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How to Amend a Living Trust Without a Lawyer

By Business & Finance Last updated Monday, June/10/2024

1). Check the trust agreement for any rules on how to amend the trust. If the trust is irrevocable, you must follow these rules. If it is revocable, you can avoid the rules by simply revoking the trust and creating a new trust.
2). Create an amendment to the trust stating exactly the changes you wish to make to the trust. Sign it, and have the trustee sign it. It is okay for the amendment to be a separate document from the original trust agreement.
3). Arrange for all beneficiaries to sign the trust amendment, if the trust is irrevocable. Although their signatures are not required to be notarized, notarization might save you trouble if a legal dispute erupts later.
4). Transfer any new property to the trust. Change the title of new property represented by a title deed, such as an automobile or a house, to the name of the trust. Place cash in a bank account set up in the name of the trust. You can place personal property in the trust by simply turning it over to the custody of the trustee (by giving him the key to a safety deposit box, for example).

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