A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to:

• Hold and manage your assets during your lifetime
• Maintain full control (you can amend or revoke it at any time)
• Provide clear instructions for management during incapacity
• Transfer assets to your beneficiaries without probate after death

Because the trust is revocable, you can change it as your life, family, or finances evolve.

When you create a revocable trust:

• You transfer assets into the trust (this is called trust funding)
• You typically serve as your own trustee while you are alive and capable
• You name a successor trustee to step in if you become incapacitated or pass away
• Assets are managed and distributed according to the trust—without court involvement

Proper funding is just as important as the trust document itself. An unfunded trust often fails to avoid probate.

A properly designed revocable trust can:

• Avoid probate and the delays, costs, and publicity that come with it
• Provide continuity during incapacity, avoiding court-appointed guardianship
• Protect minor children by controlling how and when inheritances are distributed
• Support blended families with clear, enforceable instructions
• Simplify multi-state property ownership
• Reduce stress for your loved ones during difficult times

Revocable trust planning is often ideal if you:

• Own real estate (in Idaho or other states)
• Have minor children or grandchildren
• Are part of a blended family
• Want to avoid probate and maintain privacy
• Own a business or complex assets
• Want clear incapacity planning
• Value long-term family harmony

Not everyone needs a trust—but many families benefit from one once they understand the options.

Revocable trust planning typically works alongside other essential documents, including:

• Pour-over will
• Financial power of attorney
• Medical power of attorney
• Living will / advance directive
• HIPAA authorization
• Guardianship planning for minor children

We ensure all pieces work together seamlessly.

At Snake River Law, our process is

• Educational – you understand your options
• Customized – built around your goals, not templates
• Practical – designed for real-life use
• Forward-looking – adaptable as your life changes

We also guide you through trust funding, which is critical to success.

Already have a trust? We regularly help clients:

• Review outdated trusts
• Restate or amend existing plans
• Correct funding issues
• Coordinate trusts with beneficiary designations and business interests

An old or improperly structured trust can create more problems than it solves.