Updated August 02, 2023
The Missouri revocable living trust form is different from an irrevocable trust in that the Grantor continues to benefit from their assets during their lifetime, and it can be revoked or amended. The main purpose of this type of living trust is that it enables the Beneficiaries to avoid the lengthy process of performing the division of the Grantor’s estate. Additionally, the division is not made public which can help to avoid any conflicts when the estate is divided. A living trust also makes provisions for how assets are to be managed in the event of the Grantor’s mental incapacitation, which provides an added security for them. In summary, a revocable living trust ensures that an estate is promptly distributed without probate and assures the Grantor that their assets will be handled according to their specifications.
Laws – § 456.6-602
How to Write
Step 1 – Download in PDF, Microsoft Word (.docx), or Open Document Text (.odt). Open the document and, either fill it out by computer or print and fill it out by hand.
Step 2 – Enter the below information into the indicated fields on the first page of the trust document.
- Grantor’s name
- Date
- Grantor’s name
- Grantor’s mailing address
- Trustee’s name
- Trustee’s mailing address
- Name of the trust
In “Article 1,” use the checkboxes to indicate whether this is a new trust or an amendment to an existing one.
Step 3 – On the third page, if there are particular individuals or organizations who will be receiving specific properties, write their name(s) and identify the property under “Article 4,” section “A.”
Step 4 – In “Article 4,” section “B,” indicate whether all personal property will be given to “The Beneficiaries” or “Specifically to” an individual. If the second option is selected, you will need to provide their name and Social Security Number or Tax ID number.
Step 5 – If there are one or more pets being put into the trust, a Pet Caretaker and Alternate Pet Caretaker must be appointed, and their names and addresses supplied into section “C” of “Article 4.”
Step 6 – If there is a Pet Trust, in section “ii,” indicate whether there will be funding set aside for the Pet Caretaker or not. If there is, enter the dollar amount and length of time that the pet must be cared for.
Step 7 – In section “iii,” enter the name and address of the person appointed as the third party monitor of the Pet Caretaker (if applicable).
Step 8 – Under section “D,” enter the name, Social Security Number (or Tax ID Number), and address for up to four (4) Beneficiaries.
Step 9 – In “Article 10,” you will need to designate the interval of time that Beneficiaries must wait to inquire about the accounting of the Trust Estate (in months or years).
Step 10 – Beneath “Article 13,” section “A,” up to two (2) Successor Trustees may be appointed by providing their name(s) and address(es).
Step 11 – Next, in section “I,” use the checkboxes to indicate whether the Trustee is to be given “No compensation whatsoever” or “Be paid a reasonable fee.”
Step 12 – In “Article 15,” enter the number of days that the Beneficiaries must wait before benefiting from the Trust.
Step 13 – Under “Article 17,” indicate whether or not the Grantor is married and, if so, enter the spouse’s name in the indicated space.
Below that, use the checkboxes to indicate whether, in the event that both Grantor and spouse die in such circumstances that it cannot be determined who died first, it will be the Grantor’s estate or the Grantor’s spouse’s estate which will benefit from the other.
Step 14 – If the Grantor has one or more children, enter their name(s) under “Article 18.”
Step 15 – If there is anyone who is specifically excluded from this Trust, enter their name(s) beneath “Article 21.”
Step 16 – In “Article 22,” the Grantor, Trustee, and Successor Trustee must provide their handwritten signature, their printed name, and the date of signing. If you are filling out this document on a computer, wait until the document is completed to have it printed and signed.
Step 17 – In the “Self-Proving Affidavit,” the following must be provided:
- State
- County
- Grantor’s signature plus the date
- Trustee’s signature plus the date
- Successor Trustee’s signature plus the date
- 2nd Successor Trustee’s signature plus the date
- Witness signature plus the date
- 2nd Witness signature plus the date
Step 18 – It is not required for a living trust to be notarized, but it is recommended. The “Notary Acknowledgement” section can only be filled out by a Notary Public, providing the following details:
- Date of witness
- Name of Grantor
- Commission expiry date
- Notary’s signature
- Notary’s printed name
Step 19 – Under “Attachment A,” all of the assets and property being put into the trusted must be listed in the provided space.
