Get Legal Advice On Setting Up Your Living Trust

Trusts may be set up as part of an estate plan for several reasons. For example, a Living Trust can help with estate tax issues, help avoid probate and address certain family circumstances.

A Living Trust is available at a discount from the provider law firm’s standard hourly rate.

Shop Plans
Trust Pilot rating, 4.5 stars
Attorney meeting with two clients to review documents and discuss civil lawsuit legal advice.
4.5 million people covered by LegalShield
Lawyers avg 22 years of experience
Plans start at around $1/day
Established in 1972
Save on everyday items with MEMBERPerks
4.5 million people covered by LegalShield
Lawyers avg 22 years of experience
Plans start at around $1/day
Established in 1972
Save on everyday items with MEMBERPerks

What is a Living Trust?

A Living Trust is a Trust that is established during a lifetime. It distributes assets similar to a Will and helps to avoid Probate. Avoiding Probate can save your family both time and money. However, if your Living Trust is not set up properly and your assets have not been correctly transferred to it, your good intentions may be in vain.

Father gives one child a piggyback ride while another child runs and plays in a living room.

Take care of your children

Testamentary Trusts are created after your death, by the terms of your will. The assets to fund a testamentary trust usually go through probate. A common example of a testamentary trust is one created by a parent leaving assets to a child. The testamentary trust is administered by a trustee until the child reaches a stated age, at which point the assets are then transferred to the child.

Creating a Trust for minor children allows you to set rules for the use of your assets. For example, you can dictate that a child can access the funds only after they reach a certain age. Until your child reaches the designated age, the named trustee could be allowed to use funds in the Trust to pay for your children’s health care, education or upbringing. You could also, for example, stipulate that certain funds could only be used for college tuition payments.

Trusts are a great way to safeguard your children by making sure your money is protected and that it’s used to care for your kids according to your wishes. With a LegalShield plan, you can

The right Trust for your needs

Should you use a Living Trust, Testamentary Trust, or a Revocable Trust?

There are a variety of types of Trusts and each one provides different benefits. Trusts can help you:

  • Manage estate tax
  • Designate heirs
  • Care for children with special needs
  • Care for minor children
  • Give to charity
Business professional reviewing employment-related documents at a desk.
Smiling woman wearing glasses talks on a phone while holding a tablet at a table near a bright window.

Assign assets to avoid Probate

Without a proper Estate Plan, your assets—that is, your money, your home, anything you own—will be tied up in the Probate court system.

Probate can take up to 2 years to resolve an estate, running up legal bills of more than $12,000, on average. Transferring assets to a Trust allows them to pass without the hassle of Probate. Trusts are a powerful tool to avoid Probate and are available for estates of any size.

Dive deeper into Estate Planning

Wills icon.

Last Will & Testament

Learn more
Living will icon.

Living Will

Learn more
Probate icon.

Probate

Learn more
Family smiles together at home as a young girl dances on the couch beside her parents, with a coffee table and tablet in front.

How it works

Use the app or your computer to fill out a short form and tell us what kind of help you need.

Speak with an experienced lawyer who knows your state laws, usually within a business day.

Get trusted legal advice, resolve your issue, and move forward with confidence.

What people are saying

Trustpilot five-star rating
It was so helpful to get solid guidance through a difficult time. I feel protected and clear moving forward.
Steve
,
AZ Member
April 8, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
I have been with LegalShield now for probably 25 years. It is just the security of knowing you are there. You have never let me down. Thank you.
Carl
,
TX Member
April 8, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
I Needed Advice: I needed to talk out my problem which I did. I was advised how to respond if contacted further. I had the first relaxed weekend in months. Thank you!
Katherine
,
AZ Member
April 7, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
LegalShield got back to me in a timely manner. The problem was of a sensitive matter and the advice was very professional and heartfelt. Customer service is everything to me.
Josette
,
GA Member
April 7, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
I have been a member of LegalShield for over 20 years. My experiences with their services has been excellent. In this litigious society it pays to know who to call to get answers when you have a legal situation.
Patricia
,
NC Member
April 7, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
I feel that my concerns are being listened to and taken seriously. It is reassuring to know that I have legal representation, if needed, when dealing with unscrupulous vendors.
Rich
,
OH Member
April 7, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
I love that we were able to prepare our Will with no hassle and no fee. Being a LegalShield member is all worth it!
Henedin
,
BC Member
April 7, 2026
Trustpilot five-star rating
Love LegalShield: LegalShield has our back, always answering our request promptly and helping us resolved all our issues.
Small Business Member
,
CA
April 7, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

A lawyer can help people clearly outline how their assets should be distributed after they pass away. Lawyers ensure all documents are legally sound and tailored to meet your personal and family needs. Also, they can help set up trusts, name executors, and update plans as life circumstances change, offering peace of mind and legal protection.

Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to get legal advice on any Wills and estates issues to ensure that your rights, and those of your loved ones, are protected.

Instead of paying a lawyer by the hour, you pay a small membership fee for access to a  provider law firm in your state for the legal services membership you select. Prices and coverage vary depending on the membership services you select.

Hiring lawyers the usual way can cost hundreds per hour. But with LegalShield you pay a recurring fee and get access to experienced lawyers who can help with any number of estate planning issues.

Membership applications are reviewed within 72 hours. Once approved, you can contact your lawyer and use all the perks of your membership.

For over 50 years, LegalShield has made it affordable and easy for its members to connect with its network of vetted, dedicated law firms across the United States and parts of Canada. Lawyers average 22 years of experience. Please note that LegalShield provides access to legal services offered by a network of provider law firms to its members.

*See your plan contract for details. Additional fees, limitations, and waiting periods may apply.