The things people ask before they begin.

A living trust is a legal document that holds your assets (home, bank accounts, investments) during your lifetime and transfers them directly to your beneficiaries when you die — without going through probate court. You remain in control while you're alive.

If you own a home or have significant assets, you probably need a trust. A will still goes through probate court, which takes 6-18 months and costs thousands in fees. A trust bypasses probate entirely, transferring assets directly to your family.

Lawyers charge $2,000-5,000+ for a living trust. Online services range from $300-1,000. Mantle is one all-in price (no surprise add-ons) plus $99/year to keep your plan current, and includes everything: documents, remote notarization, and step-by-step guidance to actually transfer your assets into the trust. See pricing on our homepage.

Yes. Online services like Mantle let you create a legally valid living trust without hiring a lawyer. Mantle generates state-specific documents that meet California and Texas trust law. For most people with straightforward situations, this works perfectly. Mantle is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

With Mantle, about 30 minutes. You answer questions about your assets and beneficiaries, then sign with an online notary. The whole process — from start to legally complete trust — happens in a single session.

A will goes through probate court after you die (6-18 months, public record, expensive). A trust bypasses probate — assets transfer directly to your beneficiaries, privately, within weeks. A trust also protects you if you become incapacitated.

Your home, bank accounts, investment accounts, and valuable personal property. Retirement accounts (401k, IRA) typically name beneficiaries directly and don't go in the trust. Life insurance usually names beneficiaries directly too.

It depends on what you own, not how much. If you own a home in California or Texas, a trust helps your family avoid probate regardless of the home's value. Probate is triggered by asset type, not net worth.

When you die with just a will (or no plan), your estate goes to probate court. A judge oversees distribution of your assets. It takes 6-18 months, costs 3-8% of your estate in fees, and everything becomes public record. A trust avoids all of this.

Yes, and you should be. As trustee of your own living trust, you maintain complete control over your assets. Nothing changes day-to-day. You also name a successor trustee who takes over if you become incapacitated or pass away.

A pour-over will is a backup that catches any assets you forgot to put in your trust. It says "anything not already in my trust should go into it." It still goes through probate, but ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

A certificate of trust is a short document that proves your trust exists without revealing all the private details. Banks and title companies ask for it when you transfer accounts or property into your trust. Mantle includes this.

Yes. While requirements vary by state, a notarized trust is recognized everywhere and required for transferring real estate. Mantle includes remote online notarization — you sign with a live notary over video, no appointment needed.

A healthcare directive (or living will) tells doctors your wishes if you can't speak for yourself — like whether you want life support. It also names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Mantle includes this document.

A financial power of attorney lets someone manage your money and property if you're incapacitated. Without one, your family would need court permission to pay your bills or manage your accounts. Mantle includes this document.

Yes. Mantle creates state-specific living trust documents that meet California and Texas trust law, and you sign them with a licensed online notary on a video call — the same notarization a lawyer would arrange, without the $3,000+ price tag. Mantle is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

Mantle is currently available in California and Texas. We're expanding to more states soon. Documents are customized to your specific state's legal requirements.

You'll need to sign a new deed transferring ownership from yourself to your trust. Mantle provides step-by-step guidance for this process. In most cases, it's straightforward paperwork — no lawyer needed.

Yes. A revocable living trust can be modified or revoked at any time while you're alive and competent. New baby? New home? Change of heart? You can update your trust whenever your situation changes.

Your assets go through probate court. A judge decides how to distribute your estate based on state law — which may not match your wishes. The process takes 6-18 months, costs thousands in fees, and becomes public record.