is witnessed and stamped electronically.
4. Fund Your Trust
Funding means transferring ownership of assets into the trust’s name. FastWill provides clear instructions for bank accounts, investment accounts, real estate deeds, and personal property. Once funding is complete, the trust is legally active.
Key Features of FastWill’s Trust Service
- Attorney-Designed Documents: Legally vetted templates for every state.
- Remote Notary: Get your trust signed and notarized from home.
- Funding Guidance: Step-by-step instructions for each asset type.
- Attorney Support Add-On: One hour of unlimited Q&A with a licensed attorney.
- Instant Download: Receive your completed trust documents immediately after signing.
Tips for Funding Your Trust
Proper funding is critical. Here are a few pointers:
- Retitle bank and investment accounts to the trust name.
- Execute new deeds for real estate transfers.
- Review beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement plans.
- Create a schedule of personal property to include in the trust.
- Keep copies of all transfer documents in a safe place.
Maintaining and Updating Your Trust
Life changes—marriage, divorce, births, deaths—often require trust updates. With FastWill, you can log in at any time to make amendments or restatements. All changes follow the same secure process, and you can re-notarize remotely as needed.
Protect Your Loved Ones with a Solid Trust
Setting up a trust online ensures your assets are managed and distributed exactly as you intend, with minimal stress and expense for your heirs. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or parent, the clarity and efficiency of a trust offer unmatched peace of mind.
