Last Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Read Time: 2 mins
What is a revocable living trust? A revocable living trust is a legal document that, just like a will, contains your instructions for what you want to happen to your assets when you die. But, unlike a will, a living trust can avoid probate at death, control all of your assets and prevent the court from controlling your assets if you become incapacitated.
How does a revocable living trust avoid probate and prevent court control of assets at incapacity? When you create a revocable living trust, you transfer assets from your name to the name of your trust, which you control. Legally, you no longer own anything; everything now belongs to your trust. So there is nothing for the courts to control when you die or become incapacitated. The concept is simple, but this is what keeps you and your family out of the courts.
Do I lose control of the assets in my revocable living trust? Absolutely not. You keep full control. As trustee of your trust, you can do anything you could do before – buy and sell assets, change or even cancel (or revoke) your trust. That’s why it’s called a revocable living trust. You even file the same tax returns. Nothing changes but the names on the titles.
Is it hard to transfer assets into my trust? No. Your attorney, financial advisor, insurance agent and other professionals can help. Typically, you will change titles on real estate, stocks, bonds, CDs, bank accounts, investments, insurance and other assets with titles. Revocable living trusts also own tangible personal property and other assets that do not have titles. Some beneficiary designations should also be changed to your trust so the court can’t control them if a beneficiary is incapacitated or no longer living when you die.
Doesn’t this take a lot of time? It will take some time – but you can do it now, or you can pay the courts and attorneys to do it for you later. One of the benefits of a revocable living trust is that all of your assets are brought together under one plan. Don’t delay “funding” your trust; it can only protect assets that have been transferred into it.
Feel free to contact us for more information about how a revcoable living trust would work in your estate plan.
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Nancy Wallace10 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
If you are looking to do estate planning, go with Patterson Bray! They are excellent to deal with!Posted on Google
Cheryl Adkins11 days agoWe loved the staff at Patterson Bray. Everyone was very professional. Judith was very thorough and explained everything extremely well. We would recommend Patterson Bray to anyone.Posted on Google
Hailey Wade35 days agoPatterson Bray PLLC did an excellent job with my grandmother's estate planning, and made everything easy to understand! She recommended them to a friend who went and is also very satisfied with their services.Posted on Google
Deb Clark40 days agoMy experience with this firm, particularly Judith Denham has been truly exceptional. From the consultation to the finish, the attention to detail, listening and responding to my needs. My documents were completed timely and professionally. I highly recommend Patterson Bray.Posted on Google
Tanya White40 days agoPattersonBray Estate Planning was an incredible firm to work with setting up our Trust. Judith Denham was thorough, very smart, and personable as she patiently explained each part. Gabby put together a very professional beautiful binder for us to have, and has answered questions we have had since then. I am so glad they were recommended to us, and we had them to walk us through this procedure.Posted on Google
Charmaine Sego41 days agoPatterson Bray did a great job with my mother's trust.Posted on Google
Phil Chamberlain57 days agoPatterson Bray PLLC - first class lawyers.Posted on Google
Catherine McGee77 days agoHeath Taylor was a genuine joy to work with during my divorce: straight forward, professional, and knowledgeable. I do hope I never have the need to acquire more legal help, but if I do, he'll be my first call. Thank you for everything, Heath!!Posted on Google
Marva Johnson83 days agoI FOUND PATTERSON BRAY AND JUDITH DENHAM TO BE PROFESSIONAL, VERY THOROUGH, AND PERSONAL. I DID NOT FEEL LIKE A CLIENT, BUT A PERSON. I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THEM, ESPECIALLY JUDITH AND GABBY. VERY GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE. M.JOHNSONPosted on Google
Pam Nicole84 days agoWe set up a trust with Judith, at Patterson Bray and we received excellent service. Everything was explained thoroughly and everyone was very friendly and professional. I would definitely use her and the firm again, if needed.
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